Overview
The Sunshine State might soon need to upgrade its nickname, even if 'the walking trail state' doesn't quite have the same ring to it. Still, the suggested moniker fits. New hiking tracks have been popping up around Queensland quite frequently of late, including the country's longest continuous walking, cycling and horse-riding path, a 55-kilometre walk through the Scenic Rim in the state's southeast and plans for a 76-kilometre coastal walk in the far north. Now, add a mountain bushwalk trail on North Stradbroke Island, or Minjerribah, to the list.
Straddie's addition to the fold is a rather reasonable length, compared to other just-completed and upcoming treks, coming in at just over two kilometres. But the Mount Vane walking track boasts plenty of highlights, including 360-degree views of Moreton Bay and Quandamooka country. It also links into two existing walks within Naree Budjong Djara National Park, making a to ten-kilometre network of trails.
Crucially, the track was designed and constructed by the Quandamooka people, the island's traditional owners, with more than 20 rangers involved. Alongside Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, they help care for the national park — which covers around half of the island.
The Gorge, North Stradbroke Island, via Tourism and Events Queensland
Along the interconnected trails, walkers can now nab a view from the top of one of Straddie's highest peaks, trek half a day down to Karboora (the Deep Silent Pool, which is also known as Blue Lake) and find other high spots with scenic vantages — including sweeping over 18 Mile Swamp and over to the Gold Coast.
The Mount Vane walking track is part of a series of upgrades designed to boost tourism, giving Straddie a suite of "upgraded campgrounds and recreational trails, unique cultural experiences, and land-based whale watching," as Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones explained in a statement.
Minjerribah Camping
In good news for anyone keen not just to wander through Straddie, but stay for a night or several, new beachside cabins, eco-tents, glamping and safari tents are coming to the scenic spot. The island already boasts permanent beachfront glamping grounds at Adder Rock and Amity Point, as run by Minjerribah Camping (formerly Straddie Camping); however the existing caravan park site at Adams Beach adding "environmentally and culturally sensitive beachside accommodation". With specially designed containers transforming into cabins, the new accommodation is due to be open in June.
Top image: Tobias Lange via Flickr.