Macushla to Cape Richards

Starting from South Macushla Campsite, Hinchinbrook Island, this walk takes you to Cape Richards and back. The area hosts orange-footed scrub fowls and different rainforest pigeons, which makes it suitable for birdwatching enthusiasts. Additionally, you can enjoy the tranquillity as you step on the track and see the open beach views. After you have a peaceful walk along the coastline, arrive at Cape Richards and enjoy the pristine beach, where it is possible to fish, swim and surf with calm tides. You might want to take plenty of water as there is not a lot of shade along the track. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

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Safer Bushwalks

Tips on staying safe on track

Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There

Transport options and directions

Start	(-18.2278101,146.219877)
Mode	Special (You can access the starting point via a private vessel (a boat or a kayak).)
Finish	(-18.1942016,146.223417)
Mode (end)	Special (You can access the starting point via a private vessel (a boat or a kayak).)

Track Notes

Turn by turn instructions & maps

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start heading along North Shepherd Bay Track a.k.a. Macushla to Cape Richards. Find the South Macushla at the start. Campsite managed byParks and Wildlife Service. There is a fee to use this campsite. Then pass the toilet (30 m on your right). After another 40 m pass the picnic table (20 m on your right). After another 510 m come to the "North Macushla" (10 m on your right). Campsite managed byParks and Wildlife Service. There is a fee to use this campsite. After another 40 m pass the toilet (9 m on your right).
	After another 830 m (at the intersection of North Shepherd Bay Track a.k.a. Macushla to Cape Richards & South Shepard Bay Track) veer left, to head along North Shepherd Bay Track a.k.a. Macushla to Cape Richards.
	After another 3.8 km turn right, to head along North Shepherd Bay Track a.k.a. Macushla to Cape Richards.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This side trip takes you to another viewpoint that offers you panoramic views to the east, visiting Orchid Beach along the way. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 80 m turn left. After another 210 m come to a viewpoint.
	The end.

This side trip takes you to another viewpoint that offers you panoramic views to the east, visiting Orchid Beach along the way.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start heading along North Shepherd Bay Track a.k.a. Macushla to Cape Richards. After another 630 m continue straight, to head along North Shepherd Bay Track a.k.a. Macushla to Cape Richards.
	After another 40 m come to a viewpoint. The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 670 m to the main route.

Terrain

Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Macushla to Cape Richards

Grading

	Class 3/6 Moderate track
Length	5.6 km
Time	1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Experience Required	No experience required (2/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)

Some facilities on route

Camp site: There are 2 on route, on average they are 1.9 km apart with the largest gap of 5 km.

Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 1.9 km apart with the largest gap of 5 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	50 m	[toilet]
Camp site	65 m	South Macushla
Camp site	600 m	North Macushla
Toilet	640 m	[toilet]

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