General News
10 June, 2025
Eco-tourism key to tropics
THE Far North is set to become an ecotourism powerhouse under the state government’s ‘Destination 2045: Queensland’s tourism future’ blueprint.
The government says Destination 2045 is set to deliver the following tourism projects in the Far North:
Improved connectivity – new Connecting Queensland fund attracting new international flights to Cairns, with better intrastate connections
Great Barrier Reef islands rejuvenation – investing in sustainable infrastructure projects on Great Barrier Reef islands
Queensland is home of events – half of events calendar growth will be in the regions including Tropical North Queensland and growing business events to $2 billion
Wangetti Trail – delivery of a 94-kilometre hiking and biking trail from Palm Cove to Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland
Smithfield Bike Trail – delivery of a 52-kilometre expansion of the Smithfield Mountain bike network in Cairns
Daintree Cultural and Ecotourism Centre – new First Nations centre offering visitors an unforgettable cultural and tourism experience in the heart of the iconic Daintree National Park.
Lake Eacham day use area – upgrades to the Lake Eacham Day Use Area to improve the visitor experience with new infrastructure and improved accessibility with a more natural and welcoming environment.
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said “Cairns is already making waves as a world-class tourist haven – from day trips on the Reef to long-haul cruises, including Carnival Encounter, which called into Cairns today (last Wednesday)”.
“Far North Queensland is home to globally renowned and truly breathtaking natural landscapes, including the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest,” he said. “Ecotourism, and the joy of taking part in experiences in nature, is one of Far North Queensland’s unique competitive advantages.”
