Camping on the Thorsborne Trail

There are seven camping areas along the Thorsborne Trail. All campsites are remote bush camping with no or limited facilities. See Thorsborne Trail for more information about the campsites.

Permits and fees

Camping permits are required for camping along the Thorsborne trail and fees apply. To help minimise impact and to maintain the wilderness setting, permits are issued for a maximum of 40 people on the trail at any one time. The largest group size is six. For this reason, Thorsborne Trail camping permits are difficult to secure during peak walking season April–September.

Group bookings and mountain access approval must be obtained by emailing the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) at qpws@des.qld.gov.au before going to the island.

It is strongly advised to book in advance. The trail is very popular and often fully booked during peak periods and school holidays. Camping bookings are not for the individual camping areas but for the Thorsborne Trail generally. Boat-based camping permits do not entitle people to walk the Thorsborne Trail.

• A maximum stay of two (2) nights is permitted at each camping area, except for Mulligan Falls where the limit is one night.
• Book your camp site online.
• If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.

Camping permits for educational and military groups must be obtained through QPWS. To request a permit email QPWS Camping Support at qpws@des.qld.gov.au.

It is imperative that hiking details are left with a responsible contact person. This will assist in the event of an emergency situation or when hikers are overdue. The contact person must know:

1. how hikers are accessing the island e.g. private vessel or water taxi
2. the planned route
3. when hikers are due to return
4. the agreed time period after which the contact person will need to contact emergency services
5. call Triple Zero (000) for all emergencies or if hikers do not return within set time period.

If no longer hiking the trail, ensure to cancel bookings by contacting us. Information on cancellations assists in emergencies such as cyclones and wildfires. Please ensure you supply relevant contact details when you book.

Park-specific conditions

• Open camp fires and cooking fires are not allowed.

The fawn-footed melomys Melomys cervinipes and giant white-tailed rat Uromys caudimaculatus occur across the island. To avoid damage to packs and food supplies:

• Remove all food from packs at night.
• Keep cooking utensils and food covered and off the ground.
• Use pack racks - do not hang packs in trees.

Our precious Great Barrier Reef World Heritage islands are among the most pest-free islands in the world. They need your help to stay this way. Please Be pest-free! (PDF, 573.6KB) before your visit.

Read more about staying safe and looking after the park.