Thorsborne Trail

Hinchinbrook Way

How hard is it to hike the Thorsborne Trail?

The trail covers 32 kilometres of vast tropical soft sand beaches, steep ranges shrouded in mist, thick rainforests and creek crossings.

The Thorsborne Trail is categorised as difficult in grade. The trail itself is not a hardened or graded walking track, and in some areas can be difficult and rough to traverse.

It is recommended that each day’s walk should be no more than five hours for the average hiker.

What you need to pack for the Thorsborne Trail

Four days on a rugged, uninhabited island with very limited phone reception means you will need to be totally self-sufficient and pack enough resources that will get you safely through the multi-day hike. Here is a guide that will help you get planning for your epic adventure!

• Backpack: At least a 40-litre capacity with plenty of pockets to keep frequently used items.
• Clothing: As you’re in Tropical North Queensland it rarely gets cold, so there is no need to pack too many layers. A good waterproof jacket will definitely come in handy. Long sleeved shirts are recommended as they will protect you from the sun and insects; however short sleeves and shorts are also comfortable to get through the heat of the day.
• Footwear: You are going to need to get yourself some sturdy hiking boots that you can rely on to get you through 32 kilometres of rough terrain! Once you have found a place to settle for the night, some rubber thongs or crocs are perfect to roam around in to give your feet a break.
• Food: No need to cook when you have dehydrated food! Easy, mess free, lightweight and does not take up too much room! However, if you prefer other options, some suggestions are to bring frozen, ready-made meals for the first night or two (these double as ice bricks). Pasta, rice and wraps are also handy as they are lightweight. You might even be lucky enough to catch a fish or two. Weet-Bix, or other light cereals with powdered milk are recommended for breaky.
• Cooking gear: Butane Gas, Camping Stove and a lightweight pot for boiling water etc.
• Water: Bring lightweight water bottles to refill. There are many creeks where you can refill but you should also bring a water purification system.
• Camp gear: A lightweight, easy to set up and completely waterproof tent will be perfect. Temperatures generally stay above 13 degrees Celsius so a compact, lightweight sleeping bag will do the trick.
• Toiletries: With no showers on the island, Wet Wipes come in handy. Insect repellent, sunscreen and hand sanitiser are necessities.
• First Aid Kit: Help is a long way off so be sure your kit includes compression bandage, space blanket, electrolytes and medications.
• Torch/Headlamp: For when nature calls in the night.
• Personal Locator Beacons (PLB): Reception is hard to find on the island and help is a long way off if an accident was to occur. The best way for help to find you at the earliest convenience is if you have a PLB.

Things to consider

In order to conquer the Thorsborne Trail

It is really important to check when high tide is on your final day of the hike. You will come across a tidal creek on the beach as you head down to George Point. This crossing can only be crossed at low or half tide. Plan your hike around a low tide that will complement your time of crossing on the last day of your hike.

It is highly recommended to walk the trail south from Ramsay Bay and finish at George Point at the southern end of Hinchinbrook Island. There are limited sources of water in the northern section of the trail, and at the end of the dry season, some of the creeks may be dry. Whereas there are plenty of fresh creek water sources on the southern end of Hinchinbrook Island.  Hikers can utilise the water they have packed to get through the first day or two, and as you hike further south, water is more accessible.

Queensland National Parks have removed food boxes from the Island which means there is a higher risk of attracting vermin to your campsite. The least amount of scraps you have, gives you a greater chance at keeping them at bay. Therefore, dehydrated meals, compact and lightweight food is recommended.

Hiking Gear

for Hire

Absolute North Charters have a range of camping equipment for hire. Some equipment that is for hire includes:

• Personal Locator Beacons (PLB)
• Butane Gas
• Camping Stove
• Backpacks
• Lightweight tents