World Expeditions Announces Bookings Open on New Thorsborne Trail Walking Experience

In a major milestone for sustainable tourism and nature-based adventure travel, bookings for World Expeditions’ new guided walk on the Thorsborne Trail on Munamudanamy (Hinchinbrook Island) are now open, offering walkers a new and immersive walking experience on one of Australia’s most revered remote and wild nature experiences. The season is open May through October.

Underpinned by deep respect for Country, culture and conservation, the Thorsborne Trail Walking Experience spans 32 kilometres across Munamudanamy, a destination celebrated for its untouched beauty, tropical diversity and remoteness. Traversing cloud forests, waterfalls and coastal mangroves, the trail is home to rich biodiversity including cassowaries, dugongs and vibrant birdlife.

The Queensland Government, through the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI), selected World Expeditions Travel Group (WETG) to deliver fully supported guided walking experiences on the Thorsborne Trail following a competitive tender process in late 2024.

Director of WETG Australasian Operating Companies, Michael Buggy, described the new guided walk as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to help shape the future of the Thorsborne Trail in line with global best practice in ecotourism.

“The launch of our Thorsborne Trail Walk reinforces World Expeditions’ ongoing commitment to regenerative tourism in Australia and beyond. We’re proud to play a role in shaping a future for walking where nature, community and culture are front and centre,” said Buggy.

“At the heart of what we do is creating journeys that honour and protect the landscapes we explore,” he continued. “This new experience will make the Thorsborne Trail more accessible for people who may not have the gear or confidence to undertake it independently, while maintaining the wild and untouched ethos that makes it so special. We’re privileged to have developed the project in close collaboration with the Bandjin people, Traditional Owners of Munamudanamy, and the Girramay People, Traditional Owners of Cardwell.”

Named after renowned conservationists Margaret and Arthur Thorsborne, the trail has long been a symbol of grassroots environmental stewardship. The new operation builds on that legacy through a unique partnership between the Queensland Government, Traditional Owners and World Expeditions. The new operational partnership aims to uphold the trail’s wild ethos while improving access, education, and visitor support.

“From ancient practices to modern reflections, every aspect of the tours will celebrate the enduring bond between the people and Munamudanamy as well as the intricate connection to the natural environment. We’re looking forward to sharing its beauty and cultural significance with visitors from around the world," say the Bandjin People, underlining the profound spirit of this initiative.

The Girramay People added: “This initiative is not only about sharing our stories with visitors, but also about creating meaningful opportunities for our community."

The 4-day / 3-night guided walk has been designed to enhance access while protecting the ecological and cultural integrity of the trail. Walkers will be supported by experienced guides, giving more people the opportunity to experience the trail safely, comfortably and responsibly. The product has been developed under strict minimal-impact and leave-no-trace principles and will feature low-impact group sizes, high guide-to-guest ratios, and carefully located campsites.

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government was delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.

“We promised 45 ecotourism experiences when we launched Destination 2045 – to have already delivered three in time for Christmas shows spectacular progress for Queensland’s tourism industry,” Minister Powell said. 

“By championing projects like this, we can showcase Queensland’s incredible natural landscapes, delivering more experiences in our globally-acclaimed environment that inspire future conservationists to protect it. 

“Step aside New Zealand, move over Tasmania – Queensland is setting a new bar for ecotourism.”