Trail sets links to Port attractions
RESIDENTS across the Far North will have a new reason to visit Port Douglas with the opening of a must-do attraction, the Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail.
The newly constructed 1.5km track provides a link between Four Mile Beach and Rex Smeal Park at Port Douglas.
Stage two of the $953,104 project created 16 jobs, including eight training opportunities.
Douglas Shire Council Mayor Julia Leu said the trail featured many picturesque vantage points, such as a breathtaking viewing platform hovering over the Coral Sea.
“This trail provided neverbefore-seen views of Douglas Shire’s most spectacular natural wonders,” she said.
“It boasts magnificent views of the Coral Sea and Low Isles, all the way to Snapper Island and the Daintree rainforest.
“Photographic hot spots are littered throughout the trail for visitors, who will catch a glimpse at Douglas Shire’s unrivalled natural beauty from a historic vantage point.”
Local indigenous company Bulban Enterprises and Eco Civil Solutions constructed the trail with the council. Worldrenowned track builders World Trail constructed the gravel-based track from the existing stairs to the Flagstaff Hill lookout.
Councillor Leu said the track would add another dimension to the town’s lively buzz and lure people from surrounding areas.
Tourism Daintree and Port Douglas executive officer Tara Bennett said the trail would complete the Port Douglas experience.
“This fantastic trail will fill a gap we have for visitors who want a day of leisure in Port Douglas,” she said.
“The scenic waterfront access adds to the wealth of experiences we have to offer in the region.”
“This is a welcome boost for the Port Douglas tourism industry.”
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui has also welcomed the trail, saying it was an asset for both the local community and the region.
The State Government contributed $550,000 to the Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail under its Works for Queensland program. Douglas Shire visitor numbers were up between 2-5 per cent last financial year with about 110,000 international tourists setting foot in the region.