Women's Hinchinbrook Island Kayaking Trip // 4th June 2022

An early start is necessary, often 7.30am but will be confirmed by your guides as tidal change can affect departure times. The bus will pick you up from Mission Reef Resort this morning. We drive by bus to our departure point at Lucinda two hours south of Mission Beach. Along the way we will stop for a coffee and bit to eat. Here we pack our kayaks, practice paddling skills and safety procedures. We set off across the channel to lunch at Georges Point our rst landing site on Hinchinbrook Island. We then paddle on taking in the southern reaches of Hinchinbrook Island. Our rst night camp is at Mulligans Bay, Sunken Reef or even Zoe bay depending on wind and weather. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Beach camping

Following the coast north we pass the most easterly section of the Island, Hillock Point and into stunning Zoe Bay with the verdant backdrop of Mount Bowen (1142 meters) and the Thumb. Here we can explore the rainforest, following Zoe Creek up to the refreshing clear pools of Zoe Falls. A relaxing swim and early lunch is enjoyed before we continue along the coast where our days paddle nishes at sheltered Banksia Bay. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Beach Camping

On these days we paddle past many secluded little coves and beaches hidden along the rocky coastline and on to the eight kilometre length of Ramsey Bay curving north to Cape Sandwich with Channel Rock and Eva Island just off the coast. Rounding Cape Sandwich is one of our crux moves for the trip and can involve some speci c timing regarding wind and swell. The high sand dunes and sparse vegetation of this part of the island contrast greatly with the craggy grandeur of the previous days paddling. We end our days at Blacksand Beach and Sunset Beach with a sunset drink and a hearty supper. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner x2 Accommodation: Beach Camping

Heading towards the northern point of the island we paddle across the eponymous Shepard Bay towards Cape Richards where the pandanus and casuarinas seem to defy the elements by surviving on this exposed rocky headland. After lunching on beautiful Orchid Beach we are back on the water. We paddle around the northern headland of Hinchinbrook Island and make a short crossing to Goold Island's sheltered beaches. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Beach Camping

We set off leaving Hinchinbrook and Goold Islands behind us heading north. This is our longest open water crossing to the verdant rainforest isles of the Family Island Group. These tiny islands are surrounded in fringing reef with white sandy beaches. The sheltered campground offers beautiful views back towards Hinchinbrook's lofty peaks and west to view the sunset over the mainland. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Beach Camping

Our last day on the water has a leisurely start as we leave Wheeler Island to pass Bedarra and Timana Islands, two of the eleven that make up the Family Islands. Dunk Island is the most well known of these islands and the last stop of our expedition, here we have a celebratory lunch before we paddle back to the coast. South Mission Beach is our nal destination and time to pack our gear and say goodbye with a feeling of great achievement at having experienced a very special place, which luckily has changed little with the passage of time. Meals: Breakfast, snacks and farewell lunch where your guides will say their goodbyes. Dinner at groups own cost. Accommodation: Misson Reef Resort (twin share), included

*Please do not book your flights home on this date.

End of trip - women make their way to Cairns airport. We suggest booking an afternoon flight. This will give you time to travel from Mission Beach to Cairns. Transport from Mission Beach to Cairns - At groups own arrangement and cost. Breakfast is not included.