Community
3 October, 2023
Trails on global map
A NEW strategy to guide use, maintain and expand a recreational trail network in Cairns is expected to put the city on the adventure tourism map.
At the moment the trail network across the region is worth more than $35 million a year and provides more than 200 jobs.
Mayor Bob Manning said the trail network was expanding.
“These initiatives, headlined by the Wangetti Trail, a 94km coastal and hinterland track from Palm Cove to Port Douglas, are bolstering growth in the walking and mountain biking,” he said.
“It recognises that a strong network of recreational trails will help build the region’s economy and expand ecotourism opportunities as a key infrastructure component of community and visitor experiences of Cairns.”
Other significant trails include:
The Smithfield MTB Park plans to expand 30km routes to 82km
In areas like Mount Peter, where residential growth is substantial, there are opportunities to create a new trail network for outdoor activities.
Others include:
Evan Evans Walking Track, Bayview Heights
The Arrows, Mount Whitfield Conservation Park
Earl Hill (part only), Earl Hill Conservation Park
Cattana Wetlands,Smithfield
Crystal Cascades
Ron McKauge Walk, Trinity Beach
Stoney Creek Weir Track,
Smiths Track, Barron Gorge
National Park Goldfield Trail
Behana Gorge
Walsh’s Pyramid.
The report also identifies many informal walking and mountain bike trails, as well as a combination of both, throughout the Cairns region.
Cr Brett Moller told a council meeting that the trails formed a major component of adventure tourism. He said residents in his division one were passionate about recreational trails and wanted more.
Cr Amy Eden said the community had “voted with their feet” about recreational trails.
Cr Max O’Halloran said the city’s tourism offerings were not just about the Great Barrier Reef, and there were rich pickings in the hills of the region.
“We have some of the best areas in the world,” he said.
Cr Rhonda Coghlan said there was big value in adventure tourism but the rest of the country and the world didn’t know what was available in the region.
Cr Terry James said adventure tourism was “a third string to our bow”.
