Solo Adventure on Hinchinbrook Island

A Day of Discoveries

Today was a day of embracing Hinchinbrook Island's diverse beauty. From chasing the cascading waters of Mulligan Falls to finding serenity on the shores of Ramsay Beach, the island offered a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. It's days like these that remind me why I set out on this solo journey in the first place – to discover the hidden gems of our planet and reconnect with nature at its purest.


Discover the serene beauty of Mulligan Falls on Hinchinbrook Island, a perfect reward after a trek through the Thorsborne Trail's wilderness.

My day began with a hearty breakfast at Vista Hinchinbrook. Perched high on the Cardwell Range, the views of Hinchinbrook Island and the channel were simply breathtaking. Sipping on local barista coffee while overlooking the landscape was the perfect way to start the day. The vista stretched out before me, encompassing the Hinchinbrook Channel, Palm Islands, and the seemingly endless rainforest. It’s moments like these that make me appreciate the simple things in life. It reminded me a bit of the coffee plantations back in Turrialba, Costa Rica, where I grew up, although those views were of lush green mountains.


Discover serenity at Vista Hinchinbrook - a charming bed & breakfast surrounded by Queensland's stunning landscapes.

Fueled up and ready to go, I set off towards Mulligan Falls. The plan was to immerse myself in the island's natural beauty, and what better way to do that than by chasing a waterfall? Mulligan Falls is accessible either by the multi-day Thorsborne Trail or by boat, followed by a 2.5km walk. Since I wasn't doing the full Thorsborne Trail this time, I opted for a boat transfer from Lucinda.

The boat ride itself was an experience, with the salty breeze and the anticipation of the falls building with each passing minute. Arriving at Mulligan Bay, I began the walk to the falls. The trail wound through lush rainforest, with the sounds of the Diamantina Creek accompanying me. The closer I got, the louder the falls became, a symphony of nature beckoning me forward. The walk itself was fairly easy, but the humidity definitely made it feel more intense. I made sure to bring plenty of water, a lesson I'm quickly learning on this trip.

Finally, I reached Mulligan Falls. The sight was simply stunning: a tall cascade of water plunging into a deep, clear swimming hole. The water was so inviting, I couldn't resist taking a dip. It was absolutely refreshing. The falls are formed by Diamantina Creek flowing over a wide rock platform. Swimming in the freshwater pool at the base of the falls is a must. I took some photos, capturing the beauty of the falls and the surrounding rainforest.

Nature's beauty is a symphony of sights and sounds, a reminder of the simple joys that life has to offer.

After drying off and soaking in the falls for a little bit longer, I hiked back to Mulligan Bay to catch the boat back to Lucinda. I was starving, so I was looking forward to having lunch at Wild Local in Ingham. I had heard great things about their seafood, and I was eager to try some local flavors.


Experience Queensland's freshest seafood and gourmet delights at Wild Local - a culinary treasure in Ingham.

Back on the mainland, I drove to Ingham and found Wild Local. This popular seafood shop has expanded to now include a cafe. It's known for serving the freshest seafood and using local ingredients. I ordered the Barramundi, which was delicious. It was the perfect meal to replenish my energy after a morning of hiking and swimming. I also had to try one of Bec's famous cheesecake cannolis. I went with the Nutella one, and it was amazing.

With my belly full, I decided to head to Ramsay Beach for the afternoon. I wanted to experience the coastal side of Hinchinbrook Island, and Ramsay Beach seemed like the perfect spot. It's a secluded beach known for its soft white sands and crystal-clear waters.

The drive to Cardwell was scenic, and from there, I caught a water taxi to Ramsay Bay. The main access to Ramsay Bay is by water taxi from Cardwell to Missionary Bay. From there, visitors access Ramsay Bay by way of the Ramsay Bay Boardwalk, which takes visitors through mangroves to the sand spit at the back of the Ramsay Bay beach. The boardwalk was really nice, and it was a great way to experience the mangroves without disturbing the ecosystem.

Emerging from the mangroves, I was greeted by the sight of Ramsay Beach. The beach stretches for kilometers, fringed by a high dune. I took a long walk along the shore, enjoying the feel of the sand between my toes and the sound of the waves. The beach was mostly deserted, which added to the sense of tranquility. I spent the afternoon relaxing on the beach, reading my book, and soaking up the sun. It was exactly what I needed after a busy morning.


Explore Ramsay Beach, a pristine coastal paradise in Queensland, perfect for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts seeking tranquility and adventure.

As the sun began to set, I packed up and headed back to Lucinda. Before dinner, I stopped by the Lucinda Store to grab a few essentials and check out this local gem. The store has a beachfront location with a relaxed and welcoming vibe. It's a convenience store and café that offers a variety of everyday essentials and freshly prepared meals.


Discover convenience at Lucinda Store, your one-stop shop for essentials, snacks, and local flavors in beautiful Lucinda, Queensland.

For dinner, I decided to try the Lucinda Point Hotel Motel. I had heard it was a local favorite, and I wanted to experience some more of the local cuisine. It was a great choice; the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly.


Discover culinary delights and refreshing beverages at Lucinda Point Hotel Motel - your go-to destination for relaxation in Queensland's coastal paradise.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the day, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences I've had. Hinchinbrook Island is a truly special place, and I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to explore it. Tomorrow, I'm planning to hike Nina Peak and relax at Blacksand Beach. I'm also hoping to check out Vista Hinchinbrook bar in the evening. It promises to be another day filled with adventure and natural beauty.

This trip is not just a vacation; it's a journey of self-discovery. It's about pushing my boundaries, embracing the unknown, and connecting with the world around me. And so far, Hinchinbrook Island has been the perfect place to do just that. I'm excited to see what tomorrow brings, and I'm grateful for every moment of this solo adventure.

I must remember to buy insect repellent and a waterproof jacket. It seems like I forgot to pack them. Maybe I can find them at Lucinda Store.