The second stage of a world-class multi-day walk, featuring the country's highest suspension bridge between Guthega and Charlotte Pass in Kosciuszko National Park is now complete.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the spectacular new nine-kilometre track along the upper Snowy River is helping to establish the region as a key eco-adventure tourism destination.
"Once all four stages are complete, the 55-kilometre Snowies Alpine Walk will be a world-class experience for visitors to enjoy even more of Kosciuszko National Park, and puts the Snowy Mountains region firmly on the domestic and international tourism map," Mr Toole said.
"The Snowies Alpine Walk includes Australia's highest suspension bridge at 1,627 metres above sea level and will create more than 30 jobs, attracting an expected 50,000 visitors per year."
Minister for Environment James Griffin said the project is part of the largest ever investment in national park visitor infrastructure and could compete with the likes of Tasmania's Cradle Mountain Overland Track.
"The opening of this section of the walk marks the completion of the second of four stages, and I'm thrilled to see increased access in this beautiful part of the world," Mr Griffin said.
"The Snowies Alpine Walk is putting NSW on the map for multi-day hikes, and it'll be a must-do walk for anyone who loves Tasmania's Cradle Mountain Overland Track. In fact, I reckon it'll be a strong competitor with the Overland.
"I want to see everyone who comes to our magnificent NSW national parks arrive as visitors, and leave as conservationists, and this walk will help us achieve that."
Member for Monaro Nichole Overall said the construction of the walkway would open doors for nature-based tourism experiences.
"I'm incredibly excited for this walk to showcase the majestic alpine and sub-alpine landscapes unique to the Snowy Mountains region," Ms Overall said.
The Snowies Alpine Walk project was awarded more than $17 million by the NSW Government Regional Growth - Environment and Tourism Fund program.
Additional funding of $10 million from the Australian Government's Regional Recovery Partnerships program has enabled construction to commence on stage four.
Always check the NPWS website for track updates before you go: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/
