Far North track to re-open but no progress on Wangetti Trail
A Far North mountain bike and hiking track shut for five years will be re-opened by the state government but progress on a another “world-class” trail won’t start until next year.
A Far North mountain bike and hiking track shut for five years will be re-opened by the state government — but progress on a critical passage of another “world-class” trail won’t start until March next year.
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell announced that contractors have been engaged to reopen the 18km Twin Bridges track on Tuesday, located between Wangetti and Port Douglas, which was closed in 2020 due to bridge deterioration and cyclone damage.
Meanwhile, work on the second stage of the 94km Wangetti Trail, between Ellis Beach and Wangetti, has been held off till the end of the wet season.
A state government spokeswoman said that the current trail map won’t change as a result of the announcement with the inland route serving as an additional trek for visitors to traverse.
The announcement reflected the state government’s commitment to creating new ecotourism experiences with the project expected to be finished in 2028, Mr Powell said.
“The Crisafulli Government is doing what we said we would do, delivering a trail that is not only the envy of the world, but which meets the needs of the locals living on its doorstep,” Mr Powell said.
“Residents have been crying out for the reopening of their much-loved Twin Bridges Track for years – it fell on deaf ears under Labor, but the Crisafulli Government is proud to deliver it.
“Reopening the Twin Bridges Track brings the future stage of connecting Wangetti to Port Douglas forward, while we continue to explore additional routes to showcase this stunning part of Tropical North Queensland.
“This is a win for the community, the environment and tourism.”
Member for Barron River Bree James said the Twin Bridges track would enhance the visitor experience for hikers and mountain bike enthusiasts.
“Our collaborative approach is delivering a trail network that balances community input, environmental stewardship, and a strong visitor economy for our region,” Mr James said.
“The Wangetti Trail will be a jewel in Queensland’s tourism crown and is a signature of our ‘45 By 45’ ecotourism commitment under Destination 2045.”
The trail had experienced repeated delays under the previous state government, Member for Cook David Kempton said.
“Labor spent years failing the people of Far North Queensland while overseeing Wangetti from Brisbane,” Mr Kempton said.
“After wasting almost half the budget on a mere fraction of the track, we can understand why locals lost hope.
“But to see the progress, including a connection between Wangetti and Port Douglas, after just one year of a Crisafulli Government, I think many will be excited by this next step.”
Mr Powell met with Wangetti Trail project officers in Cairns last month.
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Originally published as Far North track to re-open but no progress on Wangetti Trail
