Project Management for a World-Class Multi-Use Trail Experience
The Noosa Biosphere Trails form one of Queensland’s most unique and diverse multi-use trail networks that link rural communities, showcase extraordinary natural landscapes and offer a spectrum of experiences for walkers, runners, horse riders and cyclists. Following on from successful upgrades of the Cooroora and Yurol Trails, in 2025 Noosa Shire Council commenced a project to upgrade program for Trails 3 (Woondum Trail) and 4 (Wahpunga Trail), supported through the Growing Regions Program.
Blue Sky Trails were engaged to lead the project management of the upgrades bringing technical expertise, structured governance, and a user-focused approach to ensure the trails will deliver value for locals, visitors and the Noosa community.
Understanding the Challenge
The Biosphere Trails are complex by nature. They traverse multiple land tenures (Council, QPWS and private property), cross varied terrain, pass through sensitive ecosystems and deliver experiences ranging from gentle hinterland walking loops to adventurous sections of Woondum National Park. Different user groups have different needs and expectations, each requiring careful balance, integration, consideration and operational insight.
Council needed clarity on what was working, what wasn’t, and where the greatest opportunities lay. Our work began with stakeholder engagement, field validation and a detailed user-experience assessment, out of which came opportunities for improvement that were prioritised aligned to the project aims and guiding principles.
What We Delivered
1. Stakeholder Engagement & User Experience Definition
We facilitated workshops with community groups, horse-riding and cycling representatives, local businesses, land managers and Council staff identifying insights relating to safety, amenity, gradients, connectivity, interpretation, and desired experiences. This framed a shared vision for what Trails 3 & 4 should deliver.
2. Comprehensive Trail Audit & Priority Setting
Through on-ground assessment and audit review, we identified key trail-based opportunities across realignments, drainage, surfacing, signage, access control, infrastructure and environmental resilience. This produced a prioritised, staged list of upgrade works (including opportunities like improved lookouts, safer gradients, and enhanced rest nodes).
3. Project Management of All Upgrade Works
Blue Sky Trails is overseeing the creation and delivery of all work-packages including civil works, specialist trail building, fencing, gates, signage, amenities and environmental compliance. Our structured governance, sequencing and contractor management ensures upgrades are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.
4. Multi-Use Experience Enhancement
We ensured a balanced approach for walkers, runners, cyclists and horse riders that considered appropriate gradients, access, gate types, mounting blocks, stepovers, wayfinding, rest points, surface types, and opportunities for scenic experiences. Importantly how these combined to create trail experiences that could be communicated to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences allowing users to make informed decisions appropriate to their skill levels and desired experience.
The Outcome (In Progress)
The upgraded Biosphere Trails will be safer, more sustainable and more enjoyable across all user groups and user abilities. They will strengthen regional tourism by offering a world-class hinterland experience that complements Noosa’s coastal identity. Local communities and businesses will benefit through increased visitation and improved trail connectivity. Environmental outcomes will improve through more resilient alignments, reduced erosion, appropriate surfacing and improved drainage.
By combining expert project management with deep trail knowledge, Blue Sky Trails is helping Noosa Shire Council elevate the Biosphere Trails into a signature, long-term, sustainable asset that reflects the values of the region and enhances the way people connect with nature
