Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Resort

Great Barrier Reef, Queensland Australia

Tropical Island Resort Accommodation Great Barrier Reef, Far North Queensland

Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge is a small and unique 50 person resort with simply the best location in the world – amongst World Heritage wilderness 22km from the Australian east coast. The tranquillity engulfs you within your very first steps.

Hinchinbrook Island is perfectly suited to romantic getaways but is equally ideal for family escapes and gatherings of friends. Please don’t consider this resort if you seek high adrenalin activities, fast-paced night-life or motorised water sports. Hinchinbrook Isalnd specialises in relaxation, revitalisation, great food and sanctuary from the fast lane.

The Wilderness Lodge is specifically designed to compliment the natural surroundings of the site. No building rises above the natural canopy, all water is from bores and rain, all sewerage is treated to Tertiary quality on site, a raised boardwalk joins the Tree Houses to prevent erosion, and recently we have installed a state-of-the-art Hybrid Alternative Energy System, based around Solar Energy.

Hinchinbrook Island wilderness resort is currently developing a comprehensive optional interpretative program. These walks, talks and tours aim to share the finer details of the environment the resort occupies. Be assured that the education is subtle and it is entirely up to you, the guest, how much or how little you participate in.

These efforts in eco-tourism have been well rewarded. Hinchinbrook Island has Advanced Status under the National Ecotourism Accreditation Program (NEAP), and they were placed outright first at the HMAA Awards in Environmental/Conservation Tourism in July 2003 and were also Highly Commended at the Townsville Enterprise awards in August 2003. In 2004 our Lodge obtained the Eco accommodation award at Townsville North Queensland Awards in October. This impressive record is vindication of a commitment to eco friendly tourism.

Each scheduled day the ferry “Hinchinbrook Explorer” departs the mainland at 9am. The first stop is at the Lodge pontoon, at 10am. From there it continues on a Discovery Day Cruise of breathtaking scenery and golden beaches. Fishing is great from the resort itself and there are also specific charters to choose from.

A well trodden bushwalk leads away from the resort and into magnificent palm forest that is peppered with huge boulders and buttress roots. Next stop is North Shepherd beach, 2km of golden sand and likely to be deserted! If you continue you can reach Macushla or for the more adventurous, South Shepherd beach along a less-used track. Snorkelling is provided when weather permits and scuba diving charters to the outer reef are available on request. So much to do and see!.

Resort Features and Facilities

• The Bar: The Resort bar is open from 10.00am to 12 midnight, offering a wide selection of beers, Australian wines, champagnes, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks.
• Tea and Coffee: Everything you need is in your cabin. Items are restocked daily, but extra can be supplied on request
• Laundry: Laundry facilities are located at the end of the boardwalk. Washing powder is supplied.
• Library: A lending library of novels, books and journals is available for your convenience. Playing cards and other games such as backgammon, chess and scrabble are also available.
• Fishing Lines: Lines, hooks, sinkers and bait are available.
• Meals: (All meals are served in the main dining room)
• Breakfast 8.00am - 9.30am
• Lunch 12.00am - 2.00pm
• Dinner 6.30pm - 8.30pm
• Prior arrangement can be made for children to eat early. Special diets can also be catered to with prior arrangement. Backpack picnic lunches are available upon request and can be ordered from the breakfast staff.
• Day Cruises: Visiting other parts of the national park, cruising to uninhabited islands or the reef gardens of the Hinchinbrook Islands. Day Cruises vary depending of tide times and weather conditions guests are informed in the morning as to the cruise destination. Diving excursions can also be organised.

Accommodation

There are 3 types of accommodation on Hinchinbrook Island

"House Only" Tree Houses

Fully Catered Tree Houses

Beach Cabins

The 15 Tree Houses are elevated, independent units that wrap around the mountainside and are connected by winding timber boardwalks. Be aware that you need to scale 80 steps to get there – perfect for making those sumptuous meals, guilt-free! They have floor-to-ceiling windows, kitchenette, a private balcony and a private bathroom. Meals are taken in the licensed Lodge restaurant, as desired. There is no minimum meal requirement.

The Island features both one bedroom and two bedroom Tree Houses. A One-Bedroom contains one Queen size bed. Two-Bedroom Tree Houses contain one Queen bed and two singles (with the exception of just one unit that has two Queens).

Fully Catered Tree Houses are designed to truly spoil yourself. Expect absolute indulgence with fantastic multiple-course meals in our licensed al-fresco restaurant.

The 7 self-contained Beach Cabins lack the elevation and magnificent views of the Tree Houses. They are however, closer to the beach and are fully-self contained – mini fridge, electric jug, electric fry pan, toaster, microwave and sink, crockery and cutlery are provided, along with private bathroom. There is also a free of charge BBQ a small walk away. The beach cabins can accommodate up to 7 people. All linen is provided but guests are asked to bring their own beach towels.

Grocery provisions are available only by prior arrangement, for there is no store on the island. Cardwell provides great fresh produce with a supermarket, butcher, bakery, and fruit and vegie shops. Beach Cabin guests are very welcome in the restaurant, and a meals/beverage tab can be added to your accommodation account. Please reserve restaurant seats one meal prior to the one you desire.

Beach Cabin guests are also welcome to make use of all Lodge facilities.

Accommodation Rooms and Rates

Accommodation Options - Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Resort

• Tree house Accommodation Tree House Accommodation nightly rates includes all non-chartered activities such as use of swimming pool, canoes, surf skis, snorkelling equipment, fishing gear, board games, reading library, bushwalks.
• Annual Resort Closure
• 2nd February till 23rd March 2005. Closure of Resort due to anticipated Wet Season and possibility of cyclone activity
• Getting to and From Hinchinbrook Island
• Hinchinbrook Island Staff will be able to organise all transfers to and from the Island. We will need your flight details so that this can be arranged
• Please allow approximately 2.5 -3.5 hours travel time from either Cairns or Townsville.
• The regular scheduled ferry service from Cardwell Marina to Hinchinbrook Island leaves at 9am and returns at 4 pm (daily during high season) and costs A$48 per adult & A$24 per child each way. Unscheduled services also operate during the day and these cost A$120 per adult and A$60 per child
• Coach transfer between Cairns or Townsville and Cardwell Marina can be organised to meet the ferry services and costs A$102 per person
• Transfers can also be arranged from Port Douglas, Palm Cove and Mission Beach.
• Ferry only transfers from Cardwell are also available, please enquire.
• Scheduled services are available daily from 1 June to 31 October inclusive.
• November to June inclusive scheduled services travel on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday only.
• Discovery Day Cruise to Mangroves and Ramsay Bay is included in Transfer prices.

• All prices quoted are low season prices unless otherwise indicated.
• Please apply for availability and rates for special event times.
• Rates are in Australian dollars and include tax (GST).
• Rates and Conditions may vary without notice.