Historic Wangetti Trail officially opens in Far North Queensland
Stage one of the $47m Wangetti Trail, located on Cairns’ northern beaches, will officially open to the public today with hikers, mountain bike riders and outdoor adventurers eager to experience it for the first time.
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Stage one of the $47m Wangetti Trail, located on Cairns’ northern beaches, will officially open to the public today with hikers, mountain bike riders and outdoor adventurers eager to experience it for the first time.
And tourism leaders are confident the track can unlock the region’s boundless potential, with the dual-use trail expected to attract thousands of new visitors and create 150 jobs, pumping up to $390m into the Far North’s economy once completed.
The recently completed section – which traverses lush, shady rainforest from Palm Cove jetty to Ellis Beach – takes in bushland and the area’s stunning coastal scenery, including breathtaking panoramic views south to Double Island and north to Port Douglas.
With the 94km trail on track to be fully opened in 2026, the initial 7.8km will give bushwalkers an idea of what lies ahead, Tourism Minister Michael Healy said.
“This is an immersive natural experience that will become a beacon for global visitors
seeking an authentic ecotourism experience,” Mr Healy said.
“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.”
It is understood discussions are already under way with leading ecotourism operators in Australia to determine what on-trail accommodation options might look like.
Negotiations 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.
Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said the trail’s opening has the potential to create unforeseen business opportunities for the region.
“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,” Mr Crawford said.
“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.”
Helicopters have delivered concrete to various sections along the trail for the 17 bridges in the first section, while over 200 community members have planted more than 2500 native plants.
The area served as critical habitat for endangered endemic species, including the southern cassowary, rufous owl and grey goshawk and the vulnerable Macleay’s fig-parrot, Environment Minister Leanne Linard said
“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,” Ms Linard said.
“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.”
Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen said the ecotourism experience added a new piece to the region’s already impressive list of visitor attractions.
“It’s really exciting,” Mr Olsen said.
“We’re known for our reef and rainforest and we have some extraordinary walks but apart from Thorsborne Trail we don’t really have an iconic trail.
“A lot of people miss out on the Palm Cove as a hidden gem, and arguably, Ellis Beach even more so. This represents a really good opportunity.”
The second section, from Ellis Beach to Wangetti, 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, taking an estimated 12-18 months.
“The second stage is when the trail will really come into its own and will make the trail a global icon,” Mr Olsen said.
“What will turn the dial is when you put stage one and two together. Then it becomes something really special.”
The 54km Wangetti North section will be built from Wangetti to Mowbray
River, followed by the final stretch from Mowbray North to Port Douglas.
WALKING THE TRAIL
For those lacing up their hiking boots in anticipation, the first stage of the Wangetti Trail 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 about 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 and anyone choosing to walk the track is encouraged to
bring sufficient water before venturing out.
It is recommended hikers carry three litres of water with them, if travelling one-way, and twice as much if embarking on the challenging return trip
Trail users will need to arrange their own transport at the other end if finishing the trail at Ellis Beach.
There will be trailhead markers and signage along the way to provide information on
viewing and rest areas, as well as local wildlife.
Traditional Owners have been heavily involved, with up to 12 Caring for Country
Officers employed directly for the protection of cultural heritage during construction.
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