Thorsborne Trail 4-Day Itinerary: Ultimate Hinchinbrook Island Hiking Guide
- Grace Cotter
- Apr 14
- 9 min read
Your Thorsborne Trail Guide
4-Day 3-Night Thorsborne Trail Itinerary
Day 0: Getting There
Day 1: The Journey Begins
Day 2: The Hardest Day
Day 3: Waterfalls and Recovery
Day 4: The Final Stretch
Why the Thorsborne Trail?
The Thorsborne Trail had been on my list ever since seeing fellow outdoors enthusiastic, Bec Conroy’s, reels on Instagram. After doing a bit of research, it felt like one of those hikes that’s remote enough to be a real adventure, but still doable over a long weekend or a few days off work.
Knowing there was a bit of travel involved from Brisbane to Townsville and then up to Lucinda, I planned the trip over the Easter break to make the most of my annual leave. It meant I only needed to take 2 days off instead of 4, which made it feel a lot more achievable around work.
After completing the Wilsons Prom multi-day hike last year, I knew I wanted to do another coastal hike. There’s something about hiking along the beach that feels completely different. It almost feels like you’re a castaway, moving along a remote coastline with no real sense of civilisation around you.
But the Thorsborne Trail takes it a step further. Alongside the coastal sections, you’re also hiking through rainforest and past some of the most incredible waterfalls in Queensland.
Located off the coast of North Queensland, Hinchinbrook Island is Queensland’s largest island national park, and the Thorsborne Trail runs the full length of it from north to south. It’s known as one of the most unique multi-day hikes in Australia, not just for the landscapes, but for the conditions. You’ve got tidal creek crossings to plan around, humid rainforest sections, and remote beaches. And yes, there are crocodiles, which definitely adds to the experience.
For me, it felt like the perfect mix of challenge and reward. Something that would push me, but still be achievable around a full-time job.
Thorsborne Trail Overview
Distance: ~32km
Duration: 3 to 5 days (selected when booking via the QLD Parks website)
Difficulty: Grade 5 (difficult)
Location: Hinchinbrook Island, Tropical North Queensland
Route: Typically north to south
This is a remote island hike, which means very limited reception and minimal infrastructure, so you need to be well prepared.
It’s best suited to experienced, self-reliant bushwalkers, with rough and sometimes unformed tracks, steep ascents, rock hopping and tidal creek crossings throughout.
But that’s exactly what makes it so special.
Preparation and Planning
Camping permits
Permits need to be booked through the Queensland Parks website. I’d recommend jumping on this as soon as they’re released in December for the upcoming season, especially if you’re aiming for school holidays or public holiday periods. Only 40 people are allowed on the island at any one time, so spots go quickly.
It’s also worth having a bit of flexibility with your dates in case your first option is already booked out.
Best time to go
May to September = ideal (dry season, cooler temps)
Cost
This is a self-guided hike, but it’s not necessarily a cheap one once you factor in flights, transport, ferry transfers and accommodation due to how remote Hinchinbrook Island is. I’d recommend considering the overall cost before locking in your permits.
Self-sufficient hike
This is a fully self-sufficient hike, which means everything you bring in, you carry out. All food, gear and rubbish needs to stay with you for the duration of the trail, so packing smart is key.
Flights to Townsville or Cairns
I’d recommend flying into Townsville as it’s the most straightforward option to get to Lucinda, but it is possible to make your way there from Cairns as well.
Ferry to Hinchinbrook Island
You’ll need to book a ferry transfer to access the trail. We went with Absolute North Charters, and I’d highly recommend them. They were super experienced, and their website is packed with useful information. They also gave us really helpful advice on tide timings and creek crossings on the way over.
Getting to Lucinda
From Townsville, you’ve got a few options:
Airport transfer
Hire car
Bus or coach (this is what we did and it was the most budget-friendly option)
Accommodation in Lucinda
You’ll most likely stay in Lucinda the night before your hike, as the ferry departs early in the morning.
