New 6-day hiking and biking trail coming to Tropical North Queensland

Emily MurphyBy Emily Murphy
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Queensland’s newest adventure trail promises an unforgettable journey from Palm Cove to Port Douglas.

Adventure seekers, take note: Queensland is gearing up to unveil one of its most ambitious ecotourism projects yet – the Wangetti Trail. Spanning an epic 94 kilometres from Palm Cove to Port Douglas, this multi-use trail is poised to become a must-do for hikers, mountain bikers and nature enthusiasts alike.

What is the Wangetti Trail?

The trail traverses a culturally significant area, following ancient routes once used by the Djabuganydji, Yirrganydji, Nyagali, Buluwanydji and Guluy people as traditional walking tracks through Country for connection, trade, celebration and cultural practices.

Designed with sustainability at its core, the Wangetti Trail will wind through the breathtaking coastal landscapes, ancient rainforests and rugged bushland of Macalister Range National Park and the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland, offering adventurers front-row seats to Queensland’s diverse natural beauty.

Named after the small coastal town it intersects, the trail promises an immersive experience, blending world-class outdoor activities with environmental conservation.

A trail like no other

Wangetti Rex Lookout
The trail is named after the small coastal town it intersects. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Unlike other trails, the Wangetti Trail is more than just a scenic route. Once fully operational, the trail will be an ecotourism masterpiece, featuring purpose-built camping areas and eco-accommodation that highlight the rich cultural heritage of the region.

For mountain bikers, dedicated tracks will offer thrilling rides through diverse terrains, while hikers can relish the tranquillity of less-travelled paths, with panoramic views that will redefine Instagram-worthy moments.

A local boost

Backed by the Queensland Government, the $47.1 million Wangetti Trail is set to elevate the state’s reputation as a premier ecotourism destination. The project is expected to create 150 new local jobs, support long-term business opportunities for locals, Traditional Owners and their future generations, and attract thousands of visitors to Tropical North Queensland annually, all while promoting sustainable travel practices.

When can you hit the trail?

Palm Cove jetty in tropical North Queensland
The Wangetti Trail begins at Palm Cove jetty. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The first stage of the Wangetti Trail, a 7.8-kilometre track from Palm Cove to Ellis Beach – one of the best beaches in Cairns – opened in September 2024.

Construction is underway on the next section of the Wangetti Trail with stages opening progressively. Once fully operational, adventurers can tackle the entire 94-kilometre trail or choose from shorter sections tailored to varying fitness levels and interests.

Protecting the park

This really applies to any trail or national park, regardless of whether it’s World Heritage-listed or not, but please be respectful and aware of the environment and your impact on it.

  • Take all your rubbish when you leave.
  • Pets are not permitted on the trail.
  • Fires are strictly prohibited.
  • Stick to the designated trail to prevent erosion, environmental damage and confusion for other hikers.
  • All plant and animal life is protected – don’t disturb plants and animals, whether living or dead.
  • Don’t feed the wildlife.

For those craving an adventure that treads lightly on the planet while delivering an unforgettable experience, the Wangetti Trail is set to be Queensland’s next big thing.

Stay tuned – Queensland’s ultimate adventure trail is just around the corner.

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.