Hinchinbrook Island is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and wholly protected within the Hinchinbrook Island National Park, except for a small and abandoned resort. It is
the largest island on
the Great Barrier Reef. It is also the largest island national park in Australia.
What can you do on Hinchinbrook Island?
Grab a snorkel or a kayak
and make your way by sea. Paddle along the long sandy stretches, cooling off with a dip and a foray through the coral reef which fringes the shoreline. After a day's adventure, sleep out under the stars, where remote bush camping spots are peppered throughout the national park.
What is significant about Hinchinbrook Island in the Great Barrier Reef?
The island contains
an abundance of flora and fauna
, picture perfect sandy beaches, dense mangroves and eucalypt forest making for a diverse topography set in amongst the Great Barrier Reef. For total privacy and seclusion the best swimming beaches can be found at North Shephard, Macushla and South Shephard.
Does anyone live on Hinchinbrook Island?
Although the biggest island on the Great Barrier Reef, Hinchinbrook
Island is completely uninhabited
. To protect the Island's biodiversity and prevent damage to the environment just 40 people are permitted to stay at any one time. … Hinchinbrook Island is the perfect place to restore body, mind and spirit.
Who named Hinchinbrook Island?
Hinchinbrook was named in 1770 by
Captain James Cook
after the family seat of his patron, George M. Dunk, 2nd Earl of Halifax; it was not until 1819, however, that the British surveyor Captain Phillip King identified it as an island. Zoe Falls on Hinchinbrook Island, Queensland, Austl.
Are there toilets on Hinchinbrook Island?
When boating, go slowly over seagrass beds—dugongs feed here. In
areas where toilets are not provided
, bury human waste at least 15cm deep and 100m from watercourses, tracks and camping areas. Take all sanitary items, including disposable nappies with you, as they do not decompose. Everything in the park is protected.
Are there crocodiles on Hinchinbrook Island?
Naturally, where there are barramundi there are crocodiles, and
estuarine crocodiles are known to make their home in the waters in and around Hinchinbrook Island
so it's worth brushing up on your croc knowledge before heading out.
Is Hinchinbrook Island worth visiting?
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. … Boats can be hired for those people who want to sail over to the island for a day.
Is Hinchinbrook Island safe?
Hinchinbrook Island is remote and isolated
. Visitors should be well prepared and self-sufficient before setting off from the mainland.
Can you swim at Hinchinbrook?
Wild Swimming
There are many reasons to seek out a beautiful natural swimming hole and Hinchinbrook is the perfect destination to find the ultimate Australian outdoor swimming experience! Take the journey and discover our incredible diversity of rainforest plunge pools, waterfalls,
beaches
and natural infinity pools.
What happened to Hinchinbrook Island Resort?
After abruptly closing in 2010, the deserted Hinchinbrook Island Resort, south of Cairns, has become “effectively derelict” thanks to
a fire, a cyclone and vandals
, Mr Gschwind said.
Can you day trip to Hinchinbrook Island?
Hinchinbrook Island Cruises
is a locally owned and operated business, providing day tours to Hinchinbrook Island and surrounds, as well as transferring hikers to the world-renowned Thorsborne Trail.
Why is Brampton closed?
Brampton Island, another tourist hotspot by the coast of Mackay, was closed a year
after United Petroleum bought the site for $5.9 million in 2010
. … Meanwhile, a resort in Hinchinbrook Island was damaged by Cyclone Yasi, looted by vandals and destroyed in a fire over the past nine years.
Can you take your car to Hinchinbrook Island?
The closest to Hinchinbrook Island is the Townsville airport on the southern side of it. … You can hire a car from any of the
major car rental companies in Townsville
and self-drive to Lucinda.
How long is the Hinchinbrook Channel?
The Hinchinbrook Channel is a channel between the Australian mainland and Hinchinbrook Island. It runs for
50 km
between Oyster Point, just south of Cardwell, and Lucinda in Far North Queensland. The Aboriginal name for the channel is Bolan Milbirmi. The Herbert River flows into the channel's southern point.
How long is Hinchinbrook Island?
Hinchinbrook Island,
53km long and 10km wide
, off the north Queensland coast, is part of the Great Barrier Reef marine park. It is famous for its walks.