What is significant about Hinchinbrook Island?
Protected since 1932, Hinchinbrook Island is one of Australia’s largest island national parks (39,900ha). It is within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and is separated from the mainland by the scenic Hinchinbrook Channel.
How was Hinchinbrook Island formed?
It is thought to have been formed in two major episodes, the older dunes being partly drowned during an early Holocene marine transgression (9500-6000 C-14 years BP) with the later generation of dunes forming within the last 900 C-14 years BP.
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.
Who built Hinchinbrook Resort?
Keith Williams
What happened Hinchinbrook Harbour?
Unfolding disaster of Queensland resorts It was sold to Passage Holdings in 2016, which renamed the site Hinchinbrook Harbour but it too was wound up within a year of taking over. Port Hinchinbrook is the only safe harbour between Townsville and Innisfail, but the coast guard is often stuck in the mud at low tide.
Who owns Hinchinbrook Harbour?
Owners Lewis Cohen and Stephan Pinto already have spent $4 million on improvements having taken possession of the resort and marina property last year. This week they have settled on the purchase of the resort for a sume believed to be in the region of $3 million.
Can you swim on Hinchinbrook Island?
While it’s far too dangerous to swim at the falls, their cascading beauty can be enjoyed from the surrounding boulders. It’s important you don’t enter the restricted are around Mulligan Falls. Slippery rocks make the area too dangerous to be enjoyed by foot.
Can you drive onto Hinchinbrook Island?
The closest to Hinchinbrook Island is the Townsville airport on the southern side of it. From Townsville airport, you reach Lucinda, the nearest port to the island, via the Bruce Highway. This route is about 135.4 km – a 1-hour 40-minute drive towards north from Townsville airport.
Is Hinchinbrook Island Dangerous?
The Aboriginal cultural site Muhr Amalee, on the west side of Missionary Bay, is a restricted access area (PDF, 212KB). The fragile ecosystems of the mountain areas are extremely rugged and dangerous and access to these areas requires permission.
Can you do a 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.
What is there to 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.
How do I book thorsborne trail?
Group bookings and mountain access approval must be obtained through the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) before going to the island. It is best to book well in advance. The trail is very popular and often fully booked during peak periods and school holidays.
Is Magnetic Island worth visiting?
At 52sqkm and with only 2000 residents, Magnetic Island is the perfect, relaxed getaway; with its palm trees, national park reserves and gorgeous hidden beaches, it’s definitely worth a visit on any east coast Australia itinerary.
How much does it cost to get to Magnetic Island?
Standard Tickets
| Adult Return – Online price | $32.00 |
|---|---|
| Child Single (5 – 14 years) | $8.70 |
| Student Return* | $22.50 |
| Student Single* | $11.50 |
| Family Return (2 Adults + 3 Children)** | $79.50 |
Do you need a car to get around Magnetic Island?
If you want to explore the Island at your own pace, hiring a car is the way to go. Whether you want to feel the wind in your hair, or explore the secluded bays only accessible by 4WD, there are options to meet every style!
Do I need a car in Magnetic Island?
You need a car as Magnetic Island is quite extensive. You should be able to take it over and it’s only a short distance to the island. Stick to the sealed roads as hire companies usually limit you to these. Don’t assume you can take a hire car from Townsville over to Magnetic Island.
Can you swim on Magnetic Island?
Magnetic Island has the perfect temperature water for swimming throughout the year. Stinger nets are available at Picnic Bay and Horseshoe Bay. If you are swimming outside the nets during the season it is adviseable to wear a stinger suit which you can either buy or hire from outlets on the island.