The first stage of the Wangetti Trail will open on Wednesday 25 September 2024
The first stage of one of the world's great future ecotourism trails will open to hikers and mountain bikers at Palm Cove on Wednesday 25 September 2024.
The official opening will take place from 10am at Seclusion Drive, Palm Cove, with introductions to the trail flora and fauna by the Wangetti Shadow Ranger at 11am and noon.
The much anticipated first 7.8km section of the Wangetti Trail, from Palm Cove Jetty to Ellis Beach foreshore is rated as Grade 3 – suitable for most ages and fitness levels, with a few sharp turns and steep narrow sections.
A one-way journey will take roughly three hours for hikers and 45 minutes for mountain bike riders, with hikers having right of way on the two-way, shared track.
There is no water along the trail, anyone choosing to walk the track is encouraged to bring sufficient water, recommended three litres, if travelling one-way, and they should arrange a pick-up or transport at the other end unless embarking on the challenging return trip, which also means taking a recommended six litres of water.
There will be trailhead markers and signage along the way that provide information on viewing and rest areas, as well as local wildlife.
Visitors can expect to be surrounded by towering trees, vibrant flora, the sounds of tropical birds and insects and animals like the musky rat-kangaroo.
The landscape of the Wet Tropics provides critical habitat for the endangered southern cassowary, rufous owl and grey goshawk, and the vulnerable Macleay's fig-parrot.
Once complete, the full 94km trail from Palm Cove to Port Douglas will span a World Heritage area and three national parks showcasing breathtaking panoramic views of Double Island, Trinity Beach and Cairns, and opportunities to croc-spot along the Mowbray River.
The full trail is currently on track to be completed in 2026, attracting thousands of new visitors to the region and injecting up to $390 million into the local economy while creating more than 150 local jobs during construction and operation.
The Queensland Government is delivering the $47.1 million Wangetti Trail, which includes an investment of $8 million from the Australian Government's National Tourism Icons Program.
As stated by Tourism Minister and Member for Cairns Michael Healy:
"This will be an historic day for Far North Queensland when visitors from all walks of life can say they were some of the first to tackle the Wangetti Trail.
"It has been a true team effort to get here, and I want to pay tribute to the Djabugay Nation Native Title Claim Applicant who have been with us every step of the way, helping design the track and protect the cultural and environmental heritage.
"We've seen helicopter airlifts to protect the forest, a Shadow Ranger employed to monitor construction, 20 tonnes of rubbish removed, and 1800 native trees planted by the community.
"It will deliver sustainable, long-term business opportunities for locals, the Traditional Owners and their future generations, attracting thousands of new visitors to the region and injecting up to $390 million into the local economy.
As stated by Member for Barron River Craig Crawford:
"The first section of Trail is a sneak peek into what will be a stunning 94km trail running all the way to Port Douglas providing a challenging full-day or multi-day mountain bike ride or a five-night hike.
"The Wangetti Trail will help make Queensland a global leader in sustainable tourism experiences, showcasing Tropical North Queensland's stunning coastal and hinterland scenery from Palm Cove to Port Douglas
"Come along on Wednesday 25 September from 10am and be one of the first to walk the Wangetti Trail."
As stated by Environment Minister Leanne Linard:
"The opening of the first stage of the Wangetti Trail will be a landmark day for Far North Queensland. The trail will connect even more people with the region's breathtaking natural environment as well as its deep cultural history. It will also ensure the protection of this stunning natural environment for future generations because we know people who experience nature are more likely to care for it.
"The key focus for this project has been to give more people the ability to experience the important environmental and cultural values without impacting the World Heritage Area and by working with key stakeholders we have been able to achieve this.
"Only the Miles Government is committed to protecting our unique environment while supporting our important tourism industry."
