A tourism icon receives boost

A MODERN-DAY tourism icon of the Tropical Far Forth is receiving a significant upgrade.

Skyrail is building a new viewing platform over the Barron Falls in one of its first major investments since opening 23 years ago.

The falls and gorge lookouts are one of the wow factors on the journey. The platforms will offer stunning views of the Barron Falls and the gorge.

It will also include a “nerve tester” where visitors can stand on a transparent section of boardwalk, 300 metres above the gorge.

All aspects of site work and construction activity are subject to the strict legislative, environmental and Wet Tropics Management Authority permit conditions that Skyrail currently operates under. The site of the old lookout will be revegetated with trees and plants propagated onsite.

Skyrail is a homegrown success story and was built against all odds with perseverance by George and Ken Chapman and their team.

They have minimised disturbance to the rainforest while drawing people’s attention to the value of looking after the environment and also highlights indigenous culture.

The new platforms will lure even more visitors. While the Great Barrier Reef is the major visitor drawcard, the Wet Tropics are also a critical chapter in our tourism story.

The Daintree receives a lot of the glory but what Skyrail offers is a quick and easy way to visit some of the best rainforest experiences as well as a spectacular waterfall and gorge extremely close to Cairns and the city’s international airport.

We have some of the best environmental adventures in the world which should never be taken for granted.