Wangetti washout at first sign of rain

FNQ Tourism

Shaun Hollis

Journalist

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The Wangetti Trail sustained major damage in the recent monsoon rains. Picture: Shaun Hollis

Large sections of the Wangetti Trail have washed away following heavy monsoonal rains in the region throughout this month, with no timeline set for when the trail may reopen.

An inspection of one small northern section of the new 7.8km trail, which stretches from Palm Cove to Ellis Beach, showed two separate washed-away areas, with the popular walking and cycling trail shut to the public.

Just south of the Ellis Beach pub there was extensive damage, with rocks strewn across the path and parts completely washed away by Spring Creek.

A large yellow sign near the popular watering hole states “Wangetti Trail closed due to wet weather”.

Not far south from there, another section inspected by Newsport was also extensively damaged.

Queensland National Parks put out an alert about the controversial $47m Macalister Range National Park trail earlier this month that it had been closed due to recent heavy rains and localised flooding, saying the closure was scheduled to end on Monday, February 10.

“Seek alternative options. Visit another open park or plan ahead to explore when conditions improve,’’ the advice stated.

A State Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Department (DESI) spokesperson said this week further assessments were being carried out to determine when all closed Queensland parks would reopen, and more may be known next month. 

In the meantime, always check the QNP’s Park Alerts page for the latest information on access, closures and conditions, they said.

The $47m Wangetti Trail plan has been dogged by controversy across the past decade, but Premier David Crisafulli said last month his government was still committed to completing the 94km route from Palm Cove to Port Douglas.

Sections of the trail first underwent repairs not long after the 7.8km stage one opened to the public in late September after years of planning and delays. 

The trail holds cultural significance for First Nations groups including the Djabugay people and aims to provide economic opportunities for communities all the way up to Port Douglas.

First Nations people are managing the trail and also sharing their stories with visitors. 

The previous state government committed to completing the entire trail by 2026, backed by $8m of Federal Government money.

Once completed, the trail from Palm Cove to Port Douglas is expected to span a World Heritage area and three national parks showcasing views of Double Island, Trinity Beach and more.

 

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