Hinchinbrook Island December 1967
Journey back to December 1967 on Hinchinbrook Island, where a small party tackled Pineapple Peak ridge, Mt Bowen, the Thumb, and Diamantina. With rope climbs, creek routes, tidal estuary crossings, and rugged campsites, this classic North Queensland trek offered wild beauty and tough adventure.
Party:
Marion + Sue Speirs, Lou Damenigo, Peter Reinam
Route:
The Pineapple Pk ridge approach to Bowen is fairly clear and very pleasant. Traverse Pineapple Pk on a high ledge to its south. To climb North Peak ascend from the saddle between it & Mt Bowen.
From the saddle a good track leads to the top of Mt Bowen.
We had to use a rope to abseil into the Bowen-Thumb saddle.
To descend the Thumb's SE ridge a rope is needed. Abseil onto ledges on the southern side of the ridge.
To cross the estuary at Zoe Bay a swim is necessary. Tides should be watched to avoid strong currents.
The climb of Diamantina is straightforward.
General Notes:
- Contains marvellous, spectacular country.
- Lack of backfires & dense banksia & heath, ferns and wiry grass can cause slow, frustrating progress.
- It is best to keep to the creeks below 1000'.
- Mosquitoes & sandflies inhabit lowlands below 1000'.
- Party of 4 allows admirable unity & flexibility. Further, many campsites are very cramped & unsuitable for larger parties.
- Protection for ankles & lower legs is necessary (eg. socks).
- To avoid being demoralised it is recommended - not to spend more than 5 ... TEXT CUT OFF...
Details of campsites:
- ① * On top of ridge in saddle
- ② On top of ridge
- ③ Clearing in banksia
- ④ * On top of rock 100 yds NW of Bowen-Thumb saddle
- ② (in red circle) On top of lump below the summit cliff & about 100 yds from it.
- ⑤ * On top of hill (at 1100' on map) NE of E. end of the SE ridge of the Thumb
- ④ * (in red circle) In saddle just west of "The Fringes"
- ⑥ On top of ridge
- ⑦ * Flat spot above large granite slabs
- ⑧ * On granite slab
* means water close at hand (in a box)
