The first stage of the Wangetti Trail has officially opened to the public
Hikers, mountain bike riders and outdoor adventurers are experiencing the Wangetti Trail for the first time after the historic official opening of stage one today.
The 7.8km section through lush, shady rainforest from Palm Cove Jetty to Ellis Beach traverses bushland and coastal scenery with towering trees, vibrant flora and wildlife with breathtaking panoramic views south to Double Island and north to Port Douglas.
Helicopters have delivered concrete to various sections along the trail for the 17 bridges and water crossings in this first section, while over 200 community members have planted more than 2500 native plants.
Traditional Owners have been heavily involved, with up to 12 Caring for Country Officers employed directly for the protection of cultural heritage during construction.
Trail builders will soon be back to work on Stage 2, which stretches a further 25km to Wangetti, crossing the Macalister Range National Park and Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, featuring a public camping site.
This second section is undergoing an alignment review following the impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, with design and approval to progress through 2024 and construction to start in early 2025 and take 12-18 months.
After that, the 54km Wangetti North section will be built from Wangetti to Mowbray River, followed by the final 7km stretch from Mowbray North to Port Douglas.
The full 94km trail is currently on track to be completed in 2026.
The completed Trail will attract thousands of new visitors to the region and inject up to $390 million into the local economy over its lifespan while creating more than 150 local jobs during construction and operation including traineeships for locals and Traditional Owners.
It will support the growth of existing industries like tourism, hospitality, accommodation and transport, with commercial opportunities to be fully explored over the next 12 months.
They could include bike hire, transportation, guided walks or bike rides, dedicated on trail accommodation and other ecotourism experiences.
Discussions are already underway with some of the best ecotourism operators in Australia to scope where and what on-trail accommodation options might look like.
These discussions will identify the top tourism and accommodation opportunities for the trail and wider region and will be opened to the market with a Registration of Interest process from March 2025 for potential operators to pitch their best experiences.
For those planning to walk the trail, the first stage 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 to provide information on viewing and rest areas, as well as local wildlife.
The Miles Labor 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 Michael Healy:
"The first stage of the Wangetti Trail gives a tantalising insight into what will be an extraordinary 94km trek through a World Heritage area and three national parks.
"This is an immersive natural experience that will become a beacon for global visitors seeking an authentic ecotourism experience.
"It also allows adventure lovers to get back in touch with the natural world while also creating a massive tourism drawcard for the Far North and delivering sustainable jobs for locals and Traditional Owners on Country for generations.
As stated by Member for Barron River Craig Crawford:
"Completing the first stage of the Trail allows us to showcase it to interested commercial partners to start developing some ideas for creating jobs and tourism benefits for the Far North.
"Projects like the Three Capes track in Tasmania give us a benchmark of just what is possible when amazing ecotourism projects are done in the right way."
"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.
As stated by Senator for Queensland Nita Green:
"The first stage of the Wangetti Trail will showcase our beautiful World Heritage Listed rainforest. "The Trail will not only offer an experience for tourists to our region but will be enjoyed by locals as well, allowing people to get to see the beautiful World Heritage area that we are so proud to call home.
"I can't wait to experience the first part of the Trail and look forward to welcoming tourists from right across the globe."
As stated by Environment Minister Leanne Linard:
"The Miles Government is doing what matters by protecting Queensland's unique environment while supporting our important tourism industry.
"The Wangetti Trail, within the iconic Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and traversing the Macalister Range, Mowbray and Kuranda national parks, will be a game-changer for ecotourism in Far North Queensland.
"The trail will showcase the Wet Tropics and the Great Barrier Reef world heritage areas and give locals and tourists a new opportunity to engage and connect with the natural environment on a new, deeper level."
As stated by the Djabugay Nation Applicant Group:
"We are representing the five groups – Djabuganydji, Yirrganydji, Nyagali, Buluwanydji and Guluy.
"The Wangetti Trail covers a highly significant cultural area – it follows the ancient Trail used by our People as traditional walking tracks throughout the Country to connect, trade, celebrate together and conduct cultural practices.
"Every part along the Trail has a story that has been handed down through generations.
"Our Caring for Country Officers' involvement on the Trail is to make sure that our cultural heritage is preserved and protected.
"This is critical for our culture and well-being. It is helping us get back out on Country and visit places we haven't seen for a long time so as to carry on cultural responsibilities and the stories for the next generations.
"By recognising the Trail's significance to Our People, it supports the process of healing.
"The Wangetti Trail will showcase our ancient culture, stories, history, and our Country's natural wonders to share with the world."
Images:
This is the Dropbox link to the Wangetti Trail photos, interviews, video and trail maps.
