Plans are underway to create an extensive trail network at one of the Sunshine Coast’s most renowned locations.
Sunshine Coast Council has launched an eco-tourism initiative — dubbed the ‘7 Peaks Trail’ — that could include connected walking tracks around the Glass House Mountains.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli has spruiked the initiative.
“People love visiting the Glass House Mountains and Sunshine Coast hinterland and this project brings together that interest with an eco-tourism focus,” she said.
“We believe there is a significant opportunity to enhance and establish a regional tracks and trails network that provides world-class experiences and builds on existing discreet trail experiences for the national heritage listed Glass House Mountains. It’s about connecting the assets we already have and improving the overall experience.”
Scroll down to SUBSCRIBE for our FREE news feed, direct to your inbox daily.
She said it could be a defining project.
“Delivering the 7 Peaks Trail would establish a landmark tourism product for South-East Queensland — one that embodies Queensland’s commitment to nature-based tourism, cultural storytelling and regional economic development, while positioning the Sunshine Coast hinterland as a pivotal centre,” she said.
Cr Natoli said the scheme would require support from multiple parties.
“The concept has great potential and could be realised through a coordinated approach to strategic planning and investment by three levels of government, Traditional Custodians and private businesses,” she said.
“If realised, this project would also open up significant linkage opportunities to enhance and expand the Hinterland Great Walk, both north and south, and create multiple east-west linkages to the coast.
“The proposed 7 Peaks Trail would create an interconnected nature-based recreation trail network that allows visitors to choose from a range of opportunities to engage in the natural and scenic spaces of the Glass House Mountains.”
Cr Natoli said locals and visitors utilised existing tracks but much more could be done.
“Currently, there are a range of walking and bike routes that exist largely within the Glass House Mountains National Parks, with limited connecting sections of pathways outside their estate,” she said.
“Our desired outcome is to create a connected pathway network across tenures — Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services, Sunshine Coast Council, HQ Plantation — that links the national park with the communities of Beerwah, Glass House Mountains and Beerburrum.
“This would provide a full-day bike or multi-day hiking experience, while taking pressure off the mountain peaks, which are already highly visited.”
Cr Natoli explained some of the possible features.
“The project would consist of both wayfinding signage and new trail links to connect the national park walks with the broader town centres, train stations and residential communities, resulting in higher quality trail experiences and less dependence on vehicle travel between trailheads and town centres,” she said.
“Additionally, there is an opportunity to complete the loop of the 7 Peaks Trail by incorporating the recreation trail and active transport pathway network following the alignment of the railway line during the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail project.”
Cr Natoli said the trail initiative could have flow-on effects in the area.
“Realisation of the complete trail offering could provide opportunities for local business development around eco-tourism, cultural tourism, hospitality, eco-accommodation and agritourism, leading to increased spend on food, drink and accommodation in townships like Beerburrum and Glass House,” she said.
She said state government support could bolster the project and that some early planning and works were already underway.
“Earlier this year, Council advocated that the Queensland Government support coordinated delivery of the trail offering, including funding of $3 million.”
“Significant progress has been made to date through collaboration between Council, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Forestry.”
She said trail alignment investigations have been completed, preliminary routes identified, and wayfinding signage has been installed from Beerburrum Station to a trailhead.
She said planning has been finalised for the remaining wayfinding signage connecting the seven peaks, a new trailhead and carpark has been constructed at Beerburrum, and QPWS has delivered new trails including the Yulyaman Trail and Mt Ngungun link.
Cr Natoli said the Department of Transport of Main Road’s Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade includes shared pathway supporting trail connectivity.
“Engagement with Traditional Owners has commenced to ensure culturally sensitive land management and storytelling.”
Visit Sunshine Coast CEP Matt Stoeckel said the initiative could attract interstate and overseas tourists.
“The Sunshine Coast has already established itself as a premium nature-based tourism destination with a wide range of trekking attractions including the Hinterland Great Walk,” he said.
“The creation of the 7 Peaks Trail would provide a boost for local tourism, as the Glass House Mountains is such an iconic natural landmark for the Sunshine Coast in both domestic and international markets.”
A Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation spokesperson said it was aware of the proposal and the state government was intent on bolstering tourism initiatives around the state via its Destination 2045 plan.
“Delivering Queensland’s tourism future is the plan for government, industry and community to grow tourism in Queensland.”
“The (Destination 2045) plan will supercharge our tourism industry, doubling the value of visitor expenditure to the state’s economy to $84 billion by 2045 and delivering lasting benefits to the state.
“Under Destination 2045, Queensland has set its sights on becoming the world’s leading ecotourism destination by setting a benchmark of responsible tourism that balances nature, culture, scale, design and impact.
“This (7 Trails) project is a Sunshine Coast Council initiative. Sunshine Coast Council has engaged with DETSI to flag the project (but) there are no applications under consideration (yet).”
Sunshine Coast News has asked the council how much the project could cost and how it would be paid for. SCN also asked whether there are any plans to restrict walking to peaks of the Glass House Mountains and is awaiting a response.
