On a roll: Revitalised Far North track to open to public

A key piece of the Wangetti Trail project will re-open to the public with visitors to ride the Twin Bridges Track for the first time in half-a-decade starting from Friday. SEE EXCLUSIVE PICS

Far North mountain bike enthusiasts have enjoyed a test ride on the Twin Bridges track, located 40km north of Cairns, which is set to open on Friday. Picture: Supplied

A key piece of the Wangetti Trail project will re-open to the public with visitors to set foot on the Twin Bridges Track for the first time in half-a-decade starting from Friday.

The state government incorporated the once dilapidated dual-use path into the major tourism project earlier this year which traverses through lush rainforest and rugged hinterland between Wangetti and Port Douglas around 40km north of Cairns.

Twin Bridges Track will re-open to the public following a $400,000 upgrade. Picture: Supplied

The state government spent $400,000 repairing bridges and cyclone damage the 16km looped trail sustained prior to its closure in 2020.

Its reopening is considered an important milestone for the wider Wangetti Trail, one of the 45 ecotourism projects the Queensland government is backing as part of its 20-year tourism plan, Destination 2045.

Twin Bridges Track was identified as key infrastructure that could be upgraded and incorporated into the Wangetti Trail project by the state government. Picture: Supplied

Environment Minister Andrew Powell said the track would complement the Wangetti Trail, a 94km multi-use adventure path, spanning from Palm Cove to Port Douglas, set to open in 2028.

“Destination 2045 is about creating more ways for people to enjoy Queensland’s

incredible natural environment — and today, we’ve delivered,” Mr Powell said.

“The Twin Bridges Track was closed for far too long. We promised to get the Wangetti Trail back on track, and this milestone shows we’re doing exactly that.

“This is a win for locals, a win for our environment, and a win for tourism in Far North Queensland.”

Member for Barron River Bree James and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell have welcomed repairs to the Twin Bridges Track. Picture: Brendan Radke

Member for Barron River Bree James said Twin Bridges would attract visitors from across the globe while satisfying the Far North’s strong mountain bike community.

“Bringing the Twin Bridges track back online provides another trail for locals and

visitors to enjoy sooner, while construction on the main route continues,” the Assistant Tourism Minister said.

“When the Wangetti Trail is complete, walkers and mountain bikers will be able to experience the very best of Far North Queensland’s natural beauty – from Palm Cove to Port Douglas - through a continuous trail network.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen. Picture: Brendan Radke

Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen said the region had passionately advocated for Twin Bridges’ return.

“By re-opening this track, we’re creating opportunities for small tourism operators, families, and adventure seekers alike,” Mr Olsen said.

“The reopening of the Twin Bridges track shows what happens when community voices are heard and it’s great that the Queensland Government has been able to deliver.”

Walkers, hikers and trail bike riders will be able to use the Twin Bridges Track starting this Friday. Picture: Supplied

Work on the Ellis Beach to Wangetti section of the Wangetti Trail will start in early 2026.

Master planning for the final track alignment between Wangetti and Port Douglas is ongoing.

The LNP has been critical of stewardship of the Wangetti Trail project under the former Labor government with almost half of the projected $47m budget spent since 2017 and only 7.8km of the trail completed so far.

Originally published as On a roll: Revitalised Far North track to open to public