Whitsunday National Park opened up for mountain biking by the Qld state goverment

Whitsunday National Park opened up for mountain biking
Published Date Written by Una McKay

Monday, August 06, 2012

Eco-tourism in the Whitsundays got a welcome boost today as National Parks, Recreation and Sport Minister Steve Dickson officially opened a new mountain biking trail in rainforest south of Airlie Beach.

Minister Dickson said the world famous Whitsunday Great Walk track through the Conway National Park would now function as a 36 kilometre dual walking and biking track, opening up the area to a new recreational activity.

“The Newman Government is committed to unlocking Queensland’s beautiful National Parks for more residents and visitors to enjoy,” Mr Dickson said.

“People already come to the Whitsunday region to hike, sail, kayak, and enjoy nature. Now they can add mountain biking to the list of attractions.

“I know local tour operators will also be excited at the opportunities the trail offers for increasing their business.”

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has been working extensively with local interest groups and Mountain Bike Australia to ensure the track design was safe and fits environmental requirements.

”When mountain bike tracks are designed and built correctly they should have very minimal impact on the natural environment,” he said

“QPWS has installed signs to identify different track sections and to alert walkers to the presence of mountain bikers. Just one side-track of 1.2 kilometres, the Kingfisher interpretive walk, will be walkers-only.

“There are three grades of track for people to enjoy, from beginners to an expert ‘black diamond’ run, and they cover creek crossings and parts run along old logging roads.”

Mr Dickson said he was focused on finding similar ways to open up National Parks land for recreational use and eco-tourism opportunities across Queensland.

“In particular I am looking at a proposal to open fire trails and management roads in the majority of Queensland’s National Parks to mountain biking and horse-riding.

“Eco-tourism is set to be a major part of our plan for growing the tourism pillar of Queensland’s economy, which is why we are working to increase certainty and opportunity for operators across our national park estate.”

Information about the Whitsunday Great Walk and camping is at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au.

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