SPECTACULAR NEW GREAT WALK ON WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS

_{09 December, 2009}

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A unique and spectacular series of walks and sea excursions involving three Whitsunday islands is now open to the public.

Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said the new Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail funded by the Bligh Government includes South Molle, Hook and Whitsunday islands, the Traditional Country of the Ngaro people.

“This is island-hopping at its finest,” Ms Jarratt said.

“It’s is a new and exciting concept that involves boating between the three tropical islands then walking from seashore to summit through areas of unsurpassed natural beauty and rich cultural history.

“The walks cater for people of all levels of fitness and vary from a mere 170 metres to challenging excursions up to a 11 kilometre round trip.

“They offer opportunities to stroll on pure white sands, climb through dry rainforests and rolling grasslands and take in heritage locations.

“The more challenging walks to the summits of the three islands offer breathtaking views of other Great Barrier Reef islands and the Coral Sea.”

Ms Jarratt said the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail had been constructed over the last two years at a cost of $1.3 million.

“A further $2.2 million has been invested in upgrading visitor facilities such as viewing platforms, camping areas and toilets at Whitsunday’s most sought-after visitor sites,” she said.

“Some of these areas, such as Tongue Point on Whitsunday Island, are already extremely popular — they attract more than 130,000 visitors a year outgrowing existing facilities.

“Work has also been done at the popular cultural heritage site at Nara Inlet on Hook Island where a new viewing platform, steps and fencing have been provided to allow visitors to safely view Indigenous rock art, while reducing the risk of them damaging the area.

“Extra signs will explain the association between the Ngaro Sea Trail and the area’s natural and cultural history.”

Ms Jarratt said 16 companies had submitted expressions of interest in conducting commercial activities associated with the Ngaro Sea Trail – the highest number ever for any of Queensland’s Great Walks.

The Sea Trail has been developed as part of the State Government’s $16.5 million investment in 10 Great Walks in Queensland.  This investment reflects the importance we place on nature-based tourism and its potential contribution to the state’s economy,” Ms Jarratt said.

More information about the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail is at www.derm.qld.gov.au

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