Page 96 - Port Douglas Magazine 29

A WORLD

CLASS TRAIL

ADVENTURE ABOUNDS IN THE DOUGLAS SHIRE

WORDS by Tom Volling
n adventure-based wilderness track meandering 94km up the Her council led a project-working group that completed an interim
Far North Queensland coast from Palm Cove to Port Douglas feasibility report to secure funding.
is spear heading a vision to make Douglas Shire an ecotourism
“This has the potential to become a really historic and treasured world-class
Apowerhouse on the world stage. attraction,” she said.
It started as a bold dream. Could we build one of Australia’s leading
“The trail will showcase the pristine beauty of the Wet Tropics and Great
ecotourism experiences in FNQ?
Barrier Reef, while embracing the Far North’s coastal ruggedness and
It would be an eco-tourism trail that leverages the breathtaking power of hinterlands.
the unique emerald coastline and Great Barrier Reef, while offering a heart-
“We know eco and adventure tourists have a marked impact on the places
pumping ride on a mountain bike and an unrivalled hiking experience.
they visit and we expect interest in the Wangetti Trail to be significant.”
Renowned track builders World Trail, Douglas Shire Council and Cairns
Council is now working closely with the State Government, after the
Regional Council staff were instrumental in pulling together a concept. Palaszczuk Government committed funding to deliver the $36.1 million
Now, the Wangetti Trail is becoming a reality. Wangetti Trail – which includes the $5.7 million previously allocated from
the Attracting Tourism Fund for the Mowbray North early works portion.
The State Government’s Special Project Team is finalising a development
application for the Mowbray North section, the first stage located just south It is anticipated that the trail will feature guided tours, beach connections
of Port Douglas where crocodiles sunbake and the Mowbray River flows. and public campsites or privately operated eco-accommodation.
If all goes to plan, construction on the new Mowbray River crossing and the Eco-accommodation may include cabins, retreats or huts.
trail north to Port Douglas could be completed by mid-2020.
Economic estimates have the project creating up to 150 jobs, injecting $300
Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu believes the trail could spark a new wave of million into the Tropical North Queensland economy and attracting 28,000
tourism growth and economy activity in the region. local and international visitors annually.
98 tourismportdouglas.com.au