# Thorsborne Trail — A unique GPS-based Trail Guide

> Offline GPS trail guide for Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Island. (iPhone/iPad app by jonathan ide.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thorsborne-trail/id1448326054 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [jonathan ide](https://appshunter.io/developer/1081704381)
- Category: Navigation, Sports
- Price: $2.99
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.6 · 57 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2019-01-13
- Data updated: 2026-08-25
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thorsborne-trail/id1448326054/reviews.md

## What is Thorsborne Trail?

This is the only app for hikers either walking or thinking of walking the iconic Thorsborne Trail on World Heritage listed Hinchinbrook Island in Far North Queensland, Australia. It is the perfect electronic guide and provides a rich set of features. The Island has very limited cellular access so the app aims to provide  the hiker all of its comprehensive information without the need for a mobile connection. 

The app provides the hiker with both an on and off-line accessible topological Island map. This map can be zoomed and panned to show different perspectives of the trail and a satellite view is available when on-line. The map provides key trail-specific GPS generated features. These include the actual trail itself and useful metrics such as the distance walked so far, distance to the nearest water source and camp site. The app also provides a selectable set of icons that mark key locations on the trail for all season water sources, hiking season water sources, tidal creeks and locations for limited cellular access and also campsites. The hikers exact positional latitude and longitude is also provided by the map should that information be needed. The information provided by the app is a distillation of local knowledge some of which cannot be found anywhere else.

The app also provides the user with comprehensive trail notes in both directions of the walk. The hiker can switch between the map metric view and the route notes with a simple tab touch and both directions of the walk are covered by the guide in a simple clear format designed for reading. 

The app emphasises safety on the trail - Hinchinbrook is a wild and unspoilt island with a few hazards which are identified by the app and should an emergency arise it will provide assistance in providing you not only your exact position but also locations on the trail where a call can be made. The app also provides off line BOM Lucinda tidal charts for the year. Knowing the tidal range for the days of your hike and where the tidal crossings are, including safe water levels which vary by creek, will ensure that you can plan a safe and unhindered walk. The app provides all this information to hikers.

For those wanting to see what a North to South Hike may look like from the comfort of your home there is a "Walk Simulation" feature in the settings menu - this shows an accelerated version of what the app will look like on the trail itself and will be a feature that is developed further in future releases to provide more information to the hiker for trip planning.

The app is perfect for those just thinking of doing the walk -  the menu provides all the information you need to book the trail and the transfers required to get there along with a host of other useful information. There is even a gallery of  our favourite spots on the Island and I'm sure when you see them you will understand why this walk deserves its own app - quite simply its one of the best in the world. Happy Hiking!

## Key features

- Offline topological island map
- GPS-generated trail metrics
- Key location markers
- Comprehensive trail notes
- Safety hazard identification
- Offline tidal charts
- Walk simulation feature

## Recent user reviews (6 of 6)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thorsborne-trail/id1448326054/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Really well made and useful

*2024-10-24*

I walked the Trail in September 2024. I used this app a lot to check tide times and water points. I use an iPhone on Optus. Even without signal, the app worked really well to track my progress on the map. One nice feature is the audible alert when you are approaching an area where mobile signal is likely, in case you want to send home a proof of life :). Other good safety features are identifying croc spots and extraction points where you could meet a boat in an emergency, and also that you can easily send a text with your coordinates via the app. I was lucky enough to meet the app developer during my trip. I believe he walks the trail regularly, so the app is based on first hand knowledge and is kept up to date.

### 5/5 — Invaluable app

*2022-04-07*

As an experienced hiker I found this app truly invaluable. The app tracked our walk, told us where all the water sources are and informed us of what the days trail would be like. A must have if you plan on hiking Hinchinbrook Island!

### 5/5 — A great app - must have for the Trail!

*2021-08-08*

This app is super helpful and really easy to use. So good having a GPS pinpoint on your location during the walk, great to know where you are and where you are going. Heaps of helpful information (all accessible with no reception), in particular knowing exactly where all the fresh water is. Cheers John!!

### 5/5 — A valuable resource

*2020-08-27*

This app was so good to have as a source of information about the trail, water collection points etc. As a solo traveller the app became my second set of eyes in the tricky places where some markers were hard to find. Just a quick look at the app and it’s trail notes and, bingo, back on track.

### 5/5 — Great!

*2019-10-02*

Absolute must have for the trail. Everything you need is offline so don’t need mobile service. Offline maps and tidal charts. Tracks your progress along the way and sends alerts as you approach mobile coverage and creek crossings. Feels very reassuring having marked Waterpoints and watching your progress along the trail. Well worth it

### 5/5 — Ms

*2019-07-28*

This app was so good to have while trekking the Thorsborne Trail. Paper maps are cool but we felt so much safer knowing EXACTLY where we were at all times. It also really helped so that we could plan our intake of food and water knowing how far through each days trek we were. This app is an absolute must for anyone doing the trail and John the developer has so much knowledge of the area.

## Frequently asked questions about Thorsborne Trail

### Does Thorsborne Trail have ads?

No, Thorsborne Trail does not contain advertisements. The app is ad-free, allowing for an uninterrupted user experience.

### What is the price of Thorsborne Trail?

Thorsborne Trail is a paid app, available for a one-time purchase of $2.99. This price grants you full access to all its features.

### What devices support Thorsborne Trail?

Thorsborne Trail is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is designed for iOS users.

### How often is Thorsborne Trail updated?

The app was last updated on March 8, 2026, indicating a commitment to ongoing development and improvements. Users can expect regular updates.

### What is the age rating for Thorsborne Trail?

Thorsborne Trail has an age rating of 4+. This suggests it is suitable for a wide range of users, including younger hikers with adult supervision.

### Can I use Thorsborne Trail offline?

Yes, Thorsborne Trail is designed for offline use. It provides an offline topological island map and comprehensive information, crucial for areas with limited cellular access.

### What kind of safety features does Thorsborne Trail offer?

Thorsborne Trail emphasizes safety by identifying trail hazards and providing your exact position in emergencies. It also highlights locations where a call can be made.

### Does Thorsborne Trail provide tidal information?

Yes, Thorsborne Trail includes offline BOM Lucinda tidal charts for the year. This is vital for planning safe passage across tidal crossings.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.55 — 2026-05-27

- Improved legibility of labels and some of the Map icons
- Added wording to direct users to use the Satellite View when crossing Mulligan Creek

### 1.54 — 2026-04-25

- Added labels for Fan Palm and Cypress Pine creeks
- Misc. changes including information about Telstra Satellite messaging

### 1.53 — 2026-04-15

- New trail route to avoid deep water at Mulligan Creek
- Water access information at L. Ramsay Bay
- Misc. wording changes

### 1.52 — 2026-03-08

- Revised ANC ferry pick-up times for 2026

### 1.51 — 2026-02-14

- Updated pick-up times for 2026

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-25.*
