Spectacular Flagstaff Hill walking trail unveiled
PORT DOUGLAS
IT has been 25 years in the making and today the Douglas Shire Council was able to unveil the 1.5km Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail, which will showcase the shire’s spectacular natural wonders.
At today’s official opening at Little Cove, Mayor Julia Leu said she was thrilled that the project had finally reached fruition. “It’s been talked about for a long time. Now that it’s a reality is testament to Council’s decision in 2015 to make it happen.”
The total cost of the track was $953,104.00 – Stage one cost $248,061 and Stage two was $705,043, with the State Government contributing $550,000 under its Works for Queensland program.
Leu said that stage two of the project created 16 jobs, including eight training opportunities.
“Local indigenous company Bulban Enterprises and Eco Civil Solutions constructed the trail alongside Council. World-renowned track builders World Trail constructed the gravel-based track from the existing stairs to the Flagstaff Hill lookout,” she said.
The 1.5km trail provides a link between Four Mile Beach and Rex Smeal Park and from today the public can access the trail.
Leu said the trail features many picturesque vantage points, including a platform that offers magnificent views of the Coral Sea and Low Isles, all the way to Snapper Island and the Daintree Rainforest.
“While the Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail provides another incentive for visitors to come to Douglas Shire, it also mirrors the charm of popular suburban exercise routes, such as the Arrow walking tracks at Mt Whitfield Conservation Park in Cairns.
“This will add another dimension to the town’s lively buzz and lure people from surrounding areas,” said Leu.
It will also be an additional tourist attraction and comes at a time when visitor numbers are up between two to five per cent last financial year, with about 110,000 international tourists setting foot in the region.
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