Friday, 20 August

Hinchinbrook Island from Cardwell jetty

Friday was spent exploring Hinchinbrook Island just off the coast at Cardwell, approximately halfway between Cairns and Townsville. The entire Hinchinbrook Island was created a national park in 1932 and is the largest island national park in Australia.

Heading our from Port Hinchinbrook

On board the "Hinchinbrook Explorer II"

From Port Hinchinbrook (a Keith Williams (of "Seaworld" fame) development) on the mainland at Cardwell we took the "Hinchinbrook Explorer II" across to the island, about an hour's cruise. Transferring to an aluminium tender we then continued the journey through winding mangrove creeks to the boardwalk on the north eastern corner of the island.  From here it was an easy 20 minute walk to Ramsay Bay - the classic tropical island beach.

Ramsay Bay with Mount Bowen shrouded in cloud