SCENIC RIM WALKING TRAIL
UPGRADE AND REPAIRS
The Scenic Rim Walking Trail Restoration Project will repair and upgrade a 5-kilometre hiking network in the Cooktown Botanic Gardens, damaged by Cyclone Jasper in December 2023. Funded by the Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games, the project will restore safe access, enhance resilience against severe weather, and protect the trail’s cultural and environmental values for locals and visitors.
Location:
Gallop Botanic Reserve (Cooktown Botanic Gardens)
Scope:
The Scenic Rim Walking Trail, located within the Cooktown Botanic Gardens, is a 5-kilometre moderate hiking network featuring some technical elements. It is a valued community and tourist asset, offering access to the area’s unique cultural and environmental heritage.
In December 2023, Cyclone Jasper caused significant damage to the trail, including landslides, washouts, and erosion. These impacts created safety hazards and forced the closure of sections of the trail.
The Scenic Rim Walking Trail Restoration Project will:
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Repair damaged surfaces and reconstruct steps in steep sections using durable materials.
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Improve drainage to reduce erosion and protect the trail from future severe weather events.
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Realign sections of the track affected by landslides, including construction of a pedestrian walkway.
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Install new signage and safety barriers in hazardous areas.
The works will be carried out in challenging terrain and may require specialised equipment, including helicopter operations. The project will be managed with a strong focus on environmental and heritage protection.
Restoring the trail supports the Cook Shire Council Corporate Plan 2022–2027 priorities for well-maintained parks and recreational spaces, promotes outdoor activity, supports tourism, and enhances community health and wellbeing.
This project is funded by the Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games through the Sport and Recreation Recovery Grant – Cook Shire Council – SRRG02-2024-0011.
21 April 2026 | PUBLIC NOTICE – Scenic Rim Walking Trail Temporary Closures
Project Timeline
Procurement
- July-August 2025
Construction
The works will be delivered in nine separable portions, including:
- Surface restoration: Re-sheeting with gravel pavement or equivalent substrate.
- Step reconstruction: Rebuilding sections, including full replacement in some areas such as Finch Bay to Cherry Tree Bay and Cherry Tree Bay landslide to Grassy Hill.
- Drainage improvement: Installing armoured spoon drains, cut-off drains, and other measures to manage water flow and prevent erosion.
- Landslide remediation: Rerouting the track, building a pedestrian walkway across the creek.
- Signage and safety barriers: Installing new safety features along hazardous sections.
Estimated date of completion
- July 2026