The Whitsunday Skyway In Airlie Beach
The Whitsunday Skyway is a proposed tourism attraction for the mainland around Airlie Beach. AATG (Australian Adventure Tourism Group) has concocted this incredible idea that seeks to increase tourism in the Whitsundays area. We’re going to summarise all you need to know about this exciting new project!
What is the Whitsunday Skyway?
The Whitsunday Skyway will be a dynamic new tourism attraction on the outskirts of Airlie Beach, right in the midst of Conway National Park. It will consist of a cable car, scenic viewpoints, food and beverage services, and a range of activities and programs. The various attractions will be surrounded by the glorious natural beauty of the Whitsunday Islands, Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, and Conway National Park wilderness.
Image credit: Whitsunday Skyway Website
Whitsunday Skyway Cable Car
A 1km cable car ride that ascends to 430 metres above sea level will be the crown jewel of the Whitsunday Skyway, offering guests a relaxing and scenic journey to the top of the lush hills around Airlie Beach. The cable car will be an all-weather attraction that provides 360-degree views of the turquoise Coral Sea, the Whitsunday Islands, and the vibrant coastline of Airlie Beach.
The towering hills around Airlie Beach are currently quite inaccessible. There is very little infrastructure in the area, aside from a few hiking trails such as the Honeyeater Trail and Conway Circuit. The Whitsunday Skyway Cable Car will allow visitors to access these remote mountains in new ways and appreciate the panoramic views of the gorgeous Whitsunday mainland.
Other Whitsunday Skyway Features
Aside from the cable car, the Whitsunday Skyway seeks to engage visitors with the local community through a range of attractions. Entertainment and education will be the focus, with interactive programs, cinematic experiences, guided tours, and interpretive signage in place. There will be an emphasis on the environmental and cultural heritage of Conway National Park and the Whitsundays to ensure that guests can learn about the beautiful area that they are exploring.
The Whitsunday Skyway will also promote outdoor adventures and fitness, with ropes courses, mountain bike trails, and a downhill luge cart adding to the excitement. Existing bushwalking trails will also be respected and have access points at the new attraction. There will also be a booking centre where visitors can browse and sign up for other regional activities.
Who is behind the Whitsunday Skyway Project?
The idea for the Whitsunday Skyway was proposed by the Australian Adventure Tourism Group (AATG). Developments for the project are currently underway, with input from various sections of the Queensland Government and the Gia and Ngaro Traditional Owners of the land. Private investors are helping to fund the project, which is estimated to bring significant growth to Whitsunday tourism.
Find more info on the official Whitsunday Skyway website.
When will the Whitsunday Skyway open?
As this is a relatively new idea, the Whitsunday Skyway has not yet officially been approved and operations are estimated to begin in 2028. The attraction is expected to bring in 300,000 patrons per year and create at least 140 jobs for the local community. This increased spending and employment will hopefully boost tourism on the Whitsundays mainland and bring some much-needed development to the area. With reinvestments into Conway National Park, there will be extra effort to conserve the precious natural beauty here as well.
Who can benefit from the Whitsunday Skyway?
The Whitsunday Skyway aims to benefit everyone in the Airlie Beach area, including locals and tourists. Water-based activities such as island boat tours, private charters, and Great Barrier Reef tours generally dominate the Whitsunday tourism industry. The Whitsunday Skyway can add a bit of innovation and excitement to the Whitsunday mainland and complement the ever-popular boat tours.
Planning A Trip To The Whitsundays? Don't Forget To Book Your Tours In Advance To Avoid Missing Out!
With its array of adventurous, entertaining, and educational activities, the Whitsunday Skyway offers something for everyone. Domestic and international tourists will find this an interactive place to soak in the views and learn about the area. Group tours, cruise ship guests, families, honeymooners, backpackers, school groups, and more can find something valuable to do at the Whitsunday Skyway! Regional residents can also benefit from the investment into the area, with increased job opportunities and increased spending in the area as a whole.
