The walking track between Pebbly Beach and Pretty Beach in Murramarang National Park will be closed from this Easter long weekend for visitor safety and to prevent further damage to the new track surface.
Kane Weeks from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service said illegal use of the new walking track while still under construction has not only damaged the surface but exacerbated erosion issues and made the area unsafe.
‘Unfortunately some visitors walking the existing track have ignored all construction signage and chosen to walk the new section of track that is closed while under construction.
‘Wet weather has prevented the track from drying and this means that the surface of the new track has been ‘churned up’ by walkers.
‘The damage caused has changed the slope and level of the track creating problems with drainage and runoff.
‘Works on the track started in February 2022 and this section will now need to be re-surfaced to repair the damage caused.
‘People accessing the unfinished track walked past multiple warning and construction signs and barriers at both ends of the track to enter the closed off area.
‘It’s disappointing that this setback to the project could have been avoided if people obeyed the signage we have in place to protect their safety.
‘Over the coming weeks, NPWS will increase patrols at Pebbly and Pretty Beach to make sure people obey the closure and avoid the walking track.
‘Campers staying at Pretty Beach can still access walks heading north, through Shoalhaven region and the Murramarang Aboriginal Area walking track.
‘Walking tracks south of Pebbly Beach remain open and visitors can continue along the existing Murramarang track towards Depot Beach and North Durras,’ Mr Weeks said.
When re-built, this section of walking track between Pebbly Beach and Pretty Beach will be a spectacular part of the 48-kilometer Murramarang South Coast Walk linking Bawley Point to Maloneys Beach.
NPWS is on track to deliver this multi-day walk by Summer 2022 pending further construction setbacks from illegal access and sustained wet weather.
