HINCHINBROOK ISLAND
Australia's largest island National Park.
Off the North Queensland tropical coast
of Australia, between Ingham and Tully, lies 15 continental islands,
ranging from the 39,300ha Hinchinbrook Island to tiny Tween Island.
They present a landscape spectacle of sandy beaches, precipitous
headlands, waterfalls, rugged mountains, mangrove forests, coral
reefs, sheltered bays and dense rainforests.
Surrounding the tropical
islands are the waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the
largest coral reef system in the world. Hinchinbrook
Island is one of the world's most diversely beautiful wilderness
areas.
This 39.3 sq. km island lying off the Cardwell
coast is Australia's largest island National Park. The island has
a rich aboriginal history and was first seen by Europeans in 1770
when Captain Cook sailed past.
Its rugged skyline is dominated
by 1142m Mt. Bowen which towers over a rainforest wilderness, mangrove-lined
shores and spectacular golden sandy ocean beaches. The island has
been separated from the mainland by the deep, narrow mangrove fringed
Hinchinbrook Channel for approximately 100,000 years and has remained
in relatively uninhabited, pristine condition.
It is this unique
pristine condition that has caused the Australian Government to
select the island as an area for special protection. Only small
sample areas of the island have been opened for visitor access
for very limited numbers.
A secluded Wilderness Lodge at Cape Richards
is the island's only settlement. It boasts a self imposed guest
limit of just 50 people at any one time.
A 32 klm trek which covers the eastern coast
of Hinchinbrook Island, known as The Thorsborne Trail, is popular
with experienced hikers. The journey takes around four days to
complete and walkers must be self-sufficient. Bookings should be
made in advance by contacting www.epa.qld.gov.au. This
trail is described as one of the 6 best wilderness walks in the
world. Only 40 walkers are allowed on the trail at any time in
groups of no more than 6 to minimize human impact on the delicate
environment.
Visitors can explore the many activities
on offer on the island, such as bushwalking, fishing, snorkelling,
swimming, day cruises, birdwatching or just laying around and soaking
it all in. Whether its for a day visit or a weeks trekking, visitors
to Hinchinbrook can choose from hiking through the majestic and
unspoiled rainforest, relaxing on one of the secluded golden sand
beaches or merely capturing the islands splendour from the comfort
of a vessel whilst cruising through the magnificent Hinchinbrook
Channel.
While visitor access to the islands is very
limited in terms of numbers allowed per day, the process of visiting
is very simple and affordable.
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