New lookout adds wow factor

Views to Hinchinbrook Island and the Hinchinbrook Channel from the Cardwell Range have been enhanced with the opening of a second lookout.

The new lookout was constructed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and complements the existing Hinchinbrook lookout and shelter built by the Department of Main Roads (Main Roads).

The original shelter, officially opened in November last year, was part of the Cardwell Range upgrade and features interpretive signage and a purpose built vehicle slip road.

Wet Tropics Principal Conservation Officer, Bruce Jennison, said that while the new lookout was just a short walk from the Main Roads lookout, the new QPWS lookout offers uninterrupted, panoramic views of Hinchinbrook.

“This is particularly important if you are a photographer, as the second lookout provides outstanding views of the channel and island uninterrupted by the high voltage powerlines that are visible from the Main Roads lookout,” Mr Jennison added.

The Authority developed the case to obtain funding from government to purchase the land on which the new lookout has now been built.

“We believed that it was important to conserve the natural attributes of this location and its surrounding land as it provides one of Australia’s most significant outlooks, not only for the spectacular views, but also because it presents a visual gateway to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park,” Mr Jennison said.

The lookout has been named ‘Panjoo’ which means ‘beautiful place’ in Banjin - the Traditional Owners of the Hinchinbrook area.

Published: 16th Apr 2015