Wangetti Trail South

Wangetti Trail South is a proposed walking and mountain biking trail around 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.

The first stage of the Wangetti Trail, from Palm Cove to Ellis Beach, opened in 2024. The 7.8-kilometre track is suitable for both hiking and mountain biking.

The complete trail, from Palm Cove to Port Douglas, is expected to be operational  in 2028,   depending on the weather and approvals.

Frequently asked questions

What facilities will be available at the Wangetti South public campsite?

The Wangetti South 33-kilometre Trail from Palm Cove to Wangetti will include one 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.

How will the environment be protected during construction?

The Trail must be delivered in accordance with all statutory requirements under the Nature Conservation Act (1992) and other environmental approval conditions.

Related project approvals under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 can be viewed on the Project Decision EPBC Act Public Portal.

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 also guide the construction of the Trail.

How will disruption to local wildlife be minimised during construction?

Arrangements are 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 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.

What plans are in place for water security and availability along the Trail?

The department 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.

How will waste disposal be managed along the Trail?

Protecting the natural and cultural values of the unique landscape of the Wangetti 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.

Has fire management and planning occurred?

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.