New Wangetti Trail To Connect Palm Cove And Port Douglas
The first section of the highly-anticipated Wangetti Trail has recently opened between Palm Cove and Ellis Beach! Located just north of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, the Wangetti Trail opens up many stunning kilometres of hiking and biking trails for visitors. So if you're looking for fun ways to get outside and explore the rainforest, consider a visit to the new Wangetti Trail and keep your eyes peeled for future developments.
What is the Wangetti Trail?
The Wangetti Trail is the first dual walking and mountain biking trail through a Queensland National Park. Once finished, it will provide 94 kilometres of rainforest track between Palm Cove and Port Douglas, allowing visitors to explore the majestic forests and coastline of Tropical North Queensland.
The first section of the Wangetti Trail opened in late September 2024. At 7.8 kilometres long, this section perfectly introduces the outdoor adventures that the Wangetti Trail hopes to uncover. The multimillion-dollar eco-tourism trail provides an incredible opportunity for locals and tourists to connect with the rugged, lush forests, Indigenous history, and diverse flora and fauna of the landscapes north of Cairns.
Where does the Wangetti Trail start?
The Wangetti Trail starts at the Palm Cove Jetty. It trails through the quaint town, then enters the beautiful wilderness of Macalister Range National Park. The hiking and biking trail winds through towering green forests, sloping up and down through the natural wonders of Tropical North Queensland.
As there is currently only one section of the Wangetti Trail completed, this 7.8km section ends at the Ellis Beach Foreshore. This is an amazing way to immerse yourself in the magic of the forest and scope out the sweeping coastal views of the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef. View a detailed map of the Wangetti Trail from Palm Cove to Ellis Beach on the Queensland National Parks website.
Is the Wangetti Trail hard?
The first section of the Wangetti Trail is 7.8km one-way and is rated Grade 3 in terms of difficulty. It's a two-way shared track that accommodates hikers and mountain bikers, with hikers having the right of way. To walk the entire Wangetti Trail from Palm Cove to Ellis Beach, it should take around 3 hours. For bikers, it should only take around 45 minutes, but the times will vary depending on your personal speed and endurance.
Despite the length of the Wangetti Trail, it's suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels! You don't have to trek the entire thing, especially once the trail is finished and covers over 90km. Anyone can stroll along small sections of the walk to admire the natural beauty. But the trail does vary from flat and straight to steep and narrow, covering a wide range of terrains which is why it's rated Grade 3.
Plans for the Wangetti Trail
Though there is currently only one section of the Wangetti Trail open to visitors, the completed 94km eco-tourism trail will become one of Queensland's most impressive attractions. Once finished, the Wangetti Trail will allow hikers and bikers to traverse three national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Area, all with glorious views of the Great Barrier Reef, tropical islands, and idyllic beaches. It should take around 6 days and 5 nights to hike the finished track, and there will be campgrounds, eco-accommodations, and amenities along the way.
When Will The Wangetti Trail Be Completed?
The entire Wangetti Trail is estimated to be completed in 2026 and will stretch from Palm Cove to Port Douglas. With around 150 jobs available for the local community during the construction and operation of the Wangetti Trail, the project is estimated to boost tourism and the economy. You can see the proposed plans for the entire trail on the Queensland Government website!
Embracing culture and nature on the Wangetti Trail
The Wangetti Trail will stimulate tourism and economic growth in the communities between Palm Cove and Port Douglas, but more importantly, it will connect people with the culture and nature of the area. This part of Australia is Djabugay Nation country, and Indigenous Djabugay people have traversed these ancient walkways for thousands of years. Creating a modern, official trail through the land can help tourists learn about Indigenous traditions and cultures here, and they can walk along a memorialised piece of history.
The trail also gives people the chance to admire the unique flora and fauna that thrives in this protected part of Queensland. With tropical flowers, towering ferns, and fascinating wildlife such as cassowarries or tree kangaroos, this is the perfect place to spend an extended amount of time surrounded by nature.
Other Top Activities for Outdoorsy Travellers in Cairns
For travellers looking to get outside and experience nature and culture near Cairns, the Wangetti Trail is a must-see new attraction. But while the remaining parts of the trail are still under construction, there are many other ways to embrace the wilderness around Cairns, Palm Cove, and Port Douglas!
Head up into Kuranda to try fun, interactive tourist attractions that combine wildlife and Aboriginal culture. Or book tours up to the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth! Those hoping to try sports and get active can try rainforest tubing, canyoning, jet skiing, skydiving, or river rafting, or even take on an existing rainforest hiking trail. If you're wanting to experience more culture and tradition, try an Aboriginal art class or fishing tour. And of course, there are tons of amazing snorkelling and diving experiences to be had on the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns.
See the best of Queensland's culture and natural beauty with one of these experiences!
