Upgrade for Somersby Falls picnic area

The Somersby Falls picnic area in Brisbane Water National Park is set for a major upgrade.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is poised to begin a transformative project aiming to cater to the growing number of families visiting the area and protect the important cultural heritage associated with the Falls.

NPWS Hunter Central Coast Director Kylie Yeend said the picnic area had long been a treasured picnic spot for families, offering a stunning natural setting, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.

“Somersby Falls, on Darkinjung Country, is one of the most spectacular and popular rest stops on the NSW Central Coast,” she said.

“The site is attracting more visitors than ever before, and the current facilities need upgrading to sustainably manage increasing visitation and cater for future population growth.

“We’re committed to investing in visitor infrastructure in our state’s national parks, ensuring that these cherished

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The project will see an upgraded visitor carpark with 58 carparks, including four new accessible parking spots and a new bus drop-off and turning bay.

“A new accessible pathway from the carpark to the picnic area will be constructed and repairs will also be made to the elevated steps and boardwalk to the lower falls that were impacted by recent storm and flood events,” Yeend said.

dredging of the entire channel over a period of 10 years, to reduce periods of disruption caused by the build-up of sand.

In 2018 and 2019 the lack of dredging led to the cancellation of the local ferry service for extended periods of time, and whilst the NSW Liberal Government announced in 2021 it would take responsibility in maintaining the Ettalong channel, effective dredging has yet to be implemented, Tesch said.

She said since becoming the Member for Gosford, she has campaigned for a long-term plan to properly dredge the channel.

“We need urgent, effective and proactive dredging, not just a piecemeal solution that avoids the real issue,” she said.

Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid welcomed the news the channel will be dredged later this year, saying the lack of progress with the project highlighted the “neglect and complacency” of the former State Government.

Terry Collins

Coast national parks contribute more than $1B to the regional economy and help generate more than 2,520 jobs for the region each year.

Construction works are set to commence on Tuesday, June 13, with the picnic area to be closed while they take place, with completion expected by December, weather permitting. Visitors can check the NPWS Alerts webpage for the latest updates on closures.

areas continue to provide exceptional recreational opportunities for all.”

The latest NPWS research shows that visitors to Central

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• Repair, replace or relocate household items like fridges, microwaves, televisions.

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• Inspect and reconnect damaged utilities, like electricity, gas and water.

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Source: NPWS