General News
31 August, 2026
Staying on track
CONSTRUCTION has begun on the second stage of the 94-kilometre Wangetti Trail to add another 22 kilometres from Ellis Beach to Wangetti.
Cairns-based trail design and construction specialists World Trail has been appointed principal contractor to the delivery of the major tourism experience.
Backed by more than $31 million from the State Government, Stage 2 will extend the trail’s spectacular coastal and rainforest journey, building on the Palm Cove to Ellis Beach section which opened in September 2024, which has already attracted more than 19,000 visitors.
The Ellis Beach to Wangetti section will include dual-use trails, bridges and boardwalks, suspension bridges and a public campground catering for up to 20 campers.
The Palm Cove to Port Douglas tourism trail will deliver a 94-kilometre adventure experience as it continues to extend under the Government’s Destination 2045 tourism plan.
Member for Cook David Kempton said the investment would deliver lasting benefits for the local community.
“The Wangetti Trail will provide greater connectivity for tourists and offer a wider range of experiences to visitors to the iconic Douglas and Daintree region,” Mr Kempton said.
Member for Barron River Bree James said having local expertise involved in delivery was a great outcome for the region.
“They know our trails, our landscape and what makes Far North Queensland such a special place to visit,” she said.
“The Wangetti Trail will build on the success of the first section and strengthen Cairns’ reputation as a world-class destination for adventure tourism.”
World Trail founders Glen Jacobs and Dylan Jeffries said the company was proud to have been selected to deliver the next stage of the Wangetti Trail.
“This project is already capturing the imagination of walkers and mountain bikers across Australia and beyond,” Mr Jacobs said.
“As a Cairns-based company, it’s especially rewarding to contribute our local expertise to a new trail experience that showcases the extraordinary natural beauty of Tropical North Queensland.”
