Hinchinbrook Island, located just off the coast of Cardwell south of Cairns, is Australia's largest island national park.

It is located about 4kms from the mainland, separated by the deep and narrow Hinchinbrook Channel.

The Cairns island is a favourite for bushwalkers and nature-lovers, with the world-famous Thorsborne Trail stretching for around 32kms through the island's pristine rainforests and mountains.

Numbers are limited on the trail so it's advised you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

It is also known for its bird watching, with a huge variety of species using the island as a migratory home.

For thousands of years before white settlement, the Bandyin Aboriginal people make the island home, with middens, fish traps and other artefacts reminders of their age-old culture.

Rising to 1121 metres in the centre of the island is Mt Bowen, the largest of the rugged granite crags forming the backbone of the island's southern tip.

There is only one resort on the island, the Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge and Resort, located on the northernmost end.

It is renowned for its strong eco-friendly practice and limit on numbers, so if you wish to stay there it's advised to get in as early as possible and book.

There are also camp grounds if you want to get a bit closer to nature.

Toilets, picnic tables and barbecues are provided, but visitors are advised to take water and a fuel stove.

As you can see, this island paradise is just another reason to make sure you put the Cairns region on your itinerary.

Click here to book Cairns accommodation or for more information on Cairns Islands, or things to do in Cairns. 

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