Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail Construction Set to Start
Published Wednesday, 02 April, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
Work will start soon on the new Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail, allowing visitors to enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Whitsundays, Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said today.
Mr McNamara said the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail is one of four new Great Walks to be constructed at a cost of $6.5 million. The others are at Conondale Range, Carnarvon and Cooloola.
“This Great Walk is unique among Queensland’s 10 Great Walks in that it represents a journey rather than a walk,” Mr McNamara said.
“It’s to be known as the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail, paying tribute to the traditional owners who dwelled among and derived their livelihood from these islands and waterways for centuries before European habitation.
“It takes in some of the most spectacular scenery this state has to offer from the famous Whitehaven Beach to the multitude of picturesque inlets and scenic climbs which characterise the Whitsunday Islands.
“I look forward to returning here next year to officially open what will surely become an international tourist attraction.”
Member for Whitsunday, Jan Jarratt, said the trail would highlight many of the iconic features that had made the Whitsundays famous.
“Visitors will be able to see ancient rock art, rugged headlands, pure white sand and turquoise waters,” she said.
“The walk involves sailing or boating between several beautiful tropical islands, with a series of short walks on the islands.
“By private vessel or commercial craft, the trail will lead through the renowned Nara Inlet Hook Island, the Whitsunday Cairn, Whitsunday Peak, Whitehaven Beach, and Tongue Point on Whitsunday Island, and Spion Kop and Mount Jefferys on South Molle Island.”
Walkers and boaters may access a number of camps if overnight stays are required. Camps close to the trail heads are Sandy and Paddle Bays on South Molle Island, Dugong Beach, Whitehaven Beach and Peter Bay on Whitsunday Island and Curlew Beach on Hook Island.
“As with all of 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.
“The trail guides bushwalkers in the footsteps of Ngaro Traditional Owners who have navigated this land for thousands of years.
Construction on the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail is due for completion in 2009.”
The State Government is investing $16.5 million in 10 Great Walks throughout Queensland. Great Walks are already open on the Gold Coast and Fraser Island, Whitsunday mainland, the Mackay highlands, the Sunshine Coast hinterland and the Wet Tropics.
Media contact: Emma Parnell 3336 8002
Mr McNamara said the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail is one of four new Great Walks to be constructed at a cost of $6.5 million. The others are at Conondale Range, Carnarvon and Cooloola.
“This Great Walk is unique among Queensland’s 10 Great Walks in that it represents a journey rather than a walk,” Mr McNamara said.
“It’s to be known as the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail, paying tribute to the traditional owners who dwelled among and derived their livelihood from these islands and waterways for centuries before European habitation.
“It takes in some of the most spectacular scenery this state has to offer from the famous Whitehaven Beach to the multitude of picturesque inlets and scenic climbs which characterise the Whitsunday Islands.
“I look forward to returning here next year to officially open what will surely become an international tourist attraction.”
Member for Whitsunday, Jan Jarratt, said the trail would highlight many of the iconic features that had made the Whitsundays famous.
“Visitors will be able to see ancient rock art, rugged headlands, pure white sand and turquoise waters,” she said.
“The walk involves sailing or boating between several beautiful tropical islands, with a series of short walks on the islands.
“By private vessel or commercial craft, the trail will lead through the renowned Nara Inlet Hook Island, the Whitsunday Cairn, Whitsunday Peak, Whitehaven Beach, and Tongue Point on Whitsunday Island, and Spion Kop and Mount Jefferys on South Molle Island.”
Walkers and boaters may access a number of camps if overnight stays are required. Camps close to the trail heads are Sandy and Paddle Bays on South Molle Island, Dugong Beach, Whitehaven Beach and Peter Bay on Whitsunday Island and Curlew Beach on Hook Island.
“As with all of 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.
“The trail guides bushwalkers in the footsteps of Ngaro Traditional Owners who have navigated this land for thousands of years.
Construction on the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail is due for completion in 2009.”
The State Government is investing $16.5 million in 10 Great Walks throughout Queensland. Great Walks are already open on the Gold Coast and Fraser Island, Whitsunday mainland, the Mackay highlands, the Sunshine Coast hinterland and the Wet Tropics.
Media contact: Emma Parnell 3336 8002