Tomaree National Park trails closed until July for coastal walk upgrade

Between Monday, May 9 and Thursday, May 12 NPWS staff and contractors helicopter lifted construction materials into Tomaree National Park to build a new track linking Boat Harbour and One Mile and upgrade the existing Fingal Ridge, Ocean and One Mile trails.

"The sections NPWS contractors were working on last week with the helicopter lift work were the existing Fingal Ridge Track and existing One Mile Track, and work is not yet completed," a NPWS spokesperson told the Examiner.

"There will be two to three more heli-lifts in the next couple of months as excess materials and waste are removed and some extra materials are brought in as needed. These tracks... will remain closed until works are finished on these sections around mid-July, weather permitting."

Closure signs have been placed on the track entry points, which will remain in place until at least July 15.

The upgrade of the 20 kilometre Tomaree Coastal Walk between Tomaree Head and Birubi Point began in 2021 and are due to be completed in December 2022.

Minor works are expected to continue into 2023, such as adding interpretative signage and other visitor facilities along the walk, the NPWS spokesperson said.

Since works began, existing tracks and access to Kingsley Beach, Big Rocky, Skate Bay (south of Big Rocky) and Fingal Bay have been upgraded.

Last week's heli-lift sling operation transported hardwood timbers, sandstone blocks, boulders and landscape rocks, gravel and native mulch from a temporary depot in the Big Rocky carpark into Tomaree National Park around Fingal Bay and Boat Harbour.

Most of the flights were off the coast of Samurai Beach and One Mile Beach conducted by "highly skilled and trained" NPWS staff and contractors.

In addition to the One Mile and Fingal Bay works this month, on Tuesday, May 17 and Wednesday, May 18 Tomaree Headland will be completely closed to the public while the NPWS carries out helicopter lift operations for walking track maintenance.

In late May, NPWS plans to start works on upgrading the Zenith Beach loop road and carpark.

"These works will see the road resealed, line-marked and widened to create a pedestrian pathway linking the top and bottom carparks," the NPWS spokesperson said.

"Works to upgrade the Big Rocky day use area are planned to finish at the end of June, including upgrades to the carpark's drainage and building a low-level boardwalk and re-surfacing parts of the track.

"Additionally, boardwalks, bridges, lookouts and viewing platforms are being designed along various walks. These will be built progressively over the next year and residents will be notified of any works ahead of time.

"Sometimes an area must be closed at short notice so construction crews can take advantage of good weather to complete building work. We appreciate the community's understanding and patience as we work to deliver safer and more resilient walking tracks."

The NPWS spokesperson gave a "shout out" to volunteer groups such as Friends of Tomaree National Park who "are doing great work removing weeds and planting local species".

"These volunteers make a big difference in the park."

Kylie Yeend, NPWS director for Hunter Central Coast, said last week's works marked an "exciting milestone" in the coastal walk upgrade which, when complete, will offer a range of short, half-day or overnight walks.

"We're making the wild beauties of nature a bit more accessible for our visitors. This land is steeped in Worimi culture, historic heritage and natural wonders - walking in this area is a wonderful experience," she said.

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