An early start is often necessary, usually 7.00am but will be confirmed by your guides to make the most of favourable winds and tides. We drive by bus to our departure point at Lucinda two hours south of Mission Beach. Beside the longest jetty in the Southern Hemisphere we pack our kayaks, practise our paddling skills and discuss all safety procedures. 

We may have a light lunch then set off across the channel to our first landing site on Hinchinbrook island. After lunch we paddle on taking in the southern reaches of Hinchinbrook Island. Our first night camp is at Mulligans Bay, Sunken Reef or even Zoe bay depending on wind and weather. 

Following the coast, we head north into stunning Zoe Bay with the verdant backdrop of Mount Bowen (1142 metres) and the Thumb. Here we can explore the rainforest, following Zoe Creek up to the unforgettably refreshing clear pools of Zoe Falls. A relaxing swim and early lunch is enjoyed before we continue along the coast where our days paddle finishes at sheltered Agnes Beach campsite. 

On these days we paddle past many secluded little coves and beaches hidden along the rocky coastline, the escarpments of the Mt Bowen massif always present to instil that wild island impression. We paddle the length of Ramsey Bay curving north then head for Cape Sandwich the most easterly point on Hinchinbrook Island. Rounding Cape Sandwich is one of our crux moves for the trip and can involve some specific timing regarding wind and swell. The high sand dunes and sparse vegetation of this part of the island contrast greatly with the craggy grandeur of the previous days paddling. We end our days at Banksia Beach and Sunset Beach with a sunset drink and a delicious meal. 

Heading towards the northern point of the island we paddle across scenic Shepard Bay towards Cape Richards where the pandanus and casuarinas seem to defy the elements by surviving on these exposed rocky headlands. After picnic lunching on beautiful Orchid Beach we paddle around the northern headland of Hinchinbrook Island and make a short crossing to Goold Island's sheltered beaches. That night we camp on beautiful Goold Island which affords great views, excellent beachcombing and if tides are right a look at ancient fish traps. 

We set off leaving Hinchinbrook and Goold Islands behind us heading north. This is our longest open water crossing to the verdant rainforest isles of the Family Island Group. These tiny islands are surrounded in fringing reef with white sandy beaches. The sheltered campground of Wheeler Island offers beautiful views back towards Hinchinbrook's lofty peaks and west to view the sunset over mainland Australia. 

Our last day on the water has a leisurely start as we leave Wheeler Island to pass Bedarra and Timana Islands, two of the eleven that make up the Family Islands. Dunk Island is the most well-known of these islands and the last Island stop of our expedition before returning to Australia and landing at Mission Beach for our final delicious lunch together. The end