The popular Somersby Falls picnic area in Brisbane Water National Park will remain closed until June next year as it undergoes a significant upgrade.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Hunter Central Coast Director Kylie Yeend said the plan, which was approved in 2021, will see an upgrade to the visitor precinct, improved safety and accessibility and protection of important cultural heritage values.
“Somersby Falls is on Darkinjung Country and is an important cultural heritage site,” Yeend said.
“These works will protect Aboriginal cultural heritage with a new accessible viewing platform that allows visitors to enjoy the scenic lookout but limits people walking on to the rocks at the top of the falls.
“This will reduce impacts to Aboriginal artefacts found in the rocks, called grinding grooves, as well as enhancing safety for all visitors.”
Somersby Falls has been closed since July for stage one of the works, which upgraded the carpark to include 58 carpark spaces including four new accessible parking spots and a bus drop-off and turning bay.
NPWS now has additional funding to complete stage two of the concept plan, meaning the site will remain closed for six more months as work continues on site.
Continuing the works will reduce the closure time overall.
As well as an accessible viewing platform at the top of the falls, stage two works will also include accessible pathways, new picnic area facilities, upgraded amenities and repairs to the elevated steps and boardwalk to the lower falls.
The $4.59M project has been designed to cater for growing visitation at Somersby Falls, which is becoming an increasingly popular day-use area.