Kayaking Hinchinbrook Is

"Hinchinbrook Island  is renowned for its range of habitats including misty, heath-covered mountains sandy beaches, paperbark and palm wetlands, and extensive woodlands. " I am in Queensland, it has been on bucket list a while, and now it's time to visit.

Rain was forecast for Agnes Water for the next week. I did not wish to be there. Where to ? It is not raining further north and Hinchinbrook is not far. Geez, how deluded I get at times ! I made this decision on the way. That change of plan added a hours and many km. Why could not have I done this before I turned right ? That is the trouble when you are out west, it is a 250km cost if you take a wrong turn or make a new decision on your route. This is if you are quick enough ! Some 1250km over a day I covered on this journey.
As remote as this drive is, there is an almost continuous mobile signal (Telstra). It is also how many musicals, movie theme songs, classical pieces, folk music, Indian music, country music, reggae and classic rock you can listen to on Spotify - I covered them all.
I left my vehicle in the car park in Lucinda, and gave my intentions to the local coast guard.
In the years I have owned it, this was my first big adventure on the inflatable kayak..  I passed the test of endurance with a 5hr, 25km paddle up front.
I must admit, crocodiles were entering my mind. Maybe if one chomped into the kayak its jaw would bounce open.  My fear was assisted by a few comments by local fisherman (in open tinnies mind you) that I would be good croc bait.
I was going to try some fishing and discounted that idea when a massive fish almost a metre long  leapt over my bow.  The thought of trying to land it or a shark attacking it as I am hauling in put paid to that idea. 
With these thoughts. am I cut out for this sea kayaking lark ? Well, I am still at it...

I found a camp site at Banksia bay. It was quite a pretty place, a good one to chill out for a few days. the beauty of sea kayaking is that you can bypass the restrictions and booking system that is applied to the Thorsborne trail.  Even though the trail is often booked out, sea kayakers can camp without restriction. There was hardly anyone there anyway (as often is the case, people book and don't turn up), 

After over 5hrs of paddling, I was rather happy to stop and camp for the night.


The nearby lake provided fresh clean water and a nice setting as dusk approached.


The night sky too was worth observing and emptying your mind too.
Dawn wasn't bad either.
Zoe bay is a significant spot on the Thorsborne trail as it has a pretty lagoon and waterfalls.
The pool was nice and refreshing for a swim. The rocks in the water however, were not easy to clamber over.
Up on the waterfall's edge the views are quite scenic. Being in the day though, it was a bit hazy.

A married couple, who are dedicated adventures (Luke Richmond - oloc adventures ) were on a trip in a converted lifeboat to Weipa.  The rowing was supplemented with a solar powered electric motor. The boat was altered to make sure it floats in case of inundation.  Good on them. I think. Maybe something in the way of shelter would have been a good idea.
The blokes on this fishing vessel reckoned that the wind is going to pick up big time. Probably 30 knots. The swell was quite large when I came in, so their kind offer to take me back to Lucinda was accepted. 
With the pounding of the vessel, I reckon I would have been more comfortable in the kayak, however I appreciated not having to battle such a fierce head wind and probably current to boot.
Please note - that this map is North down - as it should be in my antipodean opinion !  


For an interactive map see:
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Location: Lucinda QLD 4850, Australia