Natural treasures highlighted on the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk
Published Tuesday, 04 March, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
Queenslanders can now enjoy a spectacular 54km walk through the Gold Coast Hinterland.
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said Gold Coast Hinterland is the sixth of 10 planned Great Walks to be opened at a total cost of $16.5 million.
“The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk has been three years in the making and showcases the natural beauty of the area,” Mr McNamara said.
“It links the World Heritage-listed Lamington and Springbrook National Parks via the scenic Numinbah Valley.
“The walk provides a range of opportunities including short walks, day walks and a challenging three day adventure.”
Mr McNamara said the walk was a substantial project that required over two hundred tonnes of construction materials to be lifted by helicopter into remote locations, more than 180 signs, the creation of 2000 steps, and a range of information panels and detailed maps to guide walkers.
“As with all the Great Walks there has been thorough community consultation involving local councils, community groups, environmental groups, Traditional Owners, government departments and other stakeholders,” Mr McNamara said.
Member for Mudgeeraba, Dianne Reilly, welcomed the opening of the Great Walk.
“The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk is a unique tourism experience and will benefit the long-term economic health of local businesses and the community,” Ms Reilly said.
“Campgrounds are located along the walk at Green Mountains, Woonoongoora and The Settlement at Springbrook.
“They will provide basic facilities for walkers and bookings are essential.
“The walk guides bushwalkers in the footsteps of Yugambeh Traditional Owners who have walked this land for thousands of years,” Ms Reilly said.
“A section of the Great Walk will be named ‘Woonoongoora’ to acknowledge the contribution of the Yugambeh Language Group. The name ‘Woonoongoora’ refers to the Yugambeh legend of how the mountain rivers were born.”
Mr McNamara said that Traditional Owners had given their blessing and support to this remarkable venture.
“Before starting out on the walk, people are encouraged to obtain a detailed map and take the recommended safety precautions.
“When embarking on a long distance walk, ensuring an adequate drinking water supply and taking a first aid kit are highly recommended,” he said.
Maps are available from David Fleay Wildlife Park, Queensland Parks and Wildlife West Burleigh office, Binna Burra Lodge or O’Reilly’s Rainforest Resort.
Great Walks are already open on Fraser Island, the Mackay highlands, the Sunshine Coast hinterland, the Wet Tropics and the Whitsunday coast.
Further Great Walks are planned for the Whitsundays, Cooloola, Conondale Range and Carnarvon.
Media contact: Emma Parnell 3336 8002
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said Gold Coast Hinterland is the sixth of 10 planned Great Walks to be opened at a total cost of $16.5 million.
“The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk has been three years in the making and showcases the natural beauty of the area,” Mr McNamara said.
“It links the World Heritage-listed Lamington and Springbrook National Parks via the scenic Numinbah Valley.
“The walk provides a range of opportunities including short walks, day walks and a challenging three day adventure.”
Mr McNamara said the walk was a substantial project that required over two hundred tonnes of construction materials to be lifted by helicopter into remote locations, more than 180 signs, the creation of 2000 steps, and a range of information panels and detailed maps to guide walkers.
“As with all the Great Walks there has been thorough community consultation involving local councils, community groups, environmental groups, Traditional Owners, government departments and other stakeholders,” Mr McNamara said.
Member for Mudgeeraba, Dianne Reilly, welcomed the opening of the Great Walk.
“The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk is a unique tourism experience and will benefit the long-term economic health of local businesses and the community,” Ms Reilly said.
“Campgrounds are located along the walk at Green Mountains, Woonoongoora and The Settlement at Springbrook.
“They will provide basic facilities for walkers and bookings are essential.
“The walk guides bushwalkers in the footsteps of Yugambeh Traditional Owners who have walked this land for thousands of years,” Ms Reilly said.
“A section of the Great Walk will be named ‘Woonoongoora’ to acknowledge the contribution of the Yugambeh Language Group. The name ‘Woonoongoora’ refers to the Yugambeh legend of how the mountain rivers were born.”
Mr McNamara said that Traditional Owners had given their blessing and support to this remarkable venture.
“Before starting out on the walk, people are encouraged to obtain a detailed map and take the recommended safety precautions.
“When embarking on a long distance walk, ensuring an adequate drinking water supply and taking a first aid kit are highly recommended,” he said.
Maps are available from David Fleay Wildlife Park, Queensland Parks and Wildlife West Burleigh office, Binna Burra Lodge or O’Reilly’s Rainforest Resort.
Great Walks are already open on Fraser Island, the Mackay highlands, the Sunshine Coast hinterland, the Wet Tropics and the Whitsunday coast.
Further Great Walks are planned for the Whitsundays, Cooloola, Conondale Range and Carnarvon.
Media contact: Emma Parnell 3336 8002