Kayak, hike, snorkel, and explore Australia's beautiful East Coast. Visit Hinchinbrook Island, Cape Tribulation, Daintree Rainforest, Mt. Bowen, and the Great Barrier Reef. Kayak over and among coral reefs, manta rays, giant turtles, dolphins and exotic fish. See a profusion of tropical flora and fauna in spectacular landscapes everywhere you look. View tropical waterfalls, crystal blue bays, and secluded black sand beaches long the shoreline. Take in the sights of Cairns, tour aboriginal tablelands, visit Cape Tribulation, or hike in nearby rainforests. Experience the stunning beauty and famous Australian hospitality with WI!
Sample Itinerary
Please note: While the itinerary presented is an accurate depiction of what your trip will be like, it is only an example. Our trips are real adventures in the outdoors--not pre-packaged tours that happen on a schedule.
DAY 1-3: Arrive in Cairns, settle into your new environment down under. Meet your trip mates and prepare for some fantastic sightseeing. You can anticipate activities including snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, a tour of the aboriginal tablelands, and a visit to Cape Tribulation.
DAY 4: Drive to Port Lucinda where the kayak portion of the trip begins. Spend the day preparing for the sea kayak expedition. You will work with your trip mates to pack out for the trip. That afternoon and evening you will participate in a sea kayak orientation and skill-building session.
DAY 5: Depart from the Port of Lucinda, paddle to Mulligan Bay and explore the tropical surroundings. Paddle to a coral reef called Sunken Reef Bay. Set up camp in Mulligan Bay.
DAY 6: Set out paddling around Hillock Point, camp on the first beach around the Northern corner of the point. Explore Hillock point, enjoy a swim in the crystal blue waters or snorkel among the tropical undersea life.
DAYS 7-8: Paddle around Zoe Bay, get water and eat lunch at Zoe Falls. Camp at Blacksands Beach. Paddle up the black sand beaches and camp near the base of a towering Nina peak.
DAY 9: Layover day! Take a hike to the top of Nina peak and witness the lush tropical vistas.
DAY 10: Today you will make your way up through Cape Sandwich to camp at Sunset Beach. Enjoy dinner while viewing the Coral Sea sunset.
DAY 11: Continue up Shepard Bay along the tropical shoreline and camp at Macushia Bay.
DAY 12: Rise early and start the paddle back to Cardwell to arrive after lunch.
DAY 13: Spend the day driving back to Cairns stopping to see the sights along the way.
DAY 14: This day is for relaxing and seeing the sights. There are many options including: laying on the black sand beach, hiking in nearby rain forests, or a tour of the city. The group can decide how to experience this day.
DAY 15: Enjoy our last Aussie breakfast together. Those who are flying back today will take our van to the airport in Cairns.
Travel, Terrain, Etc...
TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: This environment is a blend of rainforests and tropical beaches. The rain forest is lush and green with vegetation and the beaches are comprised of black and white sand. You will paddle on the protected side of the island, exploring the bays, inlets and streams. Most campsites are packed dirt and gravel. Hinchinbrook Island offers a wide range of daily route options from very easy to very difficult.
TYPE OF TRAVEL/DISTANCE: Travel in double and triple sea kayaks and sleep in tents. The kayaks hold 2-3 people plus all necessary gear. An average day's travel consists of 4-6 hours of paddling, depending on weather conditions. Travel distances vary from 8-14 miles per day with the exception of scheduled layover days.
WEATHER: Day time temperatures and humidity can be high any time of year. Evening temperatures can be cool, ranging from 45 F to 60 F. Even though it is the dry season, rainfall can be heavy at times. Expect 2-3 days of rain.
LODGING/BATHROOM FACILITIES: This is a camping trip. At night you will sleep in a comfortable Eureka Timberline tent. Typically, there are 3 people per 4 person tent (although other arrangements can be made). We recommend that you bring your own personal sleeping bag and "camprest" foam core inflatable mattress (a limited number of sleeping bags and mattresses are available as loaners for individuals who need them). Bathroom facilities consist of an outhouse or a foldable commode chair set up in a privacy tent. We make every effort to ensure privacy and cleanliness.
GROUP SIZE: The group size ranges from 12 to 15 participants, plus 2 or more Wilderness Inquiry staff. Each group consists of people of various ages, backgrounds and abilities, including people with disabilities.
CAMP CHORES: Our trips are cooperative in nature. WI staff will assist you in whatever areas you need, however most people pitch in where they can. Part of the adventure involves learning about daily camp activities.
EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: If you are new to outdoor activities, you need not spend a lot of money on gear. Wilderness Inquiry will provide all necessary kayaking and camping equipment. All you need to provide is your personal gear, such as clothing and a sleeping bag. A detailed equipment list will be sent to you upon confirmation of your participation. If you need to borrow personal gear, that can usually be arranged.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: No previous experience is needed to complete this trip.
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Wilderness Inquiry is proud to serve Caribou Coffee on all our trips. Great food, great coffee, and great company are just some of the ingredients that make Wilderness Inquiry trips special.
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[ Dates & Fees ]
This section is currently under construction. Area information coming soon! If you have questions, please call.
For more information, visit these links:
Hinchinbrook Island National Park
Hinchinbrook Island Map
Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area
Web Walking Austrailia
[ Dates & Fees ]
WI leads trips to this Australia but typically only for pre-existing groups (schools, clubs, families, friends who travel together, etc...).
If you have a group of 10 to 12 people interested, we can set up a trip to the Australia just for you! Typical cost for a 14-day trip is about $2,900 per person, which includes everything except transportation to and from Melbourne or Sydney.
Please contact us if you are interested in a group trip to Australia.
info@wildernessinquiry.org
612-676-9400
800-728-0719
(Join our waiting list to be notified when WI schedules a trip to Australia's Hinchinbrook Island Kayak)
