A seaplane moored near the resort

Hinchinbrook Island
Large and fascinating island off the coast from Cardwell.
Hinchinbrook Island was named in June 1770 by Captain Cook, after the family seat of his patron, George Montague Dunk. Since Cook could not see the channel which lies between the island and the mainland (now called Hinchinbrook Channel) he used the term Mount Hinchinbrook presumably to describe Mt Bowen (Queensland's third highest mountain) or Mount Straloch, the island's two highest mountains. It was not until Captain Phillip Parker King explored the area in 1819 that the island was recognised as such.

Hinchinbrook is basically two large islands joined by a long sand isthmus which has developed so there is a narrow sandy beach facing south, then a few substantial dunes and a vast, impenetrable mangrove swamp cut by sinuous channels. From the air it is one of the true wonders of the Australian coastline.

Sinuous channels wind through the mangroves

Hinchinbrook Island is well worth visiting. Promoted as the largest island National Park in Australia it is 52 km long, 10 km wide and it covers an area of 37 379 hectares making it the largest island on the Great Barrier Reef. Hinchinbrook is basically for walkers and for people who enjoy the quietness of virgin rainforest and pristine beaches. The channel which lies between the island and the mainland is a flooded river valley and is notable for its extensive areas of mangroves.

The Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service, located near the jetty at Cardwell, can give advice on their suggested two- and five-day walks on the island, tel: (07) 4066 8601. Campsites, toilets and boardwalks have been placed strategically along the trails to make the journeys easier. Boats can be hired for those people who want to sail over to the island for a day. There is a resort with serviced cabins located at Cape Richards on the north-eastern corner of the island.

Things to see:  

Vital Information About the Island
1. The Island Itself
Location
190km south of Cairns 160 km north of Townsville

Description of the island
The island is 52 km long, 10 km wide and it covers an area of 37 379 hectares making it the largest island on the Great Barrier Reef. It is essentially an island for walkers and for wilderness lovers who enjoy the quietness of virgin rainforest and pristine beaches.

The beach in front of the resort

How do visitors access it?
Launch from Cardwell takes 40-45 minutes. There is a car from Cairns or Townsville on Saturday, Sunday, Monday or Thursday which connects with the launch. Townsville to Cardwell is 1 1/2 hours. Cairns to Cardwell is 2 1/2 hours.

Activities on the island
Bush walking, swimming, snorkelling. Bushwalkers need to contact Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service to get detailed information on the island. tel: (07) 4066 8601.

2. Resorts on the Island
History
The small Hinchinbrook Island resort was established in the 1970s. It is privately owned by a family who remain suitably discreet and anonymous. The resort's emphasis is on isolation in an environmentally friendly setting.

How big is it?
18 rooms - 3 cabins and 15 tree houses

Who does it appeal to?
Couples and people wanting a complete break from a hectic life-style. There are no phones or TV.

Free activities
All non motorised water sports - snorkelling, kayaks etc.

Other activities
Cruises around the island and out to coral reefs.

Eating at the resort
All meals are provided. This is good quality and interesting cuisine for discriminating palates.

	Motels
	Hinchinbrook Island Resort Cape Richards via Cardwell Hinchinbrook Island QLD 4849 Telephone: (07) 4066 8585 Rating: ***