Upgraded boardwalk enhances Daintree experience
The Queensland Government has delivered a $4.5 million upgrade of the Jindalba Boardwalk in the Daintree National Park on Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal land, with the immersive rainforest experience now complete and officially open for tourists.
Visitors and locals can marvel at breathtaking ancient trees, unique birds and may even spot a tree kangaroo while enjoying the upgraded facility which spans approximately 650 metres and three watercourses.
The completed project includes several key enhancements:
- Eco-friendly materials: The elevated boardwalk has been replaced with durable Fibreglass Reinforced Polymer, which has a lifespan of up to 50 years and significantly reduces maintenance.
- Original alignment: The track retains most of the original alignment, except for one section that has been revegetated.
- Accessibility for all: Upgraded sections of the track ensure inclusive access, allowing people of all abilities to explore the park’s wonders.
- Parking and signage: A car space has been upgraded to meet requirements of people with a disability, and new interpretive signage has been installed to enrich the visitor experience.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell welcomed the completion of the project and said the boardwalk was a key tourist destination in the Wet Tropics.
“Queensland is the home of the holiday, and we unashamedly aspire to be a world-leader in ecotourism as part of our Destination 2045 plan,” Minister Powell said.
“We promised Queenslanders new and better tourism experiences, and the Jindalba Boardwalk upgrade delivers exactly that, along with more access to one of the most stunning parts of our State.
“We want more people out enjoying our incredible natural environment, not just to showcase these world-class landscapes, but to inspire more people to conserve it for generations to come.”
Member for Cook David Kempton said the completed Jindalba project would leave a lasting legacy.
“This upgrade ensures the boardwalk’s longevity and resilience against severe weather events, while also minimising the need for significant maintenance in the future,” Mr Kempton said.
“Key features include seventy metres of concrete for inclusive access, a viewing platform, and six new interpretive signs to guide visitors along the way.”
Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen welcomed the opening of the upgraded Jindalba Boardwalk to enhance the visitor offering north of the Daintree River.
“This 45-minute walk in the foothills of Mount Alexandra is the best example of virgin Daintree rainforest of all the boardwalks in the national park and adds to the sustainability story of the Port Douglas and Daintree region as an Eco-certified destination,” Mr Olsen said.
“An accessible trail, Jindalba Boardwalk has always been popular for tour groups and independent travellers as it is one of the first stops for groups to experience dense lowland rainforest once they’ve seen the iconic Alexandra Range lookout.”
