Ngaro Trail now open

The Ngaro Trail is a challenging yet rewarding walk through diverse eco systems, sacred Ngaro Country and to some of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Whitsundays.

We were engaged by QPWS&P to design camping support facilities for this trail with the core focus of minimising the environmental impact in every facet of the design and construction.

The trail features two camps for the multi-day trek, Bowarri yamba (Moon Camp) perched atop a ridgeline overlooking Silica Bay; and Dhula yamba (Tree Camp) nestled in the beach surrounds of Torres Herald Bay. Each camp site design is unique, featuring an architecturally designed all weather communal shelter to relax and prepare meals, elevated timber tent/hammock platforms and composting toilet facilities.

The design laid out each site to use existing clearings and minimise any additional environmental disturbance. The structures were designed to be built by hand with innovative and durable construction techniques, whilst the design is unique to each site to complement and enhance the surrounding natural elements and views.

The construction phase was completed with almost no heavy machinery and all materials & tools were carried in and out of each site. The construction materials chosen are durable, sustainable and cyclone proof with minimal maintenance required for the remote sites. Site visits were minimised and stage reviews were facilitated by the local rangers.

Additionally, these upgrades were designed to guide trekker behaviour, reducing impact on vegetation by providing designated spaces for camping, cooking & amenities.

This stunning trail and landscape on Ngaro Country are an important part of the greater Whitsunday Islands National Park, preserving this tropical environment for generations to come, while facilitating well-considered and sustainable tourism to support the local economy and our national parks.