Wangetti Trail stage 1 Palm Cove to Ellis Beach opening September 25
Visitors can expect to be surrounded by towering trees, vibrant flora, the sounds of tropical birds when the first section of the Wangetti Trail at last opens next week. Latest details.
Cairns
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The state’s first purpose-built dual use walking and mountain biking track inside national parks is set to be unveiled with the opening of stage 1 next week.
The first 7.8km of the $47m Wangetti Trail will open to hikers, mountain bike riders and nature enthusiasts on Wednesday, September 25 at Palm Cove.
The first section of the 94km trail, from Palm Cove Jetty to Ellis Beach foreshore is rated as Grade 3 – making it suitable for most ages and fitness levels, with a few sharp turns and steep narrow sections.
It is expected a one-way journey on the trail would take about three hours for hikers and 45 minutes for riders.
There will be trailhead markers and signage along the way that provide information on viewing and rest areas, as well as local wildlife.
Visitors can expect to be surrounded by towering trees, vibrant flora, the sounds of tropical birds, insects and animals like the musky rat-kangaroo.
Once complete, the full 94km trail from Palm Cove to Port Douglas will span a World Heritage area and three national parks showcasing breathtaking panoramic views of Double Island, Trinity Beach and Cairns, as well as a chance to spot a crocodile at the Mowbray River.
The full trail is understood to on track for completion in 2026, attracting thousands of new visitors to the region and injecting up to $390m into the local economy while creating more than 150 local jobs during construction and operation.
Like many construction projects the trail has been plagued by its fair share of challenges, with the weather among a number of factors contributing to design changes. It was initially expected to be completed in 2022 at a cost of about $21m.
Tourism minister and Cairns MP said opening of stage 1 would be a “historic day” for the Far North.
“It has been a true team effort to get here, and I want to pay tribute to the Djabugay Nation native title claim applicant who have been with us every step of the way, helping design the track and protect the cultural and environmental heritage,” Mr Healy said.
“We’ve seen helicopter airlifts to protect the forest, a shadow ranger employed to monitor construction, 20 tonnes of rubbish removed, and 1800 native trees planted by the community.”
Barron River MP Craig Crawford said the trail would help make the state and the region “a global leader in sustainable tourism experiences.”
The official opening will take place from 10am at Seclusion Dr, Palm Cove.
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Originally published as Wangetti Trail stage 1 Palm Cove to Ellis Beach opening September 25
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