Palm Cove economy already feeling an uplift from the popular Wangetti Trail
The first section of the Wangetti Trail is being welcomed as a transformational attraction for the region by local Far North Queensland tourism operators.
The first 7.8km completed section of the Wangetti Trail is being welcomed as a transformational attraction for the region by local Far North Queensland tourism operators.
Since the opening of Stage One on 25 September 2024, walkers and trail runners have been popping into businesses near the start at Palm Cove Jetty and the finish near Ellis Beach, along with mountain bike riders who are also using the first-of-its-kind dual use track – shared by hikers and bikers.
General Manager of Mango Lagoon Resort & Wellness Spa, and President of Tourism Palm Cove, Matthew Cork, said the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Hikers absolutely love it. Everyone talks about how amazing it is and how the views are fantastic,” he said.
“It’s a medium level walk so it’s not exactly easy, but it’s fantastic to see people jogging it and walking it, including lots of groups – families, walking groups and all kinds of people, of all ages.
“A lot of people come in for water as we have had 30+ degree days and a lot of humidity, so they have a coffee or a water, but the exposure for our business gives us a chance to connect with people who didn’t even know we existed.”
Mr Cork said their guests get very excited when they hear about the trail, even though they may not actually be aware of it.
“A lot of people love the fact that there is a fantastic hike right on their doorstep,” he said.
“A lot of leisure walkers go out on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday when the Ellis Beach Bar and Grill offers a courtesy bus for patrons to bring them back to Palm Cove.”
Mr Cork said the Trail is a new tourism product that is not seasonal, so it can attract visitors year-round, while putting tropical North Queensland on the map.
“Tourism associated with the Trail is still in its infancy here, and once the Trail gets going it will change the dynamic completely and put us at forefront of tourism in Australia, particularly with guided walks by First Nations tourism operators,” he said.
“If it gets finished in 2026 the whole area will be abuzz as there are a lot of things happening in the area then.
“There will be more investment in festivals, the Hilton will be opening a hotel in Palm Cove in 2026, and a new water park will be built at Kewarra Beach.
“The Trail is in a honeymoon phase at the moment but there are a lot of people interested in doing it and as time goes on it will be a world class multi-day walking track, just like the Larapinta Trail.
“That view on the way up to Port Douglas is in my opinion one of the best in Australia, it will be right up there with the Great Ocean Road.”
Some minor defect repair works are being carried out progressively until the end of 2024 but are expected to have minimal impact on trail users.
These works include improving some of the more difficult sections for mountain bike riders.