Our 7 day Hinchinbrook Sea Kayaking Expedition is one of the world’s great sea kayak journeys. Hinchinbrook Island is an impressive destination, the ruggedly majestic outlook of Hinchinbrook is a sight to behold.
Imagine a pristine tropical island paradise lying off the North Queensland coast where towering mountains are flanked by rainforest which descends to deserted sandy beaches and the warm waters of the Coral Sea.
Hinchinbrook is an incredible World Heritage area and Australia’s largest island national park which you will mostly have to yourself, as visitors to Hinchinbrook are required to have a permit. This restricts numbers and maintains the island’s wilderness mystique. This is a small group expedition to ensure quality, personalised experiences for our Adventurous Women and environmentally sustainable practices.
Trip Outline:
Off the tropical coast of North Queensland between Ingham and Mission Beach lies 15 continental islands, 11 of which are National Parks surrounded by the waters and fringing reefs of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. They range from Hinchinbrook Island, 39,000 ha, the largest National Park Island in Australia to tiny Purtaboi Island, situated just off the coast of renowned Dunk Island. These islands present a magnificent landscape of tropical sandy beaches, precipitous headlands, rugged mountains, waterfalls and dense rainforest, all of which offer the most spectacular backdrop for this sea kayaking expedition.
On our 7 day expedition we paddle north from the small town of Lucinda out and along the beautiful east coast of Hinchinbrook island camping on secluded beaches, swimming in idyllic, clear fresh waterholes and eating like royalty. Each day allows for just the right amount of activity as we paddle to the next stunning campsite. It’s not all rush rush like many expeditions and most days allow for some island time in the afternoon to chill out or go for a walk, a snorkel or just relax with a good book in the hammock. Each evening ends with a glass of wine and a gourmet meal cooked by our skilled guides who are just as handy with a chef’s knife as they are with a paddle. All served up in natures restaurant, arguably some of the best alfresco dinning available.
After we reach the northern end of Hinchinbrook we begin island hopping. Our first stop is the tranquillity of Goold Island where we camp with beautiful views of the Family Islands to the north and the towering peaks of Hinchinbrook to the south. From Goold we continue north to picturesque Wheeler Island in the Family Island group. We spend our last night on Wheeler Island and the next day paddle to Dunk Island for a break before returning to Australia and making landfall at Mission Beach.
This expedition style trip will take you off grid and allow you to unplug and unwind from the pressures of the modern world. It will allow you relax and enjoy the pristine nature that abounds and the fine company of your other Adventurous Women expeditioners. Hinchinbrook Island is part of the UNESCO, World Heritage area, listed for its unique flora and fauna. The waters of the Coral Sea which surround Hinchinbrook Island are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, world renowned for its abundant marine life offering us a chance to view sea turtles, dolphins and dugongs. Humpback whales migrate along the islands coastline and are frequently sighted during July & August. These islands offer excellent conditions to view many sea birds including, osprey, white-breasted sea eagles, shy oystercatchers and endangered beach curlews.
● Paddling UNESCO World Heritage Listed Hinchinbrook Island
● Camping on secluded beaches
● Abundant marine life often spotted from your kayak - dugongs, humpback whales, turtles, dolphins
● Island Hopping, exploring and chill time
● Perfect conditions for viewing sea birds including osprey and endangered beach curlews
An early start is sometimes necessary, often 7.30am but will be confirmed by your guides the evening prior at the group meeting, as tidal change can affect departure times. We drive by bus to our departure point at Lucinda two hours south of Mission Beach. Here we pack our kayaks, practise our paddling skills and discuss all safety procedures. We then set off across the channel to lunch at Georges Point our first landing site on Hinchinbrook island. After lunch we paddle on, taking in the southern reaches of Hinchinbrook Island.
Our first night camp is at Mulligans Bay, Sunken Reef or even Zoe bay depending on wind and weather.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Following the coast, we round the most southerly point of Hinchinbrook Island, Hillock Point and then head north into stunning Zoe Bay with the verdant backdrop of Mount Bowen (1142 metres) and the Thumb. Here we can explore the rainforest, following Zoe Creek up to the refreshing clear pools of Zoe Falls. A relaxing swim and early lunch is enjoyed before we continue along the coast where our days paddle finishes at sheltered Agnes Beach campsite.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On these days we paddle past many secluded little coves and beaches hidden along the rocky coastline, the escarpments of the Mt Bowen massif always present to instil that wild island impression.
