Blue Mountains National Park precincts to receive $3.2 million upgrades

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is to begin upgrading two major precincts in Blue Mountains National Park with work to improve facilities at the Conservation Hut visitor precinct (Valley of the Waters) at Wentworth Falls and Evans Lookout at Blackheath starting next week.

The upgrades are part of the NSW Government's biggest ever investment in national park infrastructure with NPWS Blue Mountains Branch Director David Crust advising that each site will offer an improved visitor experience once the $3.2 million works are completed.

Crust notes "we want all visitors to be able to enjoy our beautiful national park and these works will upgrade visitor facilities, increase carpark capacity and importantly, ensure accessible access.

"The works at the Conservation Hut precinct will include a new carpark layout with additional spaces, including a new accessible parking space. Additional accessible parking spaces are also provided at the Wentworth Falls picnic area.

"The existing toilet block will be replaced with new facilities that include an accessible toilet and changeroom facilities for canyoners. Visitors will also be able to enjoy upgraded picnic facilities, pathways and a new fully accessible 65 metre square elevated viewing platform which will offer sweeping views of the Jamison Valley."

During the upgrade pedestrians will be able to access popular walking tracks at the Conservation Hut precinct when those tracks open following the recent wet weather.

The lookouts, carparks and toilets at both sites will be closed while works are underway.

The works around Evans Lookout and Grand Canyon in Blackheath will improve parking, toilet facilities and the lookout. New pathways will be constructed to provide universal access to the main lookout, while works at the Grand Canyon Carpark will increase capacity by 80 spaces to hold up to 130 vehicles, helping to cater for peak periods of visitation. The old toilet block will also be replaced.

"National Parks understands these works will cause disruption but the upgrades are a great opportunity for improved facilities and accessible experiences for our visitors," Crust added.

The upgrades are expected to be completed by September.

Image: Evans lookout, Blue Mountains National Park Credit: NSW National Parks