Hinchinbrook Island Ferry Service
by Absolute North Charters
Based in Lucinda, we operate a ferry service from Lucinda to Hinchinbrook Island and nearby islands.
Hikers doing the Thorsborne Trail particularly appreciate our deep local knowledge and dedication to their needs, which is why we are based at Lucinda. Regardless of whether you are coming from North (Cairns) or South (Townsville), Lucinda with it’s much more accessible tidal conditions is by far superior to any other port to get to and from Hinchinbrook Island.
Adding to this, Lucinda is only ten nautical miles to the waterfalls at Zoe Bay, which makes it a great place for your day trip departure and returns.
All information can be found on our main website, Absolute North Charters.
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Booking With John
NOTE: We can transfer you to/from Ramsay Bay (Northern end) and George’s Point (South End of Thorsborne Trail).
You may prefer to use us for your transfers because whether you walk north-south or south-north, you can leave your vehicle in Lucinda where there is safe parking, and we manage both water-borne parts of your journey.
(We are the first ferry service to implement this more scenic, convenient, and cost-effective transfer for Thorsborne trail walkers.)
Check Permit Availability
Cancellation Policy
We give a full refund for whatever reason that you cannot hike the trail. **(see Note below)
However, you must cancel your camping permit for the dates you have previously booked well before your departure as it is imperative that other people have the chance to fill vacated positions on the trail.
Our cancellation policy is aligned with Parks & Wildlife. You then need to forward your confirmation email of your cancellation from National Parks to Absolute North Charters at least TWO FULL DAYS (48 hours) BEFORE your booked departure in order to be eligible for a refund.
If National Parks themselves close the park we waive the need for you to forward their cancellation confirmation.
There is a fixed number of permits issued for people allowed on the trail at any given time. So please consider other people’s desire to hike the trail in the event you need to cancel.
**Note: Trail RUNNERS:
Due to the fact that Trail Runners do not need a Thorsborne Trail permit to run the Thorsborne Trail which means they do not contribute to the upkeep of the Thorsborne Trail, they are exempt from our very generous refund policy for hikers that actually have a permit. Therefore NO REFUNDS will be given to Thorseborne Trail runners under any circumstances.
“Thorsborne Trail” App
This is the ONLY app for hikers either walking or thinking of walking the iconic Thorsborne Trail.
Don’t leave home without it!
LUCINDA DEPARTURE:
7.45am from Dungeness. This departure is NOT tide-dependent. (directions)
CARDWELL DEPARTURE:
9:15 am from the beach at Marine Parade, in front of your accommodation (directions)
GEORGE POINT, HINCHINBROOK ISLAND PICK-UP:
We understand that for you to organise your travel itinerary you need to see the times that we are bringing you back to the mainland.
These pick up times are consistent with you the hiker crossing Mulligans Creek 30 mins prior to the pick up time. This allows you the time to enjoy your last morning at Mulligans falls and cross Mulligan Creek at a safe time.
If the earlier or later times do not suit travel arrangements, a Mulligan Bay pickup can be organised to save you waiting for the tide and get you back to the mainland at a more optimal time..
In high Summer the trail is not usually very busy, so we can tailor your pickup times at George Point to suit. Call or email with your enquiries for January, February and December.
MARCH BOOKINGS
March is by appointment only, due to wet season creek height irregularities. Operator will confirm.