Step right up – Great Wet Tropics walks reopen for business

Visitors to the Wet Tropics Great Walk in Girringun National Park, west of Cardwell and Ingham, and home to two of Queensland’s most beautiful waterfalls, Wallaman and Blencoe, can again trek its 110km length.

Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service had repaired and reopened the walks from Wallaman Falls to Yamanie, from Wallaman Falls to Henrietta gate, and the Blencoe Falls Juwun walk.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the walks had been closed because of damage from Cyclone Larry, which hit the North in March.

“The QPWS has worked to repair these walks and ensure that as soon as possible the public could get back to safely enjoying these World Heritage areas,” she said.

“A World Heritage paradise of spectacular gorges and plunging waterfalls is there to be discovered on foot.

“Wallaman Falls is the highest sheer drop waterfall in Australia, cascading 268m, and the Blencoe Falls Juwun walk is a true wilderness adventure.

“Visitors will discover diverse landscapes, including savannah woodlands, towering cliffs and open forest.”

The Great Walk has short walks, full-day and overnight hikes, and more challenging and remote routes for well-prepared trekkers.

For those who just want a short walk, options at the southern end include a 2km return walk to the base of Wallaman Falls.

The northern end is accessed via the Kirrama Range, and features a 5km return walk to the lookout over the hidden Blencoe Falls.

For more information on the Great Walks tracks, including maps, visit www.epa.qld.gov.au/greatwalks

The Great Walks of Queensland is a $10 million State Government initiative to construct six walking tracks in high profile protected areas.

The Wet Tropics Great Walk is the third to open.

Fraser Island and Whitsunday Great Walks opened in 2004, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Mackay Highlands walks opened earlier this year, and the Gold Coast hinterland walk is expected to open in 2007.

Photographs of Wallaman and Blencoe falls are available at: http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/about_the_epa/media_room/

Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or Andie Gatti 3336 8002