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A much-loved Tropical North Queensland track has reopened

Emily MurphyBy Emily Murphy
The reopening marks a major milestone for the ambitious Wangetti Trail project.

The Twin Bridges Track, an 18-kilometre route linking Wangetti and Mowbray, has officially reopened following extensive repairs after damage from severe weather events forced its closure in 2020. The reopening restores a beloved local track while also playing a crucial role in the future of one of Queensland’s most exciting new adventure trails.

The Queensland Government confirmed the track is now open to walkers, hikers and mountain bikers, following a $400,000 rebuild that included bridge repairs and upgrades designed to improve safety and resilience.

Why the Twin Bridges Track matters

Twin Bridges Track aerial
The 18-kilometre Twin Bridges Track has reopened. (Image: © Queensland Government)

While the reopening is welcome news for locals who have long campaigned for the track’s return, it is also a significant step forward for the broader Wangetti Trail vision.

The Twin Bridges Track follows the route of the original East Black Mountain Road, winding through lush rainforest and rugged hinterland to the east of the current Black Mountain Road. Tracing a historic alignment through the Wet Tropics landscape, it has long been a favourite for walkers and mountain bikers seeking a more off-the-beaten-track adventure between Wangetti and the hinterland north of Cairns.

The Wangetti Trail is a planned 94-kilometre six-day hiking and mountain biking trail that will eventually run from Palm Cove to Port Douglas, threading through rainforest, mountains and coastline in Tropical North Queensland. When complete, it is expected to become one of Australia’s most iconic adventure trails.

Twin Bridges forms a key connection point within that wider network, and its reopening offers a glimpse of what the full Wangetti Trail experience will deliver.

Waterfall Twin Bridges Track
The track winds through lush rainforest and rugged hinterland. (Image: © Queensland Government)

The Wangetti Trail has been progressing in stages, with the first section between Palm Cove and Ellis Beach opening in September 2024. Future sections will continue to extend north towards Port Douglas, with construction timed carefully around wet seasons and environmental protections.

“When the Wangetti Trail is complete, walkers and mountain bikers will be able to experience the very best of far north Queensland’s natural beauty – from Palm Cove to Port Douglas – through a continuous trail network," Bree James, Assistant Minister for Tourism and Member for Barron River, said.

The reopening of Twin Bridges also marks an important milestone under Queensland’s Destination 2045 tourism plan, with the Wangetti Trail identified as one of the state’s signature long-term ecotourism projects.

For now, it means one simple thing: another stunning stretch of Tropical North Queensland is officially back on the map for adventurous travellers.

The details

Twin Bridges Track mountain bikers
Twin Bridges forms a key connection point within the proposed Wangetti Trail. (Image: © Queensland Government)

Where: Mowbray National Park
Distance: 18 kilometres one-way
Time: Approximately 5 hours walking time
Grade: 4
Good to know: A multi-use track for walkers and mountain bikers only. Vehicles, trail bikes and horses are not permitted. Closed by gates at both ends.
Website: Queensland national parks

Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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Discover the remote Queensland lodgings bringing luxury to the outback

    Australian TravellerBy Australian Traveller
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    Adventure and refined Luxury combine at the stunning Rangelands Outback Camp.

    Iconic Australian red dirt, ancient rocky landscapes and bursts of greenery and wildflowers all make the small town of Winton, and its surrounds, a sight to behold. Escape the ordinary and unwind in the Queensland outback, where ancient landscapes and off-grid luxury await at Rangelands Outback Camp.

    cosy seats in Rangelands Outback Camp
    Unwind in the ancient outback.

    About Rangelands Outback Camp

    Unforgettable 360-degree views of this 95-million-year-old land await at Rangelands; bathed in style and positioned on top of a jump-up (or mesa), your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting.

    Set on the 53,935-square-kilometre Rangelands Station – a working cattle property – the abundant wildlife are your only neighbours; kangaroos, echidnas, eagles and other birdlife all call Rangelands home.

    Bathed in style, your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting. Indulge with carefully curated menus, personalised service and supersized luxury tents that guarantee a private experience. This exclusive camp only has a maximum of 12 guests at a time.

    Here, the aim is pampering. From tasty menus to supersized tents with all the creature comforts, to a range of guided tours around the property and beyond.

    Guests are transferred from Winton or Longreach by a dedicated Rangelands driver.

    aerial shot of Rangelands Outback Camp tent
    Soak in 360-degree views.

    Rangelands Outback Camp tours

    Join small-group tours and enjoy exclusive access to the ancient Rangelands Rifts with your Rangelands hosts. These incredible rock formations were formed by millions of years of erosion, leaving dramatic channels through the rock. Or explore the surrounds with Rangeland’s touring partner, Red Dirt Tours .

    Get sunset birds-eye views over dramatic mesa country in a helicopter, from Queensland’s own Three Sisters to Corey’s Range, stopping at the best lookouts along the way.

    Get up close and personal with this rugged land on four wheels, with expert drivers and guides leading guests through famous Bladensburg National Park, visiting Gondwana Stars Observatory and more.

    The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), and a stop at the mining community of Opalton sheds a fascinating light on the unique fossicking method used to find them.

    A trip to dinosaur country is a must, as this is the place that ramped up Australia’s dino contribution after a fossilised footprint was found in 1962; after more exploration, the discovery of 3300 footprints made it clear this was the world’s only evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Those same footprints are still on display today at Lark Quarry Conservation Park , a 90-minute drive from Winton. Also check out Australia’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur fossils Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just 30 minutes from Winton. Here, join a tour through a working laboratory, dinosaur canyon and more.

    A twice-daily transfer into downtown Winton is offered to guests, where they can explore the Royal Outdoor Theatre, opal shops, Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.

    tour being led through Rangeland rifts
    Have an exclusive adventure through the Rangeland Rifts. (Image: TEQ)

    Sleeping in luxury

    After a day of exploring, return to your tranquil tent for a blissful open shower and uninterrupted views from your private deck.

    Designed to integrate guests into the surrounding nature, each tent feels like its own private haven. While being off-grid in the outback (in fact, each tent is powered by its own solar panels, with the added support of a backup generator), guests can also luxuriate in comfortable amenities like air conditioning, a supremely comfortable king-size bed and stylish designer touches.

    Guests can stroll to the open-air Sunset Deck for breathtaking panoramic views, or to the main lounge and dining tent, where books, on-demand coffee and drinks make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the outback.

    inside Rangelands Outback Camp bedroom
    Enjoy plenty of space inside, and stunning views outside.

    Rangelands Outback Camp dining

    As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, gather for drinks and canapés on the expansive Sunset Deck, watching the sun drench the landscape in pinks and oranges as it sinks below the horizon.

    Later, head to The Mahal lounge area and dining tent where mealtime magic happens. Savour a gourmet meal made fresh by Rangeland’s onsite chef. The meals use local produce to elevate classic outback dishes, and don’t worry, dietary requirements are happily accommodated.

    Enjoy an open bar filled with an expansive hand-selected list of wines and premium beers, with wine pairings offered by Rangelands hosts come dinner time.

    Discover more and book your luxurious stay at rangelandscamp.com.