Community
27 September, 2024
Enthusiasts hit the Wangetti Trail this week.
WALKERS, joggers and mountain bike riders will be surrounded by towering trees, vibrant flora, the sounds of tropical birds and insects and animals today as they become the first to travel along the first stage of the $47.1 million Wangetti Trail.
They may also encounter the endangered southern cassowary, rufous owl and grey goshawk, and the vulnerable Macleay’s fig-parrot.
The first stage of the trail between Port Douglas and Palm Cove opens today at 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 trail, from Palm Cove jetty to the 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 signs along the way that provide information on viewing and rest areas, as well as local wildlife.
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 $390m into the local economy while creating more than 150 local jobs during construction and operation.
Tourism Minister and Member for Cairns Michael Healy said it was “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 applicants who have been with us every step of the way, helping design the track and protect the cultural and environmental heritage,” he said.
“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.”
Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said the first section was “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.”
Environment Minister Leanne Linard said the opening of the first stage would be “a landmark day for Far North Queensland”.
The community is invited to Seclusion Drive at Palm Cove at 10am for the ribbon cutting. Register at the Wangetti Trail Facebook page, or to find more information on the project head to www.qld.gov.au/wangettitrail
