New 6-day hiking and biking trail coming to Tropical North Queensland

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
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Queensland’s newest adventure trail promises an unforgettable journey from Palm Cove to Port Douglas.

Adventure seekers, take note: Queensland is gearing up to unveil one of its most ambitious ecotourism projects yet – the Wangetti Trail. Spanning an epic 94 kilometres from Palm Cove to Port Douglas, this multi-use trail is poised to become a must-do for hikers, mountain bikers and nature enthusiasts alike.

What is the Wangetti Trail?

The trail traverses a culturally significant area, following ancient routes once used by the Djabuganydji, Yirrganydji, Nyagali, Buluwanydji and Guluy people as traditional walking tracks through Country for connection, trade, celebration and cultural practices.

Designed with sustainability at its core, the Wangetti Trail will wind through the breathtaking coastal landscapes, ancient rainforests and rugged bushland of Macalister Range National Park and the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland, offering adventurers front-row seats to Queensland’s diverse natural beauty.

Named after the small coastal town it intersects, the trail promises an immersive experience, blending world-class outdoor activities with environmental conservation.

A trail like no other

Wangetti Rex Lookout
The trail is named after the small coastal town it intersects. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Unlike other trails, the Wangetti Trail is more than just a scenic route. Once fully operational, the trail will be an ecotourism masterpiece, featuring purpose-built camping areas and eco-accommodation that highlight the rich cultural heritage of the region.

For mountain bikers, dedicated tracks will offer thrilling rides through diverse terrains, while hikers can relish the tranquillity of less-travelled paths, with panoramic views that will redefine Instagram-worthy moments.

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A local boost

Backed by the Queensland Government, the $47.1 million Wangetti Trail is set to elevate the state’s reputation as a premier ecotourism destination. The project is expected to create 150 new local jobs, support long-term business opportunities for locals, Traditional Owners and their future generations, and attract thousands of visitors to Tropical North Queensland annually, all while promoting sustainable travel practices.

When can you hit the trail?

Palm Cove jetty in tropical North Queensland
The Wangetti Trail begins at Palm Cove jetty. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The first stage of the Wangetti Trail, a 7.8-kilometre track from Palm Cove to Ellis Beach – one of the best beaches in Cairns – opened in September 2024.

Construction is underway on the next section of the Wangetti Trail with stages opening progressively. Once fully operational, adventurers can tackle the entire 94-kilometre trail or choose from shorter sections tailored to varying fitness levels and interests.

Protecting the park

This really applies to any trail or national park, regardless of whether it’s World Heritage-listed or not, but please be respectful and aware of the environment and your impact on it.

  • Take all your rubbish when you leave.
  • Pets are not permitted on the trail.
  • Fires are strictly prohibited.
  • Stick to the designated trail to prevent erosion, environmental damage and confusion for other hikers.
  • All plant and animal life is protected – don’t disturb plants and animals, whether living or dead.
  • Don’t feed the wildlife.

For those craving an adventure that treads lightly on the planet while delivering an unforgettable experience, the Wangetti Trail is set to be Queensland’s next big thing.

Stay tuned – Queensland’s ultimate adventure trail is just around the corner.

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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The ultimate 8-day Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip itinerary

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
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    Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

    This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

    Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

    Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central, enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

    aerial view of bribie island
    Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

    In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

    Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

    table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast
    Refuel at Park & Cove.

    Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

    Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

    After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg. If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

    baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary
    Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

    Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

    Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

    Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art, which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

    Rockhampton Museum of Art
    Take it all in at Rockhampton Museum of Art. (Image: TEQ)

    Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

    Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

    Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay. Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

    woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland
    Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

    Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

    Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying. Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon, before heading north to Townsville.

    Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort. Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

    aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland
    Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

    Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

    After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

    Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

    Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove, where the pool has its very own beach.

    two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool
    Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

    Day 8: To Port Douglas

    No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

    Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa, located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar, widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

    aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple
    Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

     Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.