Camping on the Thorsborne Trail

There are seven camping areas along the Thorsborne Trail. All campsites are remote bush camping with no or limited facilities. See Thorsborne Trail for more information about the camping areas.

Permits and fees

Camping permits are required for camping along the Thorsborne Trail for self-sufficient independent hiking and fees apply. To help minimise impact and to maintain the remote and wild nature setting, permits are issued for a maximum of 12 people starting the trail per day. The largest independent hiker group size is six.

The Thorsborne Trail is booked through a seasonal release of permits for self-sufficient independent hiking. For more information visit Thorsborne Trail hiking seasons. Permits for the peak hiking season (April to September) are usually booked out as soon as they are released.

The Thorsborne Trail can also be undertaken as a guided hiking experience. Camping permits are included as part of the tour.

School group bookings and mountain access approval must be obtained by emailing the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) at hinchinbrook@detsi.qld.gov.au before going to the island.

Camping bookings are not for the individual camping areas but for the Thorsborne Trail generally. Boat-based camping permits do not entitle people to walk the Thorsborne Trail.

• A maximum stay of two (2) nights is permitted at each camping area, except for Mulligan Falls where the limit is one night.
• Book your camp site online.
• If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.

Camping permits for educational and military groups must be obtained through QPWS. To request a permit email QPWS Camping Support at qpws@detsi.qld.gov.au

If no longer hiking the trail, ensure to cancel bookings by contacting us. Information on cancellations assists in emergencies such as cyclones and wildfires. Please ensure you supply relevant contact details when you book.

Park-specific conditions

• Open camp fires and cooking fires are not allowed.

The fawn-footed melomys Melomys cervinipes and giant white-tailed rat Uromys caudimaculatus occur across the island. To avoid damage to packs and food supplies:

• remove all food from packs at night
• keep cooking utensils and food covered and off the ground
• use pack racks – do not hang packs in trees.

Our precious Great Barrier Reef World Heritage islands are among the most pest-free islands in the world. They need your help to stay this way. Please Be pest-free! (PDF, 573.6KB) before your visit.

Read more about staying safe and looking after the park.