Daintree Marrdja Boardwalk reopens with ministerial visit
TOURISM
The Marrdja Boardwalk in the Daintree was officially reopened today following a funding grant from the state government to repair the iconic walk.
Marrdja is a Kuku Yalanji word meaning 'rainforest' or 'jungle'.
This 1.2 kilometre walk in the Daintree National Park contains examples of every stage of the evolution of land plants over 400 million years, including basket ferns, tassell ferns and club ferns, cycads, ancient pines and primitive flowering plants.
Attending the official reopening, Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said this $1.3 million upgrade from the Palaszczuk Government was the latest in a series of investments to improve the experience for visitors to National Parks.
“The Daintree Rainforest is truly unique – it is the oldest living rainforest in the world and is an internationally-acclaimed biodiversity hotspot,” she said.
“And this is one of the few places where plants representing all stages of the evolution of land plants over the last 400 million years are found.
“Thousands of people visit this special place every year, and this new Marrdja Botanical Walk through the beautiful rainforest will help enhance their experience.”
The improved boardwalk includes new and upgraded boardwalks, refurbishing the concrete paths, new interpretive signage and a new information shelter.
“This project is a collaborative effort between the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Peoples, who have cared for this special country for thousands of generations, and the Queensland Government,” Ms Enoch said.
“We know places like the Daintree are special, and are where people can come and experience the natural environment.
“That is why our Government is committed to enhancing Queensland's national parks, through the $35 million Revitalising National Parks Program.
“Here in Far North Queensland, on top of this funding for the Marrdja Botanical Walk, the Palaszczuk Government committed $1 million in 2018-19 for walking track upgrades and the replacement of lookout structures in Mossman Gorge.
“An additional $750,000 million was also allocated in 2019-2020 for other infrastructure upgrades in Daintree National Park.
“The program of works is revitalising infrastructure that plays a key role in enhancing experiences of visitors to Queensland’s iconic national parks.”
Local tour operator, Mike D’Arcy praised the State Government’s investment in the area’s future.
“The Marrdja renovation brilliantly showcases our unique rainforest, mangroves, ferns and relic plants,” Mr D’Arcy said.
“It’s the jewel in the crown of the four cleverly designed QPWS boardwalks here in the Daintree, and is absolutely critical to enhancing our visitor experience, and sustaining both our community and our environment.”
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