Name: Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre (Cardwell VIC)
Address: 53 Victoria Street, Cardwell QLD 4849
Phone: (07) 4066 2412
Opening Hours: Typically 9:00 am – 4:00 pm; seasonal variations apply
Rating: 4.6 from 300+ reviews (Google – Cardwell VIC precinct)
Type: Accredited Visitor Information Centre / national‑park and island‑access hub
The centre provides maps, Thorsborne Trail information, ferry/charter guidance, national‑park permits, and regional touring support for travellers accessing Hinchinbrook Island and the Cassowary Coast.
What Area It Caters For
The Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre supports visitors across the Cassowary Coast, covering island access, rainforest, coastal attractions, national parks, and major touring routes.
1. Hinchinbrook Island National Park (Primary Focus)
Thorsborne Trail, Zoe Bay, Mulligan Falls, Nina Peak, Ramsay Bay, pristine beaches, rugged mountains, mangrove systems, and wilderness hiking.
2. Hinchinbrook Channel
Scenic boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, mangrove forests, and panoramic views of the island’s dramatic peaks.
3. Cardwell Township (Mainland Access Point)
Jetty, foreshore, Cardwell Spa Pool, accommodation, dining, and ferry/charter departure points.
4. Lucinda (Southern Access Point)
Lucinda Jetty, Hinchinbrook Channel access, boating, fishing, and coastal touring.
5. Mission Beach (Northern Corridor)
Beaches, rainforest, wildlife, Great Barrier Reef access, and coastal accommodation.
6. Tully & Tully Gorge
Rainforest, river adventures, scenic drives, and national‑park touring.
7. Ingham & Tyto Wetlands
Birdwatching, cultural heritage, wetlands boardwalks, and regional touring.
8. Girringun National Park
Wallaman Falls, rainforest escarpments, hiking, and nature‑based touring.
9. Regional Touring Routes
- Cassowary Coast coastal loop
- Cardwell–Mission Beach scenic drive
- Cardwell–Lucinda Hinchinbrook Channel route
- Bruce Highway (Townsville–Cardwell–Mission Beach)
- Thorsborne Trail multi‑day hiking circuit
Services Provided
- Maps for Hinchinbrook Island, Thorsborne Trail, and Cassowary Coast
- National‑park permits and trail information
- Ferry and charter guidance for island access
- Safety information (tides, weather, crocodile awareness, trail conditions)
- Brochures for Cardwell, Lucinda, Mission Beach, Tully, and Ingham
- Accommodation and dining recommendations
- Event information (Cardwell UFO Festival, Cassowary Coast cultural events)
- Souvenirs, local crafts, and regional products
- Guidance for scenic drives, coastal touring, and rainforest routes
- Visitor support for road conditions, trail closures, and travel planning
Summary
The Hinchinbrook Island Tourist Information Centre, located in Cardwell, is the official gateway to Hinchinbrook Island National Park and the Cassowary Coast. It supports travellers exploring Hinchinbrook Island, the Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Channel, Cardwell, Lucinda, Mission Beach, Tully, Ingham, and the broader coastal‑and‑rainforest touring corridor. With its national‑park permits, trail maps, ferry guidance, and comprehensive regional touring support, it provides an essential starting point for discovering one of Queensland’s most dramatic and pristine wilderness destinations.