Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor and Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt today officially opened the Ngaro Sea Trail Great Walk at Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays.
Mr Lawlor said the Bligh Government built the $1.27 million walk, named after traditional owners the Ngaro People, to boost local eco-tourism and provide new ways of exploring the beautiful region.
“The Ngaro Sea Trail will become the jewel in the crown in our $16.5 million collection of Great Walks,” Mr Lawlor said.
“Already 16 companies have submitted their interest in conducting commercial tours – the highest number for any Queensland great walk.
“It’s a huge vote of confidence in our Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and tourism in the region.”
Ms Jarratt said the trail was a unique blend of seaways and short walks, following in the footsteps of the Ngaro people as well as sharing their stories.
“The walk crosses three islands — South Molle, Hook and Whitsunday — and includes strolls along pure white sands and rolling grasslands, and climbs through dry rainforest,” she said.
“It caters for people of all levels of fitness, varying from a mere 170 metres, to an 11- kilometre round trip.
“The more challenging walks to island summits offer breathtaking views of the Coral Sea and islands of the Great Barrier Reef.
“The tracks across the islands are linked by seaways suited to kayaking, sailing or powerboating.
“Camping is available at eight camping areas on the three islands.
“The community deserves our thanks for their contribution to the sea trail’s creation.
“Although the project was led by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, the local community took ownership of the concept at an early stage and helped with its design and route.”
Mr Lawlor said the walk would provide a significant attraction for backpackers and domestic and international tourists as well as encourage visitors to spend extra days exploring the Whitsunday and Central Queensland regions.
“To meet expected visitor demand, an additional $2.2 million has been invested in upgrading visitor facilities such as viewing platforms, camping areas and toilets at many of Whitsunday’s most sought-after visitor sites,” he said.
“Some of these areas, such as Tongue Point on Whitsunday Island, are already extremely popular — they attract more than 130,000 visitors a year and have outgrown existing facilities.
“Work has also been done at the popular cultural heritage site at Nara Inlet on Hook Island where a new viewing platform, steps and fencing have been provided to allow visitors to safely view Indigenous rock art, while reducing the risk of damage to the area.
“Extra signs explain the association between the Ngaro Sea Trail and the area’s natural and cultural history.
“The future for the Ngaro Sea Trail and local tourism opportunities for all of our great walks looks very bright.”
Mr Lawlor said nine of ten committed Great Walks were now complete and open for business with Conondale, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, the last on the list.
“Queensland’s Great Walks have already attracted more than 165,000 visitors who have explored all or parts of these superb natural experiences,” he said.
“Public support for the walks confirms the Bligh Government’s commitment to providing diverse opportunities for visitors to experience our Queensland lifestyle in a natural environment.
“Our national park system is one of Queensland’s biggest tourist attractions, hosting more than 16 million visits each year and generating substantial economic benefits.
“Spending by park visitors contributes more than $1.3 billion each year to the Queensland economy and supports more than 6000 jobs directly, and many more indirectly.
“Some 500 commercial tour operators and 40 near-park resorts rely on Queensland’s national parks for much of their business.”
More information about the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail is at http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/whitsunday-ngaro-sea-trail/index.html and information about the other Great Walks is at www.derm.qld.gov.au
