Funding helps complete Far North Queensland ecotourism experience

March 15, 2019

The Queensland Government has announced more than $5 million to complete the first phase of an ecotourism experience, the seven kilometre ‘Mowbray North’ component of the 94 kilometre Wangetti Trail.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui advised "when it’s up and running the Wangetti Trail will be one of Australia’s leading adventure-based ecotourism experiences, showcasing the beauty of the Wet Tropics and the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Areas.

“It will satisfy the needs of visitors looking for an attractive day trip option to Port Douglas, as well as putting Queensland on the map for respectful ecotourism experiences.

“The Mowbray North piece is also estimated to bring significant economic benefits to the region with 11,000 additional international visitors per year and $6.1 million in overnight expenditure.”

Queensland Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the Wangetti Trail was an important piece of tourism infrastructure for Tropical North Queensland, stating "Federal funding will be crucial to completing the Wangetti Trail. We’ll continue to lobby the Commonwealth to get Tropical North Queensland’s fair share and ensure the Wangetti Trail project stays on track.”

Douglas Shire Council Mayor Julia Leu said the Mowbray North project included several improvements that locals and visitors will embrace.

Mayor Leu added "it is especially fantastic to see the re-purposed Old Mowbray River Bridge included, which is a really important project that Council has been keen get moving.

“This suite of projects will not only give our visitors another reason to stay in the Douglas Shire, it will provide more recreational opportunities for our locals and deliver a better outdoors experience in their own backyard.

“The Wangetti Trail will showcase the pristine beauty of the Wet Tropics and Great Barrier Reef, while embracing the Far North’s coastal ruggedness and hinterlands.”

Works for the Wangetti Trail-Mowbray North project will include:

• Repurposed Old Mowbray River Bridge
• Visitors’ carpark and safety upgrades to the Captain Cook Highway
• Crocodile viewing platform
• 2.25 kilometre mangrove experience boardwalk
• 5 kilometre trail to Four Mile Beach and Flagstaff Hill
• Indigenous business opportunities for construction, maintenance, guided walks and other activities

For more information, please visit ditid.qld.gov.au/tourism/special-projects

29th October 2018 - Environmental groups concerned at Queensland Government plans for 60 year commercial leases in national parks

13th September 2018 - Designers identify potential of North Queensland’s Wangetti Trail

6th September 2018 - Australia’s longest rail trail to boost South East Queensland tourism

1st June 2018 - New walking trail and ecotourism project planned for coastal strip north of Cairns

1st October 2017 - Ecotourism value of Queensland’s national parks flagged in Annual Report

9th August 2017 - Australia’s great outdoors needs to be more accessible for nature-based tourism

3rd August 2017 - New plan to support nature-based tourism in Hinchinbrook Island National Park

9th November 2016 - Bushwalking and shopping rank as most popular Australian holiday activities

3rd February 2016 - Massive growth in bushwalking as ‘green exercise’ and holiday activity

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