Eco Tourist Walk

Queensland Ecotourism Trails facebook post has announced CABN has won the contract to build on the Cooloola Great Walk

Queensland Ecotourism Trails facebook post has announced CABN has won the contract to build on the Cooloola Great Walk

The Cooloola Great Walk was designed by the Queensland Government Parks and Wildlife to showcase the very best of the Cooloola Recreation Area’s outstanding natural attractions.

The Cooloola Great Walk in the Great Sandy National Park is an existing 102-kilometre walking and camping experience that begins 2.4km north of the Noosa River Ferry and ends at Rainbow Beach.

Between May 31 and August 22, 2019, the community was invited to share their ideas and knowledge on the Cooloola Great Walk to help shape its future planning.

The Queensland Ecotourism Trails program wanted to establish “low-impact, best practice ecotourism facilities” along the Cooloola Great Walk to enhance one of Queensland’s national park long-distance walking experiences.

The proposed facilities include improved public infrastructure, low-impact eco-accommodation and low-impact communal spaces.

Last May, Tourism Industry Development Minister, Kate Jones, announced three firms were shortlisted to “deliver detailed proposals that respect the unique natural environment of Cooloola Great Walk”.

The shortlisted firms were CABN, Tourism Noosa and World Expeditions.

The Queensland Government selected CABN as the preferred proponent for the Cooloola Great Walk and said “with existing operations in South Australia and Victoria, CABN will provide off-grid, sustainable eco-accommodation.”

Ms Jones said: “This is about the state working with the private sector, Traditional Owners and local councils to further protect and promote our world-class parks and new ecotourism opportunities.

“The government will conduct ongoing community consultation with locals during all phases of this project.

“Cooloola is one of the most beautiful places in Queensland – we want to share this slice of paradise with more tourists from around the world,” Ms Jones said.

“Ecotourism is a booming sector globally. With a world-class eco experience here at Cooloola, we’re helping Sunshine Coast businesses tap into this sector.”

Member for Noosa, Sandy Bolton, said the Cooloola Great Walk aligns with the aspirations of the Noosa community for visitors that enjoy unique nature-based experiences.

Urban List recently published: “In very exciting news, the Sunshine Coast is getting a new world class eco-tourism trail dotted with super cute, off-the-grid tiny homes that you can totally stay at.

“Highlighting the beauty of the Sunshine Coast’s natural environment, our unique wildlife and the ancient cultural heritage, the upgrade to this already existing 102-kilometre walking experience will see visitors swap their tents for cosy huts as they hike from Noosa North Shore to Rainbow Beach.”

Ms Jones said: “The Government is also committed to working with Kabi Kabi First Nations peoples who will be involved in the Request for Detailed Proposal phase through several workshops.”

Kabi Kabi representative Brain Warner said the Traditional Owners of the land were proud that the project would allow more people to enjoy the Cooloola Great Walk.

It was reported that ‘the Gympie Regional Council planning and economic development officers have been advised of the council’s proposed intent to provide a submission into the process as a neighbouring council with a joint interest in the walk proposal.’

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