In North Queensland Arup has created a unique way to experience the rainforest with the Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway. This iconic treetop trail was opened in August 2008 and provides visitors with views of World Heritage listed landscapes including wild rivers, mountains and gorges.
Providing civil, structural and environmental services from concept stage through to completion, we designed the steel walkway and supporting infrastructure for the 370m elevated walkway, 8m long cantilever and 36m high observation deck.
Copyright © ArupEssential to the spirit of this project was the preservation of both the delicate rainforest and the cultural heritage it sustains, and one of the key goals was to avert any environmental damage. To ensure success we paired innovative engineering with a sensitive concern for the wilderness and worked closely with the area’s traditional owners, the Ma:Mu people.
The construction makes innovative use of the natural canopy clearings left by Cyclone Larry, while solar panels augment the energy supply and recycled plastic forms part of the decking. Our careful planning and design has also reduced the risk of harm to the environment in the event that the walkway requires maintenance or repair works in the future.
Copyright © Arup