The popular Somersby Falls picnic area in Brisbane Water National Park near Gosford will remain closed until June 2024 as it undergoes a significant upgrade.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Hunter Central Coast Director Kylie Yeend said the plan, which was approved in 2021, will upgrade the visitor precinct, improve safety and accessibility, and protect important cultural heritage values.
‘Somersby Falls is on Darkinjung Country and is an important cultural heritage site,’ Ms Yeend said.
‘These works will protect Aboriginal cultural heritage, with a new accessible viewing platform that allows visitors to enjoy the scenic lookout, but limits people walking onto the rocks at the top of the falls.
‘This will reduce impacts to Aboriginal artefacts found in the rocks, called grinding grooves, as well as enhancing safety for all visitors.’
Somersby Falls has been closed since July for stage one of the works, which upgraded the carpark to include 58 car park spaces including 4 new accessible parking spots and a bus drop-off and turning bay.
NPWS now has additional funding to complete stage 2 of the concept plan, meaning the site will remain closed for 6 more months as work continues on-site. Continuing the works will reduce the closure time overall.
Stage 2 works include a new accessible viewing platform at the top of the falls, accessible pathways, new picnic area facilities, upgraded amenities, and repairs to the elevated steps and boardwalk to the lower falls.
The $4.59 million project has been designed to cater for growing visitation at Somersby Falls, which is becoming an increasingly popular day-use area.
