Upgrades improve accessibility for Shoalhaven’s popular walking tracks

Upgrades to some of the Shoalhaven’s most popular walks and foreshores are improving accessibility for the community while showcasing some of the region’s spectacular coastal landscapes.

From marshy wetlands to coastal cliffs, the upgrades are well underway and anticipated to be completed mid-year.

Funded by the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Infrastructure Grant, Shoalhaven City Council has been undertaking major works on seven sustainable tourism infrastructure projects. 

Mayor Amanda Findley notes “these wonderful walking tracks and pathways are already a big hit with locals and visitors, with upgrade works making them better than ever. 

“We’re also seeing improvements made to car parking, accessibility, signage, amenities and viewing platforms to ensure these walks and surrounding infrastructure are built to last.

“The purpose of the grant is to deliver infrastructure projects that improve our economic growth and enable users to experience up-close our unique natural environment in a sustainable way. These walks are certainly a big drawcard for the humble sightseer or the serious hiker.”

Upgrades already completed and open to the public under the Restart NSW Fund include:

• Plantation Point inclusive beach access (Vincentia) featuring beach access ramps, accessible amenities, new accessible pathways and parking.

• Palm Beach (Sanctuary Point) waterfront featuring new BBQs and shelters, accessible pathways, upgrades to amenities and car park improvements.

• Basin Walk (St Georges Basin/Sanctuary Point):

• Stage 1 - A new shared path along Sanctuary Point Road from Larmer Ave to Greville Ave

• Stage 2 – Upgrade of the 5km Basin Walk from Palm Beach to Wool Lane consisting of boardwalk and gravel sections. Additional boardwalk will be installed later this year below Greville Ave replacing the existing gravel sections. This will be funded under Infrastructure Betterment Fund by the Department of Regional NSW. 

• Bherwerre Wetlands (Sanctuary Point) featuring an accessible car park, accessible boardwalk along Cockrow Creek to a viewing platform and a 1200mm wide boardwalk from Larmer Avenue to the car park.

• Hyams Beach upgrades includes formalised parking, a new playground, picnic shelters, park furniture, amenities building, landscaping and walkways.

• One Track for All (Ulladulla) saw upgrade works involving the rehabilitation and resurfacing of the existing tracks with asphalt. The new smooth surface is ideal for wheelchair assisted users and mobility scooters. 

Works continue on the upgrade of Coomee Nulunga Cultural Walk at Warden Head in Ulladulla, the Southern Headlands Walk from Narrawallee to Blackburn Headland (Burrill), and some finishing touches on the Hyams Beach upgrade.

For more information on the Sustainable Tourism Infrastructure Project

Image. The new accessible boardwalk and viewing platform in the Bherwerre Wetlands, Sanctuary Point. The project also includes an accessible car park off The Park Drive and a 1.2m wide boardwalk from Larmer Avenue to the car park. Credit: Shoalhaven City Council