Creating iconic walking experiences

Image credit: State of Queensland

Priority area: Building connected, comfortable and safe walking environments for all

Action 2.13: Action Plan for Walking 2019–2021

Status: Complete

The Queensland Ecotourism Trails program is exploring opportunities for iconic ecotourism experiences that will responsibly share national parks with visitors. By creating new and activating existing walking tracks in national parks, we have enhanced the opportunities for people to exercise, reconnect with nature and increase their appreciation of these special places. 

Achievements

The Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport (DTIS) works with the Department of Environment and Science to deliver the Queensland Ecotourism Trails program. The program identifies opportunities for creating iconic ecotourism experiences, which includes walking. 

The program has achieved the following: 

• Wangetti Trail in Tropical North Queensland: completed construction of the Mowbray River Pedestrian Bridge as part of the Wangetti Trail. This new infrastructure supports locals and visitors to safely walk and bike over the Mowbray River. The Wangetti Trail Cultural Heritage Management Agreement between the Government and Traditional Owners is in place. It outlines how to manage project activities to avoid harm to Indigenous cultural heritage.
• Cooloola Great Walk, Sunshine Coast: design of new ecotourism facilities. Subject to approvals, eco-accommodation along the Cooloola Great Walk will be operational by 2023, enhancing the walking experience and making it more accessible to a broader range of visitors.

Next steps

DTIS will continue to work with the Department of Environment and Science and partners to deliver the Queensland Ecotourism Trails program including:

• design and construction of the 33km Wangetti South section of trail from Palm Cove to Wangetti. Subject to approvals, construction is due to commence in late 2021
• undertake the strategic business case and refinement of the proposed trail alignment for the Paluma to Wallaman Falls Trail in the Townsville region. The Trail will be co-designed with the Traditional Owners to ensure it is developed as a genuine cultural product. 

More information

For more information please visit:

• DTIS Ecotourism trails program
• Wangetti Trail 
• Cooloola Great Walk