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Tourist visits picking up for Mamu Tropical skywalk
VISITING: French tourist Vanessa Tourbin with an audio guide at the Mamu Tropical Walkway.
VISITOR numbers at the struggling Mamu Tropical Skywalk tourist attraction west of Innisfail are on the rise.
The Evans family says that since taking over in April, numbers have increased by nearly 20 per cent.
Mark and Judy Evans of Paronella Park said there had been new coach tours to the property with tour companies displaying faith that the Skywalk and other attractions south of Cairns were “a viable emerging product”.
The Evans family attributes this to increasing the interaction and value for money for visitors with changes so far including the addition of audio guides available in eight languages, a new and improved botanical guide and signs, and the availability of hot and cold drinks and snacks.
“One of the first changes we wanted to introduce was to add more interaction for visitors,” Mr Evans said.
“We are thrilled to announce that we now have audio guides available for guests to hear the amazing stories of Mamu Tropical Skywalk,’’ he said.
“With eight languages available, guests from many different countries are now able to feel at home, including French visitor Vanessa Tourbin, one of the first to use the modern new system.”
Soon after taking over, the Evanses changed the name and introduced a more personal service.
Mr Evans said one of the first items of business was the name change.
“We knew we wanted to make a fresh start for the walkway and introduce a name that was more in fitting with our tropical climate,” he said.
The Evanses, who own the award-winning Paronella Park, as well as the nearby Mena Creek Hotel, have been awarded a five-year lease with a further five-year option.
The walkway will be owned by the state and the commercial arrangements formalised through the granting of a lease under the new eco-tourism provisions of the Nature Conservation Act 1992. It is open seven days week and is a 90-minute drive from Cairns.
The walkway was built in 2008 at a cost of $10 million. It features a 350m long elevated walkway, rising from ground level to 15m, meandering through the canopy of lush tropical rainforest, a 10m long cantilever and a 37m high observation tower with two viewing decks, with views over the North Johnstone River.
There are more than 1100m of forest walking tracks, connecting the elevated walkway, cantilever and tower and rest shelters presenting information about the history and heritage of Mamu rainforest.
