Cruising the Mangrove Everglades

 

Off the North Queensland tropical coast of Australia, between Ingham and Tully, lies 15 continental islands, ranging from the 39,300ha Hinchinbrook Island to tiny Tween Island. They present a landscape spectacle of sandy beaches, precipitous headlands, waterfalls, rugged mountains, mangrove forests, coral reefs, sheltered bays and dense rainforests. Surrounding the tropical islands are the waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the largest coral reef system in the world. Hinchinbrook Island is one of the world's most diversely beautiful wilderness areas. This 39.3 sq. km island lying off the Cardwell coast, halfway between Cairns and Townsville in North Queensland Australia, is Australia's largest island National Park. The island has a rich aboriginal history and was first seen by Europeans in 1770 when Captain Cook sailed past. Its rugged skyline is dominated by 1121m Mt. Bowen which towers over a rainforest wilderness, mangrove-lined shores and spectacular golden sandy ocean beaches. The island has been separated from the mainland by the deep, narrow mangrove fringed Hinchinbrook Channel for approximately 100,000 years and has remained in relatively uninhabited, pristine condition. It is this unique pristine condition that has caused the Australian Government to select this island as an area for special protection. Only small sample areas of the island have been opened for visitor access for very limited numbers. A secluded Wilderness Lodge at Cape Richards is the island's only settlement. This eco-Lodge offers 'splendid isolation' in spacious crafted timber 'treehouses' that are accessed by a meandering timber boardwalk .The Wilderness Lodge makes a great base from which to explore the many activities on offer on the island, such as bushwalking, fishing, snorkelling, swimming, day cruises, birdwatching or just laying around and soaking it all in. The sport fishing and crabbing around the Island and the sheltered waters of the Channel is varied and world renowned. There are fishing charters and guides available for both the island and further to the waters of the outer Great Barrier Reef ... or bring your own boat or hire a tinnie for total freedom. Whether its for a day visit or a weeks trekking, visitors to Hinchinbrook Island can choose from hiking through the majestic and unspoiled rainforest, relaxing on one of the secluded golden sand beaches or merely capturing the islands splendour from the comfort of a vessel whilst cruising through the magnificent Hinchinbrook Channel. Day cruises are available as well as hire houseboats, motor cruises and yachts as well as dinghy hire. While visitor access to the islands is very limited in terms of numbers allowed per day, the process of visiting is very simple and affordable.

For much more information about the region go to the
Cassowary Coast Region website CLICK