Non-Fishing Options If you’re travelling with the rest of the family and they’re not keen on fishing 24/7, there are plenty of fish-free, family-friendly options in the Hinchinbrook area that are sure to please. Once you’ve had your fill of lounging on the beach, why not head to one the of the region’s many freshwater swimming holes? Popular locations include Crystal Creek (Paluma), Five Mile Swimming Hole, Wallaman Falls, Jourama Falls, Broadwater, Zoe Bay and Mulligan Bay. All of the swimming holes are located in National Parks or State Forests and most have toilet and barbeque facilities. You can find out more at www.hinchinbrooknq.com.au. Bird watching is another popular option with raftons, owls, birds of paradise and other species throughout the region all available for the keen watcher. Combine this with some of the walks and you have the makings of a great day in the Hinchinbrook wilderness. For more information contact John Young on (07) 4777 1271. Tyto Wetland is located near Ingham and features lagoons, lookouts and walking tracks. For sheer beauty it is hard to beat the Tyto Wetlands. The Tyto Wetlands is also home to over 200 bird species, so you can easily combine your love of bird watching with the spectacular backdrop that Tyto provides. For more information visit www.hinchinbrooknq.com.au/trsm_tyto.htm. There are several areas around Cardwell worth checking out as well, including the Cardwell Lookout and Forest Drive and the Rainforest and Reef Centre. For more information visit www.csc.qld.gov.au. The Great Australian Corroboree will be held in Cardwell over 9-14 October, and you can find out more at www.greataustraliancorroboree.com.au. You can base yourself at Ingham, Cardwell, Lucinda or any of the smaller towns and hamlets in the area and be within half an hour’s travel from some of the best tourist activities available on mainland Australia. And of course the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is right on your doorstep too. This world heritage listed icon of Australian tourism is a must visit when you’re in the area – and that goes for the angler in the family as well. Hinchinbrook Island inhabits a part of the angler’s imagination like few other places in Queensland. It is a rich and productive ecosystem which means that you, as a keen fisho, will find much to be excited about, while those you drag along with you are bound to find the beauty of this place equally inspiring. There really is something here for everyone. Most anglers head here for the barra, particularly in the warmer months, but don’t only get hung up on this fish. The estuaries and outlying reefs are rich grounds and the offshore fishes well with some brilliant species to be had. It’s a year-round destination, so when you get a break, make the worthwhile effort to head to one of Australia’s best island parks. It’s just the place to recharge your batteries and see some amazing wildlife and scenery.