Queensland paradise islands are now our newest hiking destination

For most travellers, the Whitsundays are synonymous with the aquatic pursuits their position within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area invite.

But there’s a whole other story on land. Beyond the resorts and developed settlements are tracts of ancient rainforest and other stunning coastal landscapes, with dramatic rises and escarpments providing spectacular views and enticing walks to reach them.

Hinchinbrook Channel and Hinchinbrook Island.Credit:

Indigenous owners have deep connection to this land and their storytelling adds a spiritual, cultural and historical dimension to appreciating the natural wonders of the Whitsundays.

Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Island.Credit:

Now all of this is set to become more accessible. World Expeditions has been appointed by the Queensland government as the preferred partner for walking holiday packages encompassing two Whitsunday trails: the newly developed Ngaro Track on Whitsunday Island and the renowned Thorsborne Trail on Munamudanamy (Hinchinbrook Island).

Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Island.Credit:

The 32-kilometre Ngaro Track, years in planning and built by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, takes walkers deep into the rich biodiversity and Indigenous heritage of Whitsunday Island – the largest island in the Whitsunday Islands National Park.

Exploring the Ngaro Cultural Site track, Whitsunday Islands.Credit:

A World Expeditions’ division, Australian Walking Holidays, is hosting a three-day, two-night low-impact walking experience, supported by purpose-built infrastructure, including two beautifully appointed campsites.

The project was developed in partnership with the Ngaro People, Traditional Owners of Whitsunday Island. Their deep spiritual connection and knowledge of Country are woven into the interpretive storytelling that guides the journey.

Australian Walking Holidays is also hosting a four-day, three-night walk on the Thorsborne Trail, which runs 32 kilometres across Munamudanamy. As the Thorsborne Trail is known already as one of the best multi-day hikes in Australia, the new operational partnership between World Expeditions and the Traditional Owners of Hinchinbrook Island, the Bandjin and Girramay People, seeks to uphold the wild allure of the trail while improving access, education and visitor support.

“At the heart of what we do is creating journeys that honour and protect the landscapes we explore,” says Michael Buggy, general manager of Australian Walking Holidays. “Both the Ngaro Track and the Thorsborne Trail represent that mission. We’re privileged to work with the Traditional Owners of Whitsunday Island, the Ngaro People, and Hinchinbrook Island, the Bandjin and Girramay People, to help shape the next chapter of these spectacular walks.”

See worldexpeditions.com