August 9, 2023
Four days along the Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island. Truly some untouched paradise – no infrastructure, no buildings… nothing, just days filled with hiking along beaches, boulder filled creeks, through dense rainforest and mangrove swamps.
Finally, a new adventure. It’d been months since I’d put the pack on, and I was eager to visit Hinchinbrook Island. It’d been on the radar for a very long time. After taking the boat across from Cardwell, I had the trail and first couple of campsites to myself, which was a stroke of luck as the trail is typically very popular this time of the year. It was great to be on my own and give me time to reflect on the last few months.
The days were short, with a lot of downtime to explore and soak up the island. But for someone who likes hiking longer days and distances, it was difficult to be truly present at times. The solitude was short-lived as I met hikers staying at Zoe Falls campsite, particularly three Kiwi girls (Jess, Izzy, and Nikki) – all sisters – who were doing the trail.
It was great to chat and share stories all while soaking in some of Australia’s most pristine and untouched rainforest. And the waterfalls – simply spectacular. We got the boat off the island on the same day, and before I knew it, I was at the bus stop in the direction of home.
I returned home with a profound realization that maybe solo hiking has run its course and its better (and time) to experience these things with others.
