New link steps-up views for popular walking track

Published: 13 July 2020. (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)

A popular walking track on Cairns’ Northern Beaches now boasts one of the most spectacular access points in our region with sweeping views across the Coral Sea.

The secondary access point for the Earl Hill track opened today (July 13 2020) - it starts from a staircase on the northern foreshore of Trinity Park and continues up approximately 300m to join the recently completed track by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said Earl Hill was a popular walking track for locals particularly, with recent upgrades by QPWS he expected foot traffic to increase.

“Walking tracks such as this one provide residents with opportunities to get active and to enjoy our natural environment,” Cr Manning said.

“The Earl Hill track is a great asset not just for residents of the Northern Beaches and surrounding suburbs but for our whole community and it contributes to the health, wellbeing and liveability of our region.”

Division 9 Councillor Brett Olds said Earl Hill had become a destination trail for the region and the new link would provide access to nearby car parking and toilet facilities at the end of Reed Road.

“The Earl Hill walking track is one of the most popular tracks we have in Cairns and usually you have to make your way half way up the hill to catch views of the Coral Sea,” Cr Olds said.

“This new access serves this view up on a platter. It is spectacular, I don’t know of many other places where you can start and finish a walk with such a magnificent view.”

Cr Olds said that the result for Earl Hill was an example of what can be achieved when different levels of Government work together.

“QPWS approached Council to formalise and make safe the existing local track through Council controlled land that connects to the Earl Hill Trail,” Cr Olds said. “Formalising this connection will create a fantastic loop for users and has been catered for with a trail head at the end of Reed Road.”

Council contracted local trail company Contour Works to complete the new access.