Plan your meals
Planning your food ahead of time makes a huge difference on a multi-day hike.
Pack your bag
Packing well will make or break your experience out here, especially with the heat and humidity. If you don’t own a PLB, you can easily hire one for the trip. Just note that gas canisters can’t be taken on flights, so you’ll need to purchase these after you arrive.
Safety considerations
Tides are critical - creek crossings can become dangerous or completely impassable if timed incorrectly
Limited to no phone reception - consider carrying or hiring a PLB or Garmin InReach
Crocodile habitat — follow all signage and avoid unnecessary water exposure
Heat and humidity increase dehydration risk — top up your water regularly and always filter or treat before drinking
Creek conditions can change quickly after rain, making crossings more challenging
The trail can be hard to follow in sections — download the Thorsborne Trail app or an offline map (e.g. AllTrails) to help with navigation if markers aren’t obvious
4-Day 3-Night Thorsborne Trail Itinerary
Day 0: Getting There
We travelled from Brisbane → Townsville → Lucinda the day before starting the hike.
Early flight from Brisbane to Townsville
Bus from Townsville to Ingham (a super affordable option). You can go with Premier Motor Service or Greyhound depending on your timings - much cheaper than hiring a car
Pick up from Ingham to accommodation in Lucinda - we arranged this with Absolute North Charters
We stayed at the Lucinda Hotel overnight, ready to be picked up early the next morning by the ferry operator.
We also grabbed mozzie coils in town beforehand (highly recommended, especially for Zoe Bay), and organised to hire a PLB and purchase gas through the ferry operator.
Day 1: The Journey Begins
Ferry from Lucinda to Hinchinbrook - the views on the way over are incredible. The ferry operators also gave us a helpful rundown of tide times and when to cross certain creeks, which was super useful for planning (but make sure you’re also checking official tide charts yourself).
Ramsay Bay → Little Ramsay Bay
Distance: ~6–7km
Time: ~4 hours
Dropped at Ramsay Bay and straight into the trail, day one starts off strong with a side quest up Nina Peak. It’s a steep climb, especially in the heat, but 100% worth it for the views.
From there, the track weaves between inland and coastal sections, and it’s not always super obvious - so keep an eye out for the orange markers.
We stopped at Nina Bay for a break before continuing on to Little Ramsay Bay campsite.
All the campsites have been upgraded, so you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the number of campsites, the rat poles and tables on each site, and the drop toilet facilities, making it much more comfortable than expected.
Tip: Hang your food on the rat poles (not in your tent). We heard a few horror stories about people waking up with rats in their tent due to them eating through the mesh to get to your food.
After setting up camp, we found a freshwater stream at the northern end of the beach — perfect for a swim and water refill. We also took a dip at Warrawilla Creek, which is right near camp.
Highlight: Dolphins swimming right in front of camp at sunset.
Lowlight: You realise this hike is going to be VERY sweaty due to the tropical humidity.
Day 1 Tips
Don’t skip Nina Peak
Fill up water at your accomodation, and then refill in the afternoon/evening at Warrawilla Creek
Hang your food (seriously)
Always follow QLD Parks advice and avoid swimming in tidal creeks or beaches where signage indicates risk.
Day 2: The Hardest Day
Little Ramsay Bay to Zoe Bay
Distance: ~10 to 11km
Time: 5 to 6 hours
This is the biggest and toughest day of the hike.
We were up early to time our first creek crossing, then had to wait again later in the morning for the next safe crossing based on the tides. It actually worked out well though, as we were able to sit and have breakfast at the spring just south of Little Ramsay Bay, which ended up being a highlight.
You can expect a mix of coastal walking, rock scrambling, and my least favourite part, the inland swampy sections.
And yes, you will get wet. We kept taking our shoes on and off for creek crossings, but in hindsight it would have been much easier to just leave them on and accept wet feet for the day.
