Monday 19th July 2021
Well we were up early today as we still have 7.5km to hike before our collection at George Point at midday. So after packing up we had one last swim in the Mulligan Falls rock pool. It felt a lot cooler this morning and the sun was hiding behind the clouds today.

We set off at about 9am with an expected 2.5 hour hike to go. We started through the vibrant green rainforest, crossed some creeks, walked through swamp land, passed areas ravaged by wild boar, up and down a few steep rocky hills, passed some amazing trees, then we made it to the beach. We were lucky it was overcast as it was still a long walk along the beach and in bright tropical sunlight it would have been very hot and uncomfortable. It was very low tide but once again I stayed a long way from the water, I was a big chicken, David couldn’t convince me to get closer. We came to the big crocodile creek but as it was planned the crossing was at low tide so we didn’t even have to remove our shoes. There had been a crocodile sighting there within the last seven days, but unfortunately for David it wasn’t to be seen today. Some times the crossing is waist to chest deep, with crocs about that is definitely not for me. The beach was strewn with trees washed up on shore.

The entire walk was quite spectacular, the terrain and scenery so diverse, the waterfalls and swimming holes so refreshing and beautiful and clear, it was an exceptionally amazing hike. One we would recommend to anyone interested in remote multi-day hikes.

We waited for about 30 mins for John to arrive to ferry us back to Lucinda. We then enjoyed a lovely lunch at the Lucinda Point Hotel with our new friends from the hike.

After lunch and on the way to Cardwell, John had given David the GPS co-ordinates for a 4m crocodile sighted today at Hallifax but unfortunately it was no longer there. Poor David was so disappointed. We then headed on to Cardwell, a 45 minute drive north to our home for the next two nights, a comfy bed and a shower. Yay!!

Day 4 – Track Notes
Mulligan Falls to George Point (Grade: difficult)
Distance: 7.5 km Time: allow about 2.5 hrs hiking time
Use caution when crossing Diamantina Creek, particularly if the creek is swollen after heavy rain. Follow the markers diagonally across the creek before the trail continues up a short slope and descends a steep hillside to reach the base of Mulligan Falls. Camping here is restricted to one night. The vegetation in this area is typical of lowland rainforest communities found on Hinchinbrook Island. On a clear day, this section affords good views of Lucinda and the Palm Island Group. Do not enter the restricted access area at the falls. Death and serious injuries have occurred when people have entered this area. Rock pavements, including those well back from the falls, are extremely slippery and dangerous. Collect fresh water before leaving Mulligan Falls as water sources are not reliable further along the trail.

Mulligan Falls to George Point (Grade: difficult)
Distance: 7.5 km Time: allow about 2.5 hrs hiking time
From Mulligan Falls the trail follows the coast, travelling through rainforest and crossing five creeks. The last, Moth Creek, provides only seasonal fresh water and should not be relied upon. About 300m south of the Diamantina Creek inlet, a sign indicates the northern entrance to Mulligan Bay. George Point the southern exit of the trail, is a further 5 km walk along the beach. About 2 km along, Mulligan Creek flows into the bay and it is advisable to cross this creek at low to half tide. Fresh water is not available here or at George Point, at the southern end of Mulligan Bay.