Frequently asked questions

• What is the proposed route?

  The trail is a 94-kilometre dual-use walking and mountain biking track through Tropical North Queensland’s coast and hinterland from Port Douglas to Palm Cove. Visitors can walk the trail from Port Douglas to Wangetti Beach over the optimal six days and bike from Wangetti Beach to Palm Cove in one day
  (three days to complete full trail).

  The trail is expected to be ‘Grade 3’ for walkers and ‘More Difficult’ for mountain bike riders - both sections suitable for intermediate skill levels. A summary of each section of the trail is provided below:

  Section	Approximate Length	Journey	Experience
  1	34km	Palm Cove to Wangetti Township / Hartley's Creek (mountain bike only)	Flowing mountain bike single track that takes in open ocean views via 2km link to Ellis Beach and open Eucalypt woodland vegetation with an amenities block at approx. 17km. Wangetti Township trail access point may serve as respite for riders or they can continue up to Hartley's Creek campsite.
  2	7.6km	Hartley's Creek to Campsite 2	Shared trail starting at Wangetti township, Wangetti Beach and/or Hartley's Creek with ocean views, open Eucalypt woodlands, rainforests, swimming holes and waterfalls
  3	9.8km	Campsite 2 to Campsite 3	Slow descent from Pinnacles outlook summit to take in ocean views, open Eucalypt woodlands, rainforests, swimming holes and waterfalls
  4	11.2km	Campsite 3 to Campsite 4	Slow ascent from the coastal ridgeline over the escarpment and deep into the rainforest plateau, swimming holes and waterfalls
  5	13.5km	Campsite 4 to Campsite 5	Ridgeline trail through rainforests, swimming holes,waterfalls and open Eucalypt woodlands
  6	14.3km	Campsite 5 to Port Douglas	Descent from the ridgeline down to the Mowbray River following it to its mouth with ocean views, mangrove boardwalk and beach trail along Four Mile Beach to Port Douglas

• What accommodation options will be available along the trail?

  The trail may feature public campsites and privately-operated, low-impact eco-accommodation at five locations.. All facilities along the trail must be delivered in accordance with the Department of Environment and Science’s Implementation Framework: Ecotourism Facilities on National Parks.

• How long will the trail take to construct?

  Delivering an iconic ecotourism experience like the Wangetti Trail requires extensive planning and engagement, with multiple stakeholders and environmental considerations. Subject to approvals, completion of the Wangetti Trail is targeted for 2022.

• Have the Traditional Owners of the land been engaged?

  The trail is designed to provide visitors with an immersive cultural experience. The Traditional Owners will continue to play an active role in the trail planning, development, maintenance and operation.

  The collaborative model between governments, Tourism Operators and Traditional Owners aims to deliver long-term job and business opportunities for Traditional Owners. These opportunities extend beyond the land to all aspects of the tourism industry, for example, as rangers, guides, chefs, service staff
  and artists.

• How will the Wangetti Trail benefit existing businesses?

  The Ecotourism Trails program aims to deliver cultural, environmental, social and economic benefits to Queensland and the regions, building community resilience for future generations and Traditional Owners.

  The Wangetti Trail aims to deliver a world-class international ecotourism experience with direct economic benefits to regional Queensland and local Traditional Owners, potentially attracting thousands of local and international visitors annually. Up to 150 new local jobs will be created including opportunities
  to develop local skills and increase diversity of regional jobs.

• Will the Wangetti Trail be open to horse riding or motorbikes?

  No. Queensland Ecotourism Trails are designed, to the greatest possible extent, to be ecologically sustainable and aimed at preserving and protecting community resources, and their natural and cultural values for future generations. The Trail extends through two World Heritage Areas and visitor safety and environmental protection of sensitive ecosystems are top priorities, so the proposed Wangetti Trail is designed for walkers and mountain bike riders only.

• Why isn’t the trail section from Wangetti to Palm Cove open to walkers?

  It is proposed that there are public campsites at five locations along the multi-use section from Wangetti to Port Douglas, with potential for low-impact eco-accommodation to also feature at these locations. This section has been designed for Intermediate level walkers to complete in under a week (or two days for mountain bike riders). There are no campsites currently proposed along the mountain bike trail section from Wangetti to Palm Cove, which has been designed for Intermediate level mountain bike riders to complete in one day. In the future, pending approval processes, there may be potential opportunities for modifications or extensions to the Trail.

• How will visitors start the trail at Wangetti – what kind of transport will be available?

  It is anticipated that appropriate transport services will be provided to support visitors to the Wangetti Trail and to the region.