I found this day the most challenging, mainly because of the number of crossings, the swampy conditions after recent rain, and just general fatigue from the FNQ humidity. If I’m being honest, this was my least favourite day. But…
Blue Lagoon was a standout. Crystal clear water and the perfect place for a swim. It was exactly what we needed to reset before pushing on to camp.
By the time we reached Zoe Bay campsite, we were completely wrecked. It was an early dinner and straight to bed.
Tip: If you’re extending the hike to 4 nights instead of 3, this is where I’d add an extra night. It gives you a proper rest day and more time to enjoy the nearby waterfalls.
Also worth noting, the rangers came by to check permits here, so make sure you screenshot or print yours.
Highlight: Breakfast at South Little Ramsay Bay creek, and sunset at Zoe Bay campsite
Lowlight: Tough day overall due to fatigue
Day 2 Tips
Plan your creek crossings around tides. This is non-negotiable
Expect wet feet
Mentally prepare for this being the hardest day
Don’t rush it and take breaks where you can
Day 3: Waterfalls and Recovery
Zoe Bay to Mulligan Falls
Distance: ~7 to 8km
Time: ~4 hours
Day 3 starts with one of the best parts of the entire hike, Zoe Falls.
We visited both the lower and upper pools before setting off.
Lower falls: clear water, fish and a rope swing - this was our favourite!
Upper falls: incredible lookout and smaller rock pools
From there, the track continues with more creek crossings and a few steeper climbs, but nothing like Day 2.
One spot that really surprised us was Diamanté Creek. It’s not talked about as much, but it was such a beautiful crossing.
We reached Mulligan Falls in the afternoon and went straight for a swim. The campsite is right next to it, so you can literally hear the waterfall.
Highlight: Zoe Bay Lower Falls. The water was so clear you could see all the fish, and my partner was straight on the rope swing
Lowlight: Heavy rain overnight made things a bit tricky. You want your tent open for airflow, but not so much that rain gets in. A tarp is definitely worth adding to your packing list
Day 3 Tips
Don’t rush Zoe Falls. Spend time here and make sure you visit both the upper and lower pools
Be prepared for tropical rainfall, especially at night time
Day 4: The Final Stretch
Mulligan Falls to Mulligan Bay / George Point
Mulligan Falls → Mulligan Bay (start of beach):
Distance: ~2.5km
Time: ~45 mins to 1 hour
Mulligan Falls → George Point (typical pickup):
Distance: ~7.5km total
Time: ~2.5 to 3 hours
The final day is a shorter walk out to your pickup point.
Most pickups are at George Point, but it’s worth confirming with your ferry operator in advance as timings and locations can vary.
There’s always a mix of emotions finishing. Relief, exhaustion, and also not quite wanting it to end. That said, the thought of a hot shower and a proper bed is very motivating by this point.
Is This Hike Right for You?
This itinerary is great if:
You’ve done some hiking before
You’re comfortable carrying a pack for multiple days
You want a remote, adventurous experience
You’re happy to spread it across more days if needed
It might be challenging if:
This is your first ever hike or first multi-day hike
You’re not confident with navigation or creek crossings
You prefer well-marked, maintained trails
Was it Worth it?
Like any hike, this one has its highs and lows. But the lows were never enough to take away from the overall experience. They were just part of the challenge, and that’s a big part of why we do hikes like this in the first place.
The landscapes are incredible, and with limited numbers on the trail at any one time, the sense of remoteness feels really unique and personal.
I wouldn’t recommend this as your first multi-day hike, but if you’ve done one or two before, it’s a great next step. The remoteness does add some complexity, but that’s also what makes it so rewarding.
It’s also not the cheapest hike once you factor in travel, but for somewhere this unique, it’s absolutely worth it.
And the best part? You can do it without taking weeks off work.
If you’re looking for a hike that feels like a proper escape from the 9–5, this is one that delivers.
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