|
As you walk through the rainforest,
negotiating a path through vines and climbers, surrounded by ferns
and trees cloaked in moss, over fallen logs and twisted roots, and
rocks that afford a path across streams; all awhile lit by dappled
light piercing the green canopy above, you feel that this is
paradise. Such is the walk, you emerge into a paperbark forests,
grassy ground cover and tea-tree scrub that can lead to a swamp,
across a heath, through pine forest or into fan palms. There are
towering headlands, waterfalls and numerous white-sandy beaches
looking out to sweeping bays, but care must be taken as there are
crocodiles, especially near the tidal creeks that appear out of the
bush, although the trail has been routed to try and avoid these
dangers. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service have done a
magnificent job, to ensure that visitors enjoy the beauty of the
island. There are sheltered rustic campsites near freshwater creeks,
partitioned with plenty of space for privacy. In fact sites are
restricted to about six, with no more than 40 hikers allowed on the
trail at any time. There are pit toilets, and rat-proof food boxes
at some sites. This is to prevent the local white-tailed rats and
tree rats, that descend on the site at twilight looking for scraps.
They are great to watch, but can be persistence at sharing your
meal. Some visitors take advantage of enjoying the small,
exclusive retreat of Hinchinbrook Island Resort, located at the far
northern end of the island. Facilities include a timber lodge for
dining and socialising and treehouse sleeping quarters that are
connected by boardwalks. It is a great way to start or end your
exploration of the island national park. The most popular time
to visit is from April to September, which is the cooler and drier
time of the year. Those who are camping are required to get a permit
for a minimum of three nights and four days from the
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
Location: Off Cardwell.
Access: By boat from Cardwell or
Hinchinbrook Island Ferries Ph: 07 4066 8270 (leaving from
Port Hinchinbrook). For additional information visit the tourist
information centre. For Hinchinbrook Island accommodation
click here: |
(online form)
