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Djabugay Nation Elders and Leaders and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk yesterday celebrated the signing of Wangetti Trail’s Indigenous Land Use Agreements.

Traditional Owners joined the Premier, Member for Barron River Craig Crawford, Member for Cairns Michael Healy and Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe on a trek through the trail’s first 1.3-kilometres from Palm Cove.

Securing Indigenous Land Use Agreements with the Djabugay Nation allows work to begin in National Park areas from Palm Cove to Mowbray River, while protecting cultural heritage. 

The Queensland Government is investing $39.1 million in construction with the Australian Government’s National Tourism Icons Program contributing an additional $8 million.

The $47.1 million, 94-kilometre Wangetti Trail will be Queensland’s only purpose-built walking and mountain bike track in a National Park.

Plans for Wangetti Trail include camping and eco-accommodation along the route, which will take hikers up to six days to complete.      

Construction will deliver 150 Queensland jobs and sustainable, long-term tourism business opportunities for Traditional Owners.

Wangetti Trail has been co-designed with Djabugay Nations’ Traditional Owners including the Djabugay, Yirrganydji, Buluwai, Nyakali and Guluy groups.

QLD Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe shares “Wangetti Trail will turbo-charge Tropical North Queensland’s global reputation as a world-class mountain bike and nature-based lifestyle destination.

“Ecotourism is growing rapidly, although few overseas destinations will match Wangetti Trail for breath-taking scenery and immersive First Nations cultural experiences. 

“I want to thank the Djabugay Nations’ Elders and Leaders for their partnership, because without them Wangetti Trail’s economic opportunities wouldn’t be possible.

“We’re committed to supporting Traditional Owners to tap into global demand for ecotourism and authentic First Nations visitor experiences to build long-term jobs.

“Wangetti Trail’s tourism potential is enormous.”

Djabugay Nation Applicant adds “The Wangetti Trail will provide business, education, training and employment opportunities for our people including pathways for our young people, our Elders and our community members working and celebrating Country.

“The Trail will showcase our ancient culture, stories, history, and our Country’s natural wonders to share with the world.

“By recognising the Trail’s significance to the Djabugay Nations’ people, it supports the process of healing.

“The Trail follows the ancient trail used by our Elders as traditional walking pathways throughout the Country to do business, connect and celebrate together.

“Every part along the Trail has a story that has been handed down through generations.

“We look forward to collaborating and developing long-term relationships and creating new opportunities for the future.

“We wish to acknowledge and thank everyone involved in the project from the beginning to this point, and growing the partnership with the Queensland Government, local Councils and other stakeholders.”

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