This was published 5 years ago
Scenic Rim walking trail a huge step for ecotourism
By Lucy Stone
A new five-day, 55-kilometre walking trail through the Scenic Rim has been approved by the state government, with hopes it could rival guided walks Australia-wide.
Owned and developed by the Turner family, the $10 million Spicers Scenic Rim Trail will cross two private properties, a nature reserve and national park.
Spicers Scenic Rim Trail will take visitors through a five-day hike to stay at eco-cabins along the way.
Eco-cabins will be installed as part of the trail, which will be an extension of existing walking tracks. The development will also include two sustainable eco-camps and improve public camping and hiking facilities.
Tourism Minister Kate Jones announced the project had received full approval on Friday, saying ecotourism "made sense" for Queensland.
“That’s why we’re working with tourism operators to deliver projects that will create jobs and pump millions of dollars into our economy," she said.
“We also know that projects like this will have a positive impact on our environment in the long term.
"By showing more people the natural beauty of our rainforests, we’re promoting conservation of our national parks.”
An artist impression of the eco-cabins on the five-day Scenic Rim trail experience.
The new walking trail was proposed when the state government sought new ecotourism ventures for national parks to unlock opportunity and raise awareness of conservation and cultural resources.
Visitors will take the trail to walk from Mt Mistake, through Spicers Peak Nature Reserve and Main Range National Park.
Spicers Retreat is one of several ecotourism ventures owned by the Turner family in the region.
The walk is expected to open later this year after a six-month construction time frame.
Other ventures they own include three nature refuges and the $20 million Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre at Grandchester.
Founder Jude Turner said her passion was to share the region with others.
“I’m a passionate walker and I believe there is great benefit to disconnecting from city life and spending time in nature," she said.
“I felt that Queensland deserved to be represented in the Great Walks of Australia collection with an experience that could rival guided walks in other parts of Australia and New Zealand.
"The Spicers Scenic Rim Trail will do just that.”
The trail is planned to open later this year.