Wangetti Trail
© Queensland Government
Wangetti Trail is set to deliver tangible benefits
The Wangetti Trail will showcase the stunning coastal, hinterland and wet tropics scenery of the traditional lands of the Djabugay Nation, from Palm Cove to Mowbray River.
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation leads this collaborative project, which engages Traditional Owners, local community members, the tourism industry, councils, regional groups, and conservation groups.
Once completed, the Wangetti Trail will be around 94 kilometres (about 6 days/5 nights on foot) from Palm Cove to Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland. It will welcome walking and mountain biking visitors and include public camping facilities and high-end eco-accommodation offerings.
The trail will be delivered in three sections:
- Wangetti South: 33km from Palm Cove to Wangetti
- Wangetti North: 54km from Wangetti to Mowbray River
- Mowbray North: 7km from Mowbray River to Port Douglas.
It will deliver tangible benefits to Queensland, creating 150 new jobs during construction and operation. Once completed, the trail will attract visitors from across Australia and the world and is projected to bring in up to $390 million for the Queensland economy.
The trail will also provide sustainable and long-term business opportunities for locals, Traditional Owners, and future generations. Additionally, the trail will open new avenues for cultural tourism, fostering greater recognition and appreciation for First Nations culture.
Next steps
The first stage of the Wangetti trail opened on 25 September 2024. The new 7.8km track takes hiking and mountain biking visitors from Palm Cove to Ellis Beach.
Construction for the Ellis Beach to Wangetti section is scheduled to begin in 2025, along with the planning and design for the trail and accommodation for the Wangetti North section.