NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will temporarily close Ebor Falls in Guy Fawkes River National Park in the New England Tablelands from 16 October to undertake million-dollar upgrades and repairs.
The temporary closure is necessary to fast-track the construction of new lookouts and visitor precincts while ensuring the safety of visitors.
The Upper Falls visitor precinct is part of a $5 million upgrade following significant damage caused by the 2019–20 bushfires. The upgrade includes the construction of new lookouts, visitor precincts, and accessible amenities. The Upper Falls precinct will reopen to the public in December 2023.
During the closure, no toilet, picnic, or rest stop facilities will be available at Ebor Falls. Travellers on Waterfall Way are advised to use alternative amenities located in Ebor township or at the Ebor Sportsground. Signage and traffic barriers will be in place to inform motorists of the closure from 16 October 2023. Access to Ebor Cemetery off Ebor Falls Road will remain open.
Dirk Richards, NPWS Northern Inland Principal Project Officer, emphasised the importance of the temporary closure in ensuring the completion of major construction works.
'This short-term temporary closure will give contractors the space to focus on safely completing major construction stages. This will allow us to progress works at the Upper Falls faster and ensure the new visitor precinct is open in time for the summer holidays,' he said.
Once the upgrade is complete, visitors can expect an enhanced experience at the upgraded visitor precinct. The improvements include enhanced and inclusive accessibility, increased parking, brand-new visitor facilities and amazing new vantage points to view the dramatic gorge and waterfalls.
