Visitors to Minnamurra Rainforest can now stand on a large new viewing platform to see a picturesque waterfall.
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On Tuesday, Kiama MP Gareth Ward officially opened the first stage of the $4.7 million upgrade, which will take three years.
Mr Ward said the newly refurbished walking track and viewing platform would make it easier for residents and visitors to the Budderoo National Park to explore the tranquil rainforest canopy and enjoy stunning waterfall views of Minnamurra Falls.
“The South Coast region, famous for beautiful national parks, now has another world-class walking track to offer park visitors,” he said.
“Hopefully with these upgrades we can encourage tourists to stay at least an extra day.”
About 500 metres of new boardwalk was installed. The narrow, rusty platform and path was in disrepair and has been replaced with a fibre reinforced plastic, expected to last 80 years.
National Parks and Wildlife Service South Coast branch director of park operations, Kane Weeks said the work was completed by a local contractor.
The section was closed for the past 18 months and is now more accessible with ramps rather than stairs.
National Parks and Wildlife Service area manager Graham Bush thanked park visitors for their patience.
“The extensive construction works were extremely difficult due to the remote location,” he said. “Work involved flying in construction supplies and equipment using the NPWS helicopter.
“We still have work to do on replacing the Rainforest Loop Walk and once this work has finished, this walking track will form one long track from the visitor centre, linking up to the Upper Falls viewing platform.”
The next phase in the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre reinvigoration project is the revitalisation of the visitor centre. This work is anticipated to start in April.
That will include a new commercial kitchen, function room, cafe, information desk all in an open plan, multipurpose rainforest centre.
The cafe would be run by a commercial operator and Mr Weeks suggested that having Aboriginal food options would be a great idea.
He said about 130,000 people visited the rainforest each year, including many school children who learnt about sustainability.
NPWS wants to, with additional government funding, offer glamping opportunities.
“Imagine connecting the rainforest with a function and wedding options and accommodation,” Mr Weeks said. “A national park in Tasmania has a similar experience.
“It is part of our vision to conserve the park. We want people to be a part of protecting and caring for the sub-tropical rainforest.”
Mr Ward said he was supportive of the idea to provide an accommodation option and would investigate potential funding.