Construction commences on new Ben Boyd National Park viewing platforms

As part of the biggest infrastructure investment in NSW national parks’ history, construction has commenced on two new viewing platforms at the striking Pinnacles sand cliffs in Ben Boyd National Park.

Mathew Burns from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) said the $250,000 project will improve the popular Pinnacles loop walking track and give visitors much better views of the 65 million-year-old white sand and red gravel cliffs.

Burns advised “we are replacing the existing viewing platforms with two brand new ones that are better positioned to take in views of the Pinnacles.

“The platforms will be positioned towards this spectacular landmark giving visitors a much closer look at this geological feature created from coloured sand and gravel clay deposited around 65 million years ago.

“Access to the viewing platforms will be created with new sandstone steps that will be installed by NPWS staff working on the track.

“We are also fixing washed out sections of track and doing general upgrades to the entire loop making the overall experience much more enjoyable for visitors.”

This project is part of the biggest infrastructure investment in NSW national parks' history, delivering $450 million of priority works that benefit the community and boost nature-based tourism across the state.

Works have started and will continue over summer.

The Pinnacles loop walking track will be closed during this construction phase and NPWS apologises for any inconvenience.

The improved track and new viewing platforms are expected to be open by mid-2022.

During construction, visitors to the Pamula-Haycock area of Ben Boyd National Park can still appreciate area’s natural and cultural values by doing other walks in the park, which are listed on the NPWS website.

Image: Eroded gully of red and white sand, Ben Boyd National Park courtesy NPWS