The third stage of upgrades on the Wonga Walk in Dorrigo National Park, one of Australia's most popular rainforest walks, is now underway.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Area Manager Glenn Storrie said the Wonga Walk is a signature experience on the NSW North Coast, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people to walk among ancient, World Heritage-listed rainforest.
"Dorrigo National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area and is located on the traditional Country of the Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal people," said Mr Storrie.
"NPWS have begun the third stage of upgrades on the walk, including asphalt resurfacing and widening a 1.6-kilometre section of walking track from the Glade picnic area to Crystal Shower Falls.
"There'll also be new rest nodes installed along the track, including a new viewing platform. An additional platform will also be constructed at the Hardwood lookout, overlooking the breathtaking Bellinger Valley.
"These upgrades are part of a wider project designed to make the Wonga Walk more accessible to people of different ages and abilities and encourage visitors to interact with the rainforest environment.
"We want more people to visit and have unforgettable experiences in Dorrigo National Park.
"The more people who are touched by their visit to the park, the more people will care about preserving this place – and the unique animals and plants that it protects – for future generations," said Mr Storrie.
The upgrades, being delivered by local Dorrigo-based family business Avirida, are expected to take 12 months to complete.
The works will require the closure of the Wonga Walk to Crystal Shower Falls from the Satin Stroll entry point at the Glade and near the southern end of the Walk with the Birds platform. The track will be made safe and reopened during school holiday periods to reduce the impacts on visitors.
Visitors should contact the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre on 02 6657 5913 or check the NPWS Alerts page for up-to-date closure information.
A series of upgrades have already been completed in Dorrigo National Park, including widening and resurfacing of a 1.2-kilometre section of walking track from the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre to the Glade picnic area, installation of a new Gondwana story circle and viewing platform, refurbishment of the Walk with the Birds boardwalk and installation of wildlife sculptures that help interpret the unique rainforest environment.
The upgraded Wonga Walk will also complement the new Dorrigo Arc Rainforest Centre and Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk being delivered in Dorrigo National Park over the next 4 years.
This $56.4 million project includes a new visitor centre on the footprint of the existing centre, including a new accessible spiral walkway connecting with the Wonga Walk, and a 46-kilometre multi-day walk.
