Port Stephen's iconic Tomaree Coastal Walk is set to receive a large upgrade, expanding the walkway to allow for 23-kilometres of stretch to be open for all the public to enjoy.
The 2018 NSW State Budget has allocated around $7-million, which is aimed at improving the generation of tourism to the area, incorporating more leisure-based activity to get the community involved in outdoor recreations.
Other upgrades involve the input of whale watching and interpretative facilities, as well as other elements for people to appreciate the Indigenous Australian and World-War-Two history of the area.
The upgrade and future developments will be carried out in stages over a four-year period, with completion set for 2022.
The project is running as a part of a $40-million investment allocation plan generated by the State Government, in order to reinforce NSWs' position as a key tourist destination, staying in the minds of national and international visitors.
Some specific features of what will be involved in the revamp have been released:
- Improved access, visitor amenities and walking tracks around the Tomaree Headland, with selected sites showcasing World-War-Two fortifications including gun emplacements, command post and radar site.
- Another looped walking track with a new access point and elevated vistas at Box and Wreck Headlands
- New links connecting Birubi Point to surround walking tracks and trails
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald, is adamant the money being spent on the site's upgrades are worth the allocation.
"We certainly think it's worthwhile investing the $7-million as it's one of the most popular parks in the State and we believe this can be improved even more", he says.
"There is a market now for eco-tourism including these walking experiences, and to get that attraction there has to be a decent length of walkway, which should become very appealing to those of domestic and international markets".
Image Sourced: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/tomaree-head-summit-walk
