Inside Daintree's new $4.5m accessible rainforest boardwalk

The Daintree's Jindalba Boardwalk has reopened after a $4.5 million upgrade, offering visitors unprecedented access to ancient rainforest and unique wildlife.

From ancient trees and unique wildlife, to upgraded user facilities, the Jindalba Boardwalk in the Daintree National Park has opened to the public.

Spanning 650 metres, three watercourses and accessible facilities, visitors can immerse themselves among ancient trees, unique birds and wildlife thanks to a $4.5 million upgrade, completed by the state government.

The Crisafulli Government has delivered a $4.5 million upgrade of the Jindalba Boardwalk in the Daintree National Park (Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal land), with the immersive rainforest experience now complete and officially open for tourists. Photo: Supplied.

The completed project saw the elevated boardwalk replaced with durable Fibreglass Reinforced Polymer, which has a lifespan of up to 50 years, the track retained most of its original alignment, except for one section that has been revegetated.

Upgraded sections of the track ensured inclusive access, allowing people of all abilities to explore the park, and a car space has been upgraded to meet requirements of people with a disability, with new interpretative signage installed to enrich the visitor experience.

The elevated Jindalba Boardwalk has been replaced with durable Fibreglass Reinforced Polymer, which has a lifespan of up to 50 years and significantly reduces maintenance. Photo: Supplied.

The Jindalba Boardwalk track retains most of the original alignment, except for one section that has been revegetated. Photo: Supplied.

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell welcomed the completion of the project and said the boardwalk was a key tourist destination in the Wet Tropics.

“We want more people out enjoying our incredible natural environment, not just to showcase these world-class landscapes, but to inspire more people to conserve it for generations to come,” Mr Powell said.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen said the upgraded Jindalba Boardwalk would enhance the visitor offering north of the Daintree River.

“This 45-minute walk in the foothills of Mount Alexandra is the best example of virgin Daintree rainforest of all the boardwalks in the national park and adds to the sustainability story of the Port Douglas and Daintree region as an Eco-certified destination,” Mr Olsen said.

Visitors and locals can marvel at breathtaking ancient trees, unique birds and may even spot a tree kangaroo while enjoying the upgraded Jindalba Boardwalk in the Daintree National Park which spans approximately 650 metres and three watercourses. Photo: Supplied.

“An accessible trail, Jindalba Boardwalk has always been popular for tour groups and independent travellers as it is one of the first stops for groups to experience dense lowland rainforest once they’ve seen the iconic Alexandra Range lookout.”

Member for Cook David Kempton said the completed Jindalba project would leave a lasting legacy.

“This upgrade ensures the boardwalk’s longevity and resilience against severe weather events, while also minimising the need for significant maintenance in the future,” Mr Kempton said

The upgrade was touted as part of the state government’s 20-year tourism plan – Destination 2045.

Originally published as Inside Daintree's new $4.5m accessible rainforest boardwalk