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Sustainability
There is nothing quite like the instantly calming sound of waterfalls. Hiking through a stunning rainforest alongside rocky creek with little waterfalls in Queensland, Australia. Photography: Jakub @ Adobe Stock.
‘Leave No Trace’ – sustainable hiking on Queensland’s spectacular Ngaro Track and Thorsborne Trail
By Geoffrey Williams
Walking might be the simplest form of travel, but it can also be one of the most rewarding, especially when the path leads through some of Australia’s most extraordinary island landscapes. For solo travellers, walking offers freedom and focus, a chance to focus, reflect, and connect with nature on our own terms.
‘Leave No Trace’ is a set of principles designed to guide us toward eliminating our impact on natural environments. By encouraging practices such as packing out all waste, respecting wildlife, staying on designated trails, and leaving what you find, Leave No Trace means protecting the landscapes we cherish, ensuring these places remain pristine and accessible for generations to come.
Marking a significant milestone for sustainable tourism in Australia, World Expeditions has been selected to deliver the fully supported guided walking experiences along two of Queensland’s most stunning coastal hikes – the Ngaro Track on Whitsunday Island and the Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island (Munamudanamy). Both of these journeys offer very different but equally unforgettable walking experiences. One is a brand-new track in a world-famous island paradise, the other a revered wilderness route for experienced hikers. Both offer an immersion in nature and deep time, where solo travellers can experience Country in its raw, unfiltered beauty.
These walks invite travellers to experience remote beaches, lush forests, and vibrant wildlife – all while embracing a commitment to preserving these delicate ecosystems. Walking sustainably means treading lightly, respecting the environment, and ensuring these natural treasures can be enjoyed for generations to come. Both trails combine challenging terrain with breathtaking scenery, making them ideal for solo adventurers who want to reconnect with nature in its purest form. Whether you’re trekking through tropical rainforest or along pristine shorelines, these tracks offer a memorable journey that nurtures body and mind.
The 32-kilometre Ngaro Track, years in planning and constructed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, offers a rare opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity and Indigenous heritage of Whitsunday Island – the largest island in the Whitsunday Islands National Park and a key site within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Traversing ancient rainforest growing on sand, dramatic vine thickets, rocky headlands, and high lookouts like Whitsunday Craig, the Ngaro Track links the iconic Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Queensland, Australia. Photography: Jovannig @ Adobe Stock.
Crucially, the project was developed in partnership with the Ngaro People, Traditional Owners of Whitsunday Island. Their deep spiritual connection and knowledge of Country are woven into the interpretive storytelling that guides the journey. World Expeditions is committed to continuing the work of the Ngaro people to ensure that Ngaro culture and history is a prominent part of the experience for those on the track.
“Through our partnership with World Expeditions, we're redefining ecotourism with experiences that are not only scenic but also smart, low-impact, and deeply respectful of culture and Country”, said Queensland’s Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell. “The Ngaro Track and Thorsborne Trail deliver world-class walking adventures that connect people to place, inspire environmental stewardship, and showcase the very best of Queensland's natural beauty."
World Expeditions has also been appointed to operate fully supported 4 days/3 nights guided walking tours on the Thorsborne Trail. Named after pioneering conservationists Arthur and Margaret Thorsborne, the trail one of Australia's most revered wilderness trails and is renowned for its biodiversity and untouched landscapes.
Managed under strict minimal-impact and Leave No Trace principles, the new operational partnership aims to uphold the trail's wild ethos while improving access, education, and visitor support. The project was developed in close collaboration with the Traditional Owners of Hinchinbrook Island, the Bandjin and Girramay People.
Bandjin and Girramay People, World Expeditions, and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service are working together to establish lasting partnerships in sustainable ecotourism. Photography: © World Expeditions.
“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 to reconnect with the island. Together we aim to celebrate and preserve the enduring bond between our people and Munamudanamy, ensuring its legacy continues to inspire future generations."
“At the heart of what we do is creating journeys that honour and protect the landscapes we explore,” said Michael Buggy, General Manager of Australian Walking Holidays. “The Ngaro Track and the Thorsborne Trail represent that mission. We're privileged to work with the Traditional Owners of Whitsunday Island, the Ngaro People, and Hinchinbrook Island, the Bandjin and Girramay People, to help shape the next chapter of these spectacular walks.”
In an Australian first, World Expeditions' division Australian Walking Holidays will deliver an immersive 3 days/2 nights, low-impact walking experience, supported by purpose-built infrastructure including two beautifully appointed campsites designed to enhance the walker experience.
Founded in 1975, World Expeditions is a recognised world leader in small-group adventure travel and sustainable trekking experiences. With a reputation for pioneering responsible tourism, it leads a family of 18 specialist travel brands under the World Expeditions Travel Group, including Australian Walking Holidays – the domestic operating arm of the group.
Geoffrey Williams is the Founder and Publishing Curator of The Solo Traveller.
The Solo Traveller’s top picks for Australia’s best walking trails
The Three Capes Track, Tasmania, Australia. Photography: InfiniteFlow @ Adobe Stock.
Multi-day walks
Three Capes Track (Tasmania) A 4-day guided walk, but each cape also features rewarding short hikes.
Overland Track (Tasmania) 65 km through Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park featuring alpine meadows, rainforest, and glacial lakes.
Larapinta Trail (Northern Territory) 223 km along the West MacDonnell Ranges featuring red rock, ridge lines, and ancient landscapes.
Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Island, Queensland (Munamudanamy) 32 km of rugged island wilderness, waterfalls, and remote beaches.
Cape to Cape Track (Western Australia) 135 km between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin featuring ocean cliffs, karri forests, and wildflowers.
Great Ocean Walk (Victoria) 110 km from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles featuring shipwreck coastlines, forest, and open beaches.
Day or short walks
Ngaro Track, Whitsunday Island (Queensland) Explore rainforest, lookouts and Indigenous art sites on a new cultural walking trail.
Blue Mountains Grand Canyon Walk (New South Wales) 6 km loop through lush rainforest and sandstone canyons.
Kings Canyon Rim Walk (Northern Territory) 6 km circuit with sweeping desert views and dramatic cliffs.
Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit (Tasmania) 11 km loop with stunning coastal views in Freycinet National Park.