Sparkling future for world-famous Whitehaven Beach

The Palaszczuk Government’s $3.9 million investment to construct a new long-distance walking track and upgrade camping areas on Whitsunday Island will ensure visitors get a whole new experience when they visit the beautiful island, Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch said.

Ms Enoch said the new infrastructure and tracks would add to the tourism experience of the increasingly popular Whitehaven Beach, which regularly features in lists of the world’s best beaches.

“These projects are funded under our $35 million Revitalising National Parks program,” Ms Enoch said.

“Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has been working on plans for an upgraded camping area and an additional day-use area at Whitehaven, new signage, a walk and a new lookout at South Whitehaven, plus a long-distance walk that will offer breathtaking views of the world-famous beach.

“The camping area upgrade is due to be finished by October 2018, with the other works to be completed by July 2019.

“Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service did a fantastic job of clearing and re-profiling Whitehaven Beach after Tropical Cyclone Debbie, and some recovery work is still underway.”

Ms Enoch said Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service will ensure any infrastructure will have a minimal impact on the island’s natural beauty. New structures will also be designed to be cyclone resistant, like the existing toilets at Whitehaven that remained standing after Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

Minister Enoch said the South Whitehaven lookout would be built on a rocky headland.

“While the location and design are still being finalised, there is no doubt that visitors will be able to enjoy a beautiful lookout offering phenomenal views,” she said.

“Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service are set to commence work on a new long-distance walking track to the summit of Whitsunday Craig, the fourth highest peak on Whitsunday Island.

“At the summit of Whitsunday Craig, walkers will enjoy an uninterrupted 360 degree view of Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Pentecost Island and the Whitsunday Passage.

“The 20 kilometre track will connect Whitehaven Beach to Tongue Point, the two most popular destinations in the Whitsunday Islands National Park.”

The Palaszczuk Government has also committed to spend $5 million on a premium ecotourism experience on the island, starting with a feasibility study that will look at whether eco-friendly accommodation and activities will be financially and environmentally feasible for tourism operators.

In addition to the QPWS infrastructure upgrades, the $7 million Tourism Recovery Fund (jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments) is also helping local tourism bounce back from the effects of Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

Planning is underway for four key tourism infrastructure projects in the Whitsunday region, including a $2 million expansion and upgrade of Hill Inlet Lookout on Whitsunday Island.

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