HINCHINBROOK ISLAND NATIONAL PARK Hinchinbrook Island cannot be missed by people visiting the area. The rugged, mist-covered mountains, sweeping beaches, mangrove-lined creeks and rivers and the lush rainforest make Hinchinbrook Island a wilderness of importance. The area is one of the richest mangrove areas in Australia and many fish species use the mangrove creeks and flats to breed and as an area for the young to grow. The island is surrounded by marine park waters where fish are plentiful and dugongs and sea turtles are commonly encountered. Fishing is allowed throughout the area, but it pays to check all relevant locations to ensure you are doing the right thing in the right location as fishing restrictions are getting tighter every year. Fortunately, the many kilometres of mangrove creeks and rocky headlands provide abundant opportunities for anglers keen to tangle with a mangrove jack or the famed barramundi. You can camp on Hinchinbrook Island and fresh water is available along some of the walking tracks, although it is best to check out availability as there are limited camp sites and visitor numbers are restricted. The walking tracks themselves range from easy hour long trips through to tough and demanding walks that will require a good level of fitness. A short list of tracks to check out would include:

• The Haven track that is about a 1km circuit and will take 15–30 minutes,
• Macushla track, Cape Richards that is 5–8km and will take 1.5–2.5 hours,
• Thorsborne Trail that can be broken up into smaller section that includes
  • the Ramsay Bay to Nina Bay 4km walk that will take 2.5 hours,
  • Nina Bay to Little Ramsay Bay walk that is 2.5km long and will take 2 hours,
  • Little Ramsay Bay to Zoe Bay walk of 10.5km that will take 6 hours,
  • the Zoe Bay to Diamantina Creek walk that is 6.5km and will take approximately 4 hours,
  • the Diamantina Creek to Mulligan Falls camp of 1km,
  • the 30 Mulligan Falls camp to George Point walk that is 7.5km long and will take 2.5 hours.

The entire walk will take about three days for experienced walkers who are self-sufficient. On these walks you are encouraged to take plenty of water, sunscreen, insect repellent and food, and you will also need a permit. For the most up-to-date information check out the Hinchinbrook Island National Park link on the EPA website at www.epa.qld.gov.au.