|
HINCHINBROOK
ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
Cape Richards at the northern
end of the island, location of the Wilderness Lodge, overlooking
Orchid Beach in the foreground
|
Australia's
largest island National Park, Hinchinbrook Island, is
separated from the mainland by the deep, narrow, mangrove-fringed
Hinchinbrook Channel, scoured from sand and mud by strong tidal
currents. Rising to 1121 metres in the centre of the island
are the jagged battlements of Mt Bowen, largest in the chain
of rugged granite crags forming the backbone of the island's
southern half.
To
the north-west a range of lesser peaks of older volcanic rocks,
similar in chemistry but finer grained than the granite, forms an
undulating skyline descending to the sandy beach of Hecate Point,
4 km across the channel from Cardwell.
The
spectacular north face of Mt Bowen drops 1121 m in cliffs and forested
scree slopes almost to sea level. From here a narrow, 8 km long
strip of sand, stretches north to connect with Capes Sandwich and
Richards, where the Wilderness Lodge is sited.
The island is approximately 37.4km. long and 10km. wide. Including
the main beach at the resort there are 11 beautiful sandy beaches.
You can
enjoy absolute seclusion on several of them including North Shepherd,
Macushla and South Shepherd. The National Park covers 39,300 hectares.
Ramsay Bay your private getaway
|
For
the energetic visitor, walking is fairly easy through the light
bush sections of the park and with very little luck the walker will
observe the abundant bird life for which the island is renowned.
There are Herons, Cockatoos, Pheasants, Scrub Hens, Sunbirds and
Torres Strait and Wompoo Pigeons.
At
the very northern end of Orchid Beach access is made to the lookout
on Cape Richards, the best vantage point for sunsets, dolphins
and
the neighbouring islands. To the southern end of the beach a short
walk leads to Turtle Bay where most afternoons large sea turtles
feed on marine grasses.
View
a VR Movie from the Cape Richards lookout
View
a VR Movie of Missionary Bay aboard the Hinchinbrook Explorer II
For
much more information about Hinchinbrook Island and the activities
available go to our comprehensive Hinchinbrook Island website CLICK
HERE
(Note: This link will take you away
from this website so bookmark this page now
or click on the "Resort" button or use the "Back"
button in your browser to return)
 
The
Lodge | Lodgings | Facilities
| The Island | Room Rates
| Getting Here
VR Movies | Images
| Bookings | Links | Front Page
|
