Wangetti Trail South

Wangetti Trail South is a proposed walking and mountain biking trail approximately 33 kilometres long, stretching from Palm Cove to Wangetti.

Located within the Macalister Range National Park and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, this section will feature a public camping site and a beach link to Ellis Beach. This section of the Trail will provide employment and traineeships for locals and Traditional Owners, including cultural heritage monitoring onsite to protect items of cultural significance found during construction. It will also deliver further benefits once operational.

A design and construct tender for the Wangetti Trail South section has been awarded to Wagners CFT Manufacturing Pty Ltd and a subcontracted Trail designers and builders team. They will work together to deliver the first 33km section of the shared-use Trail from Palm Cove to Wangetti, including a public camping area and link to Ellis Beach.

Early works in the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ road corridor commenced in July 2023 on the first section of the Wangetti Trail, from Palm Cove Jetty to Ellis Beach Foreshore.

Stage 1 - Palm Cove Jetty to Ellis Beach

The first stage of the Wangetti South Trail is a 7,850m multi-use mountain biking and hiking trail from Palm Cove Jetty to Ellis Beach foreshore.

The Trail will provide walkers and mountain bike riders with a unique experience of traversing through natural areas of north Queensland covering bushland and coastal areas, including the Wet Tropics of Queensland and national parks.

Starting at Palm Cove Beach, users can enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery before embarking on a trek through the Macalister Range rainforest. This rainforest area is known for its lush vegetation, rich biodiversity, and captivating wildlife. As Trail users make their way through the rainforest, they can expect to be surrounded by towering trees, vibrant flora, and the sounds of tropical birds and insects.

At the six-kilometre milestone, Trail users will be treated to breathtaking panoramic views. From this vantage point (to the south), users will have the opportunity to soak up the spectacular views of Double Island, Trinity Beach, and Cairns.

When users turn northwards, they will be greeted by the stunning sight of Ellis Beach, nestled against the backdrop of the Macalister Range. Beyond Ellis Beach, the view extends even further, revealing the pristine coastline leading to Port Douglas.

The Trail will conclude along the Ellis Beach foreshore, where mountain bikers and hikers can unwind and reflect on their journey. Ellis Beach is known for its pristine sandy beach and coastal beauty, providing a perfect spot to relax.

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Frequently asked questions – Wangetti South

  • The Wangetti South 33-kilometre Trail from Palm Cove to Wangetti will include a public campsite. Some facilities at the public campsite will be raised camping platforms, a communal shelter, toilets and bike racks – plus the option to secure bikes to the camping platforms.

    All facilities will use best practice systems and services in all aspects of design and operation, such as environmentally friendly innovations like micro flush toilets.

  • The Trail must be delivered in accordance with the Wet Tropics Management Plan, requirements under the Nature Conservation Act (1992) and approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act (1999) (EPBC Act) as well as other environmental approval conditions.

    The Queensland Government has also prepared a construction methodology manual to guide the Trail builder on the preferred infrastructure, methods and materials for building the Trail within protected areas. Additional plans, such as an erosion and sedimentation control plan and a weeds, pest and disease management plan will also guide the construction and ongoing operation of the Trail.

  • Several arrangements will be in place to minimise disruption to local wildlife along the Wangetti Trail, such as:

    • The Trail alignment has been designed to avoid significant species
    • There will be minimal habitat disturbance during construction by avoiding identified breeding, roosting and foraging sites
    • The Trail’s design parameters will minimise potential interactions with cassowaries and other fauna
    • There will be no open water sources or food accessible on the Trail or at the campsite
    • Trail use will be during daylight hours
    • No generators or loud music will be permitted at the campsite
    • Signage at the Trail heads/entrances and campsite will inform visitors how to minimise their impact on local wildlife.

  • The government is continuing to conduct environmental investigations to determine the best method for ensuring water security and availability along the Trail. These investigations will include plans for toilets, water storage and will ensure waterways throughout the national park are protected.

  • Protecting the natural and cultural values of the unique landscape of the Wanegtti Trail is paramount. The Wangetti Trail will have a carry-in, carry-out requirement for all rubbish, and visitors will be encouraged to ‘leave no trace’ when travelling along the trail.

    Environmental investigations are underway to determine the most appropriate treatment for toilet waste, with best practice systems and services to be utilised in all aspects of design and operation.

  • The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has fire management strategies in place for the Macalister Range National Park and will further develop actions in the fire strategy to accommodate for the proposed infrastructure and use of the trail and campsite.

Last updated: 26 Jul 2023