Destination Two and half hours drive south of Cairns, accessible by Hinchinbrook Island Ferry from Cardwell
Rates
Inclusions are linen and daily room servicing
The Island
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 1142 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 Resort is sited.
The island is approximately 52km. 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 635 sq. km
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.
Hinchinbrook Island Resort is the perfect base to experience all that this pristine wilderness has to offer. Take a day cruise through the mangrove everglades or the outer Great Barrier Reef, go snorkelling, take a walk through virgin rainforest to isolated ocean beaches or fish the world renowned waters for the much sought after sport fish.
Or just lay back and choose the ideal spot overlooking the beautiful sandy beach for your hammock, capture the sunset, observe graceful herons, cruising sea turtles or maybe catch a glimpse of the extraordinary dugong, or just watch as time goes by.
Step into your own private world. Don't lift a finger, unless its to indicate which of the menu selections tempts you the most because, as you'd expect, the food is as unforgettable as the island.
Be warned, this is not the place to come if you are looking for one of those extreme full on holidays riding jetskis, paraflying, waterskiing and loud nightclubs. But if you want first class accommodation and service in a splendid tropical wilderness then you owe it to yourself to experience Hinchinbrook Island Resort.
Children are more than welcome, however, in keeping with the nature of the Resort, there are no child minding facilities or scheduled kids activities. Let them enjoy all the natural activities with you ... a truly enjoyable, relaxed educational experience!
All accommodation in the Resort is designed to blend in with the outstanding, natural tropical landscape. Indeed from the water, apart from the necessary landing pontoon, only a very keen eye could pick any sign of this delightful luxury eco-resort nestled amongst the rainforest overlooking Orchid Beach.
The Lodge
The main Lodge is beautifully designed to take advantage of the tropical ambience. It is the centre for all activities, containg as it does, the reception, spacious restaurant area, lounge and bar. In keeping with the landscape it is an architecturally designed open plan timber pole construction in the islander style.
Being open to the surrounding rainforest gardens and overlooking the large inground pool, the lodge invites you to be apart of this wonderful environment.
To be expected, the restaurant caters for the discerning taste. Inhouse chefs prepare the finest cuisine which is topped off by a large dose of friendly Australian service.
If your days itinerary means that you will be away from the resort for lunch, delicious packaged lunch hampers are available for your convenience.
The Tree Houses
Your accommodation is in spacious, modern, architecturally designed timber Tree Houses nestled in the rainforest and connected by a winding timber boardwalk. Tastefully designed to make the most of the breathtaking views, cool ocean breezes and surrounding rainforest, while ensuring your desired privacy.
The warmth and ambience of the natural timber construction is enhanced by the elegant tropical furnishings. Natural light, cooling breezes and entrancing views flood through floor to ceiling windows.
Each Tree House has it's own timber patio, fridge, coffee/tea making facilities, lounge room, bathroom and are serviced daily. For your convenience we have a DVD and TV in the guest lounge, but to maximise your holiday in splendid isolation the tree houses are not equipped with telephones or televison.
Tree house Accommodation Rates per Night - includes all non-chartered activities such as use of swimming pool, canoes, surf skis, snorkelling equipment, fishing gear, board games, reading library, bushwalks
The Cabins
The 7 self-contained Cabins are separately located and are older style accommodation units located behind the beach. The daily rate does not include meals nor the daily service. Linen is provided. The cabins have basic cooking facilities: mini fridge, electric jug, electric fry pan, toaster, microwave and sink.There is also a free of charge BBQ a small walk away.
For self-catering you should bring your own food supplies or alternatively, and subject to 24 hours notice, we can order supplies on your behalf from Cardwell. Meals are available from our licensed restaurant if you prefer
Cabin accommodation rates do not include meals.
Extended-stay discounts and standby rates apply please enquire directly via email or phone.
Annual Resort Closure
All of February. Closure of Resort due to anticipated Wet Season and possibility of cyclone activity. Closure: 1st February to 29th February 2004.
Ferry Operating Times
Scheduled Ferry Services Sunday, Wednesday and Friday November to May and and 7 days per week May to October.
Unscheduled ferry services are available on request. Unscheduled ferry service is guaranteed 365 days a year.
*** Please note that special charters are welcome on the other days during the low season (ie. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday)