Australian Multi-day Tour

Hinchinbrook Island Kayaking Expedition

Paddle through tropical islands, hidden coves and spectacular coastal wilderness on a five-day adventure featuring comfortable camping, delicious food and the support of a welcoming all-women group.

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Guaranteed departure

Destination Queensland, Australia

Duration 5 Days

Price From $2,890

Departs 17 Aug 2026

Group Size 12 Max

Overview

Explore Hinchinbrook with AW

Set in one of the world’s premier sea kayaking destinations, our five-day Hinchinbrook Island Kayaking Expedition is a true bucket-list adventure. This journey explores remote tropical islands, hidden coves, pristine beaches and sea caves, allowing you to experience some of Australia’s most spectacular coastal wilderness from a unique perspective.

With expert guidance and the camaraderie of a supportive all-women group, you’ll embrace the challenge and discover just how capable you are while having plenty of fun along the way. Paddle through crystal-clear waters framed by dramatic peaks, pristine beaches and lush rainforest, with opportunities to spot incredible marine life in its natural habitat.

Spend three nights camping on secluded tropical islands, falling asleep to the sounds of the ocean and waking to breathtaking coastal views. While immersed in this extraordinary wilderness, you'll enjoy the comfort of your own single tent, good campsite facilities and delicious freshly prepared meals each day.

Blending adventure, connection and a touch of comfort, this is a special opportunity to switch off and experience the magic of Hinchinbrook alongside a supportive group of like-minded women.

Fitness/Walk Grade

This trip involves 3-6 hours of kayaking a day, plus active time loading/unloading the kayaks and camp gear. Due to changes in weather patterns, some days more be more strenuous. As with any adventure, the more you train and prepare the more you will get out of the trip! We will share tips for building up your endurance and upper body strength. While experience in open-sea kayaking is not required and personal flotation devices are provided, participants must be able to swim and feel confident in open water.

Pack-free hiking - your luggage moves with you
Wineglass Bay sunrise lookout walk
Freycinet National Park kayak with playful seals
Local Tasmanian produce at every meal
Comfortable lodge accommodation, not camping
Small group of like-minded women, max 14

Enjoy kayaking on remote islands — Explore Great Barrier Reef Marine Park by kayak

Day 1 Mon 17 Aug Cairns to Mission Beach

We’ll depart from Cairns Airport at 13:45, travelling by private bus to Mission Beach (approximately a 2-hour journey).

Upon arrival, we check in to our accommodation and enjoy some time to freshen up. Later, we gather for a trip briefing, followed by a welcome dinner to kick off our adventure together.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Motel, Mission Beach

Day 2 Tue 18 Aug Kayak and Camp

It’s an early start this morning with a 7:00AM pick-up and short transfer to our launch site. After breakfast, we set off to sea, hopping in our two-person sea kayaks and paddling toward Wheeler Island (weather permitting).

We kayak approximately 12–14km across warm tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. It’s not uncommon to spot turtles, rays or seabirds along the way.

On arrival, we unload and set up camp. Everyone chips in carrying gear and pitching tents. After lunch, there’s time to explore, swim, relax in hammocks or read. As the sun sets behind Hinchinbrook’s peaks, we’ll enjoy dinner under the stars.

Important note: All distances and timings in the itinerary are approximate and may vary depending on weather and sea conditions. Our experienced local guides know this coastline intimately and will adjust the route and pace to ensure both safety and maximum enjoyment.

Distances: appx 12-14 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Day 3 Wed 19 Aug Kayak and Camp

After breakfast, we continue our sea kayaking adventure with exploration of the beautiful Family Islands, paddling approximately 6km each way from camp.

We cast off from Wheeler Island toward the nearby ‘Triplets’, part of the stunning Family Islands National Park. The coastline here is wonderfully varied with secluded sandy coves, rocky headlands and clear waters.

We pause for a swim and snorkel before enjoying lunch on the beach. Afterward, we paddle back to Wheeler Island and our campsite.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax and soak up the island atmosphere.

Distances: appx 12 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Day 4 Thu 20 Aug Kayak and Camp

After breakfast, we break down camp and paddle south toward Dunk Island. Conditions permitting, we circumnavigate the island by kayak, tracing its lush slopes and quiet beaches from the water.
After landing, we set up camp and enjoy lunch. Dunk Island’s campground offers additional facilities, including showers!

In the afternoon, there is the option to hike the 7km return trail to the summit of Mount Kootaloo (approximately 2–3 hours). The climb rewards with sweeping views across the Family Islands and the mainland coastline.

This evening, we gather for our last dinner by the sea.

Distances: appx 12 km kayaking; optional 7km hiking

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Day 5 Fri 21 Aug Kayak, Return to Cairns

Our final morning begins slowly with a relaxed pack-down and a big beachside breakfast together. We then load the kayaks one last time and paddle approximately 5–7km back to the mainland.

There are toilet facilities and the option of a quick shower to freshen up before we drive back to Cairns Airport.

Distances: appx 7 km

Meals: Breakfast

Important Notes

Every effort will be made to follow the itinerary as planned, but please remember this is adventure travel and conditions can change unexpectedly. Weather or the health of fellow travelers may require adjustments. We’ll do our best to keep things on track, but a flexible and easy-going attitude is essential for the best experience.

Occasionally, certain experiences or activities may need to be modified or skipped due to circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, refunds will not be provided for any missed components of the itinerary.

Adventurous Women Tour Leader
Professional kayaking guides
1 night accommodation in a twin-share motel room; 3 nights in a single pop-up tent
Meals as listed in the itinerary
Equipment rental: kayak, paddles, PFD, tent
Transfer by bus/van to and from Cairns airport

"Loved every minute of the trip! Organisation was great, tour leader (Jazzy) was fabulous, and the other women on the walk were just lovely"

Celia Nepal

"So well organised by the team nothing was a problem so helpful lots of fun with the other Adventurous Women"

Lorrie Ningaloo Reef

"I loved the great group of women and the variety of activities. We hiked, cooked, kayaked, met elephants, laughed, swam and ate. Marie’s knowledge of her homeland made this a memorable experience"

Michelle Cambodia

"Loved the week hiking with Anna & an inspiring group of women. Really well organised, fun, delicious food, amazing scenery. Highly recommend"

Sue Bibbulmun Track

"A stunning part of the world to hike with a special group of awesome women, led by our wonderful leader Lyn"

Tammy Japan

Cancellation & Refunds

Cancellation by Adventurous Women:
In the event that we cancel a tour or are unable to guarantee the departure due to not meeting minimum numbers, we will provide a full refund.

Cancellation by you:

90+ days before departure - Loss of deposit (partial voucher available*)
75-89 days before departure - Loss of deposit
74 days or less before departure - Loss of all payments
No refund is available once a tour has commenced

*Multi-day tour cancellations made 90+ days before departure are eligible for a $250 voucher

We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance with trip cancellation cover for peace of mind.

View our full booking terms & conditions

The Adventurous Women Way

The magic of our trips comes from travellers bringing a supportive mindset, a go-with-the-flow attitude, and a genuine spirit of adventure.

We explore beautiful, often remote places where life moves at a different pace. Flexibility, a little humour and positivity go a long way in creating an atmosphere where everyone feels free to be themselves and make the adventure far more rewarding.

Find more about the Adventurous Women Way and travelling with AW

Exclusions

The following is not included in the cost of the tour:

Domestic flights
Drinks other than water
Meals other than listed
Sleeping bag (available for hire)
Expenses of a personal nature

Solo Travellers

If you’re travelling solo not to worry, you’re in good company! Many of our travellers join solo and our trips are designed to feel welcoming and supportive from the moment you arrive. It’s a great way to meet like-minded women, and friendships often form quickly along the way.

For the accommodation, we’ll pair you with a room buddy for the night in Mission Beach and you’ll have a solo tent for the three nights of kayaking

Arrival & Departure Details

The tour begins in Cairns airport at 1:45 pm on 17 August 2026. Please book a flight landing at 1.30pm or earlier. If arriving the night before, you’ll need to make your way to the airport to meet the group. We will be heading straight to Mission Beach from the airport.

The tour concludes on 21 August with our return to Cairns Airport at approximately 2:30 PM. We recommend that any departing flights be scheduled no earlier than 4:30 PM to allow sufficient time.

Who will be leading the trip?

All AW trips are accompanied by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. Their role is to take the hassle out of your travels and help you get the most out of your experience, while embracing the Adventurous Women way.

On this trip, you’ll also be joined by experienced, professional kayaking guides. They are not only extremely knowledgeable about kayaking but also about nature and wildlife. They will also be preparing meals and assisting with camp set up.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

We do our best to accommodate dietary requirements and food allergies on every tour.

As we will be spending three nights camping, ingredients for meals are purchased and portioned in advance. We're committed to meeting dietary needs wherever possible, but it's important that any requirements are communicated accurately at the time of booking.

If you request a specific diet (e.g. vegetarian, gluten-free) but then choose not to follow it during the trip, it can lead to unnecessary waste and may also mean that other guests have less food available to them. We appreciate your help in planning responsibly so we can cater fairly and effectively for everyone.

What are the camp sites like?

We’ll stay one night in a comfortable motel in Mission Beach. Then there will be three nights camping on the beach.

The camping set-up is comfortable: single tents with air mattresses and toilet facilities nearby (timber-framed compost toilets on Wheeler Island and flushing toilets on Dunk Island. Should the water conditions not allow us to reach the planned camp sites, thunderbox toilets will be set up

Is travel insurance required?

A trip is an investment and as with any investment, you should take steps to protect it and plan for contingencies.

Travel insurance on domestic tours with Adventurous Women is not mandatory. It is, however, highly recommended, particularly because most policies allow you to add cover for trip cancellation, disruption and curtailment.

In the event of illness or injury, your private health insurance or Medicare will generally cover your medical treatment if you need to visit the hospital.

What your private health insurance may not cover is ambulance costs, which can be significant. Some states offer affordable ambulance membership schemes. Unless you are a Queensland resident (who receives free ambulance cover Australia-wide), you might wish to look at options available to you.

If you are looking for a recommendation, we suggest Go Insurance. Through a partnership with this insurer AW guests receive a 10% discount off the cost of insurance using this link (discount will be applied at checkout)