We paddle the length of Ramsey Bay curving north, then head for Cape Sandwich the most easterly point on Hinchinbrook Island. Rounding Cape Sandwich is one of our crux moves for the trip and can involve some specific timing regarding wind and swell. The high sand dunes and sparse vegetation of this part of the island contrasts greatly with the craggy grandeur of the previous days paddling.
We end our days at Blacksands Beach and Sunset Beach with a sunset drink and a delicious meal.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On these days we paddle past many secluded little coves and beaches hidden along the rocky coastline, the escarpments of the Mt Bowen massif always present to instil that wild island impression.
We paddle the length of Ramsey Bay curving north, then head for Cape Sandwich the most easterly point on Hinchinbrook Island. Rounding Cape Sandwich is one of our crux moves for the trip and can involve some specific timing regarding wind and swell. The high sand dunes and sparse vegetation of this part of the island contrasts greatly with the craggy grandeur of the previous days paddling.
We end our days at Blacksands Beach and Sunset Beach with a sunset drink and a delicious meal.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Heading towards the northern point of the island we paddle across scenic Shepard Bay towards Cape Richards where the pandanus and casuarinas seem to defy the elements by surviving on these exposed rocky headlands.
After a picnic lunch on beautiful Orchid Beach, we paddle around the northern headland of Hinchinbrook Island and make a short crossing to Goold Island's sheltered beaches.
Tonight we camp on beautiful Goold Island which affords great views and excellent beachcombing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We set off leaving Hinchinbrook and Goold Islands behind us heading north. This is our longest open water crossing to the verdant rainforest isles of the Family Island Group. These tiny islands are surrounded in fringing reef with white sandy beaches. The sheltered campground of Wheeler Island offers beautiful views back towards Hinchinbrook's lofty peaks and west to view the sunset over mainland Australia.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our last day on the water has a leisurely start as we leave Wheeler Island to pass Bedarra and Timana Islands, two of the eleven that make up the Family Islands. Dunk Island is the most well-known of these islands and the last Island stop of our expedition before returning to Australia and landing at Mission Beach for our final delicious lunch together. We should wind up at around 3pm today, when we say our goodbye's.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Professional Sea Kayak Tour Guides
Adventurous Women Host
All transport from Mission Beach
All permits and parks passes
Accommodation whilst on tour in Quality Twin Share Tents
All meals and catering - delicious healthy cuisine/high quality produce
Camping equipment
All sea kayaking equipment
7 Lunches
6 Dinners
6 Breakfasts
Flights & Transport to/from Mission Beach (Fly to Cairns and bus to Mission Beach - plenty of options)
Pre or Post Tour Accommodation at Mission Beach
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Sleeping Bag, Liner & Sleeping Mat
Travel Insurance (Strongly Recommended)
Beverages
Items of a personal nature
- Pre-Departure Information including a Packing List will be provided well in advance
Fitness Level - Important
This moderate level trip will be most enjoyed by participants who are reasonably active and happy to participate in kayaking, swimming/snorkelling and walking over approximately 4 - 6 hours a day. Due to weather conditions some days may include some strenuous activity, therefore consider your ability and if any pre-existing injuries you may have, could prevent you from being involved in this activity, as the group need to work together as a team where everyone pitches in.
Paddle distances are on average between 10 to 15km per day in double sea-kayaks (instruction and safety briefing will be given). We carry the kayaks up and over the tide line (could be sand/rocks) at the end of each day and unload/load gear, set up camp.
You don't need kayaking experience, however it would certainly help if you took part in a couple of kayaking activities prior to this adventure.
This tour by it's very nature is not designed for the 5 Star Traveller. It is for the girl who has an 'adventurous spirit' and is looking for a unique and rewarding 'experience' (Once in a Lifetime)! You should be able to adopt a "Go With The Flow" attitude, after-all often the weather conditions will dictate our itinerary, so use our planned itineary as a guideline ....this will help you chill out and therefore get the best out of your holiday.
You will also need to have a good fitness level and be prepared to pitch in and help lift kayaks and set up camp at the end of each day
If it becomes necessary to cancel your trip, you must notify our office as soon as possible. Once we receive your notification cancellation will take effect immediately.
Please note the following charges will apply as per our Third Party Tour Operator
After booking and up to 3 weeks prior to departure your deposit will be forfeited (unless a replacement is found)
Less than 3 weeks prior to departure and/or after commencement of the tour 100% of the tour price will be charged.
Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance is not included in the tour price. We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance when booking your tour which includes but is not limited to coverage for medical and cancellation.
