The best camping near Hinchinbrook Island National Park

Misty mountains, rainforest, and white sands lie just off the coast of Cardwell in the Great Barrier Reef. If you’re looking for an adventure, this is a place to truly escape from it all. Cruise out to Hinchinbrook Island to hike in the wilderness, swim beneath waterfalls, or paddle out to secluded beaches by kayak. Hire a boat to sail the coast, go fishing along Diamantina Creek, and stop to picnic in sandy coves with magnificent ocean views. Experienced hikers can follow the 32-kilometre Thorsborne Trail along rugged ungraded tracks, camping out at remote bush campgrounds along the way.  

• Best for hikers: Banksia Bay camping area lies along the Thorsborne Trail and has ample pitching by the beachside, a short stroll from Banksia Creek lagoon.  
• Best for wildlife watching: Banshee Bay camping area is reachable only by boat and kayak, and is surrounded by wildlife—spot whales around the bay or go birdwatching at nearby Eva Rock. 
• Best for photo-worthy views: South Zoe Bay camping area has beachside camping with easy access to Zoe Falls, one of the island’s most impressive natural wonders.

1. Camping permits are required for all the park’s campsites, and campsites must be reserved in advance. A tag with your booking number must be displayed on your tent at all times. 
2. There is a separate booking system available for the east coast ‘Sea kayaking camping grounds’, which can only be reached by water. 
3. Check access to campsites before booking—campsites are accessible either on foot or by boat or kayak, and walking times vary.

The island’s subtropical climate means you can expect hot weather whenever you visit, and water temperatures rarely drop below 20°C, even in winter. The dry months of April through September are most popular for hiking and camping, with cooler weather and less humidity, but there are good reasons to visit year-round. Winter is the time to spot migrating whales, summer is best for bird-watching, and wildflowers blanket the island in spring.

• Hinchinbrook Island National Park is eight kilometres off the coast of far north Queensland, about 200 kilometres south of Cairns. The island can be reached by ferry or private charter from Cardwell or Lucinda (Dungeness). 
• The island is pest-free, so be sure your clothing, shoes, and bags are free of soil, weeds, seeds, and pests before boarding the boat. Don’t bring any plants, seeds, or fresh food to the island either.
• Crocodiles are common on Hinchinbrook Island, both along the coast and in lagoons, rivers, and swamps—only swim in designated areas and take care when hiking close to water. 
• Hinchinbrook Island is remote with limited facilities and self-sufficient camping, so you must bring everything you need with you. There is limited cell phone signal on the island, and campers are advised to carry a satellite phone. Fuel and supplies are available in Cardwell and Lucinda. 
• There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities or trails on the island.