- First phase of $6.5m Royalties for Regions project completed
- Kalbarri National Park roads and tourism infrastructure upgraded
- Sealed paths improve access to spectacular coastal features
A major upgrade of Kalbarri National Park's coastal walks has been completed, providing better and easier access to Red Bluff's rugged cliffs and Island Rock's solitary sea stack.
Environment Minister Bill Marmion said works to some of the park's most spectacular features were completed under the first phase of a $6.5million, three-year roads and tourism infrastructure program for Kalbarri National Park funded by Royalties for Regions.
"About two kilometres of paths to Red Bluff, Natural Bridge, Island Rock, Shellhouse and Eagle Gorge have been sealed with asphalt. The paths provide improved access to these popular spots and now offer assisted access for the disabled," Mr Marmion said.
"A further highlight of the project, which is being implemented by the Department of Environment and Conservation, has been the completion of the boardwalk linking Island Rock and Natural Bridge. The boardwalk, which is built from recycled plastic, will help protect fragile vegetation while providing stunning views of the coastline."
Red Bluff has also received a makeover with the installation of a 250m limestone concrete path providing easier access to spectacular cliff-edge lookouts. Bicycle parking racks have also been installed at Natural Bridge, Grandstand, Eagle Gorge and Red Bluff.
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the infrastructure improvement program supported the local tourism industry.
"With its magnificent Murchison Gorge, rolling sand plains and beautiful coastal cliffs, Kalbarri National Park is one of the Mid-West's most popular tourist attractions," Mr Grylls said.
"The improved access will increase visitor satisfaction and safety. These sites will now have year-round access which meets international standards and this will boost confidence in the local tourism product and support the Kalbarri local economy."
Fact File
- Work at Kalbarri National Park is part of State-wide $20m program
- Funded by Royalties for Regions to improve infrastructure and roads in parks
- Kalbarri National Park roads and infrastructure second phase to provide improved road access to Nature's Window and Z Bend, popular Murchison Gorge tourist sites
- For more information about Kalbarri National Park visit http://www.dec.wa.gov.au
Environment Minister's office - 6552 6800
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 5500
Path to Natural Bridge accessible to assisted occupants of manual wheelchairs
Boardwalk linking Island Rock and Natural Bridge has been completed
Eagle Gorge lookout has spectacular views of the park's stratified sea cliffs
