Sea Kayak Australia's Most Beautiful Tropical Wilderness Hinchinbrook Island’s mystique lies in its solitude and breathtaking beauty. Towering peaks rise 1,100 meters above unspoiled golden beaches. Explore this magical shoreline while paddling past temperate rainforest, granite cliffs and countless sandy bays. Photography, beachcombing, and excursions to waterfalls enhance your days.
Trip Details
Duration
7 Days
Location
Hinchinbrook Island National Park
Season
May - November
Trip Type
Sea Kayaking
Nearest City
Cairns
Physical Condition Required
Good
Destination(s)
Queensland, Australia
Distance Traveled
10-20km per Day
Minimum Age Limit
14
Paddling Skill Level Required
Beginner to Intermediate
Fully Guided
Yes
Guest Capacity
10
Kayaks Supplied
Doubles, some singles
Kayak Brands
Dobbe Doubles and Greenlander singles
Accommodations
Tent camping while kayaking.
Showers Available
Salt water shower while kayaking.
Transportation to Start Site
Private Bus
Dining
SSV prides themselves on the presentation, variety and taste of their meals. They use fresh fruit and vegetables, and delight in offering a wholesome menu. If you have special dietary needs, just let SSV know in advance.
About Liquor
BYOB
Additional Activities
Day Walks
Rates
$1,465.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
$1720 AUD: All trip costs are per person in Australian dollars
Note: US cost provided is only a guideline based on current exchange rates.
Rate includes all meals and twin share accommodations. No single surcharge unless specifically requested.
Click here to email this trip by "Southern Sea Ventures Pty. Ltd." to yourself or to a friend.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Mission Beach - Pre-Trip Briefing Your guides will inform you of your schedule, show you how and what to pack, and answer any questions you may have for the trip ahead at the pre-trip briefing (6:30pm - Location TBA). Storage for your excess gear should be organized through your hotel, or SSV can assist you if necessary.
Day 2: Drive to Lucinda and Begin Sea Kayaking Paddle to Mulligans Bay
Depart early (7:30 am hotel pick-up) and have a two-hour drive south to Lucinda before packing kayaks. After a safety briefing and fitting you to your boat, enjoy lunch and practice paddling skills before heading a short distance across the channel to Hinchinbrook Island. The island's immense grandeur seeps in as you paddle away from Lucinda and edge closer towards the towering peaks. Camp for the night at Mulligans Bay or Sunken Reef Bay.
Day 3: Sea Kayaking Paddle to Zoe Bay, Blacksands Beach
Leave southern Hinchinbrook and head around the vertical cliffs of its easterly aspect, Hillock Point, into the very picturesque Zoe Bay. Take a walk through the luxuriant forests surrounding Zoe Creek to the base of Zoe Creek Falls. Eating lunch while soaking in the large crystal clear pool is the perfect way to relax and hear the birds clearly. Refreshed, paddle a little further on to camp by Agnes Island or Blacksand Beach.
Days 4-5: Sea Kayaking Paddling East Coast of Hinchinbrook Island
Paddling up the eastern shores of Hinchinbrook Island gives the best views of Mt. Bowen (1142 meters). Its rugged granite crags form a magnificent skyline often dotted with Cumulus cloud as the island's dominant position often creates its own weather. En route there is ample time to paddle along rugged cliff lines and into picturesque coves. This untouched wilderness is one of the finest examples of Australian coastline. After paddling the eight-kilometer length of Ramsey Beach, you round Cape Sandwich and often camp overlooking the sheltered waters of Sunset Beach.
Day 6: Sea Kayaking Paddle to Goold Island
Continue along Shepherd Bay towards Cape Richards, the northernmost point of Hinchinbrook Island. After rounding the cape, cross a short stretch of open water to Wilderness Cove on Goold Island - the perfect place to spend a lazy tropical afternoon.
Day 7: Sea Kayaking Cross to Wheeler Island
Set out across the largest stretch of open water to explore the idyllic group of tiny islets comprising the Family Islands (Wheeler Island being your destination). You have the afternoon to explore this private island, snorkel or bask in the sun.
Day 8: Sea Kayaking - Trip Concludes Paddle to Mission Beach
After a leisurely morning, set out for Mission Beach passing Bedarra, Thorpe and Dunk islands, and leave the fading peaks of Hinchinbrook behind you. After unpacking your familiar sea craft one last time, enjoy a celebratory lunch at a local restaurant. The last paddle back to civilization at Mission Beach is filled with satisfaction and achievement at having completed a unique and memorable experience.
**Note: You finish the trip at Mission Beach on Day 8 by about 3:30pm, so it is possible to connect with a 5:30pm bus back to Cairns, but please don't count on catching a flight out of Cairns on this day since you may be delayed.
This Package Includes
All Meals
Twin Share Accommodations
RELATED VACATIONS
In addition to kayaking, browse related adventure travel and active vacations in the following categories: