A first-of-a-kind eco-tourism project is taking shape in northern Queensland and will offer bike adventurers a spectacular journey through the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area between Palm Cove and Port Douglas.
The $47.1 million Wangetti Trail will span 94km once completed.
It will be twice the length of Tasmania's iconic Three Capes Track and become Queensland's first purpose-built multi-use walking and mountain biking track through a national park.
Workers have added the finishing touches to the first stretch of the trail, a 1.3km long section from Palm Cove to Ellis Beach. This section features 17 bridges made from specially engineered composite fibre designed to endure the tropical North Queensland climate.
The second stage of works will focus on the stretch of trail between Palm Cove and the Mowbray River.
Indigenous Land Use Agreements signed by the Djabugay Nations Native Title Claim Group and other parties has cleared the way for these works to proceed.
“By recognising the trail’s significance to the Djabugay Nations People it supports the process of healing,” says the Djabugay Nations Native Title Claim Group.
“The trail follows the ancient trail used by our Elders as traditional walking pathways throughout Country to do business, connect and celebrate together. Every part along the Trail has a story that has been handed down through generations.”
The Wangetti Trail is expected to be graded a "more difficult" trail for mountain bikers and offer an "accessible-but-challenging" experience for visitors.
It is projected to deliver more than 150 local jobs during construction and operation, attract thousands of new visitors to the region and inject up to $300 million into the local economy.
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