The Thorsborne Trail on Queensland's Hinchinbrook Island - the largest island in the Great Barrier Reef - is an Australian considered due to it's location. It's wild, remote, and unshaped by tourism. 

You carry everything, camp on empty beaches, and walk through rainforest, mangroves, and granite peaks. There are no lodges or roads - just beautiful bush camps and a rough track. It's not as easy or convenient as many other Australian walks, and that's what makes it special. Every kilometre is earned, and the connection to nature and Country runs deep.

A wild trail on sacred land

The Thorsborne Trail follows the east coast of Hinchinbrook Island – known to the Bandjin people as Munamudanamy – off the North Queensland coast between Cairns and Townsville. As Australia’s largest island national park, it’s almost entirely untouched. There are no roads or towns here.

How far, and how long?

This 32 kilometre point-to-point walk usually takes four days. The daily distances aren’t huge, but they feel longer due to soft sand, rock scrambles, creek crossings and Queensland humidity. It’s not a fast trail – and it’s better that way.

How hard is the Thorsborne Trail, really?

Graded moderate to challenging, this is a genuine wilderness experience. There’s no climbing, but the trail demands good fitness, balance, and comfort in remote, humid conditions. You’ll get wet, and you’ll need to be self-sufficient - unless you’re on a guided trip, which changes the equation entirely.

Independent or guided: what’s the difference?

Independent hikers manage everything – permits, boat transfers, gear, food and safety. It’s rewarding, but it can be stressful. Guided walk include not worrying about securing permits, meals, cultural insight, safety support from our experienced guides and gear logistics. You carry just a daypack.

How many people are allowed on the Thorsborne Trail?

Independent access is capped by Queensland Parks at 15 people per day. It's a 3 day walk, so 45 people are allowed on the isand at any one time.

When’s the best time to walk the Thorsborne Trail?

Walk the Thorsborne Trail during the dry season from April to September, when temperatures are more comfortable and the trail is safer. Wet season brings heat, heavy rain and cyclone risk – the trail often closes from October to March.

Where do you stay each night?

There are no huts – just bush camps at places like Little Ramsay Bay and Zoe Bay. Facilities are minimal: drop toilets, no showers or bins. You’ll fall asleep to ocean breezes or rainforest sounds. On guided trips, all equipment is handled for you, so you can focus on the journey.

What makes the Thorsborne Trail so special?

Yes, it’s beautiful – but it’s also deeply grounding. No phone signal. No crowds. Just wild coastline, crystal creeks, birdlife, and the stillness of walking through unbroken Country. It’s not just a trek – it’s a reminder of how nature should feel.

As Michael Buggy put it, “We’re privileged to have developed the project in close collaboration with the Bandjin people… while maintaining the wild and untouched ethos that makes it so special.”

A word on walking with respect

Munamudanamy is sacred. The Bandjin people are the recognised Traditional Owners of the island. The Girramay people maintain a strong connection to Cardwell and the surrounding Sea Country. We follow their lead on language and protocols, and we encourage all walkers to do the same. Guided walks offer the opportunity to walk with cultural context and care.

Getting there

Access is by boat from Cardwell. Most walkers start at Ramsay Bay and finish at George Point, which is the direction our guided walk travels.Ferry transfers are included ad organised for you on our guided walk.

Is the Thorsborne Trail for you?

If you’re fit, curious and open to adventure, the Thorsborne Trail is one of the most rewarding hikes in the country. It’s not easy, but it’s not out of reach. Independent walkers need to be self-reliant. Guided walkers gain the same raw beauty - with fewer logistics and deeper insight.

Experience it with us

Our guided Thorsborne Trail walk is small-group and fullly-supported, staying at our own campsites. We handle the details, so you can focus on the amazing island hiking experience.

View Thorsborne Trail Guided Walk details

Quick Facts: Thorsborne Trail walk

• Location: Hinchinbrook Island (Munamudanamy), off the coast of Cardwell, North Queensland
• Distance: 32 kilometres (point-to-point)
• Typical duration: 3 to 4 days
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Trail type: Remote coastal bushwalk with wilderness camping
• Daily Cap: at 15 walkers per day
• Best time to walk: April to September (dry season)
• Trail terrain: Beaches, rainforest, rocky headlands, tidal creeks, mangroves
• Traditional Owners: Bandjin people (Munamudanamy), Girramay people (Cardwell and Sea Country)