The picturesque Green Cape Lighthouse on a headland in Ben Boyd National Park. Photo: DPIE/John Spencer.
The plans to transform the Far South Coast’s iconic Light to Light Walk into a 30km trek with accommodation for hikers are moving forward – one step at a time.
The Plan of Management amendment for Ben Boyd National Park has been adopted which allows for upgrades to the walk’s track and visitor facilities, and the Light to Light Strategy has been released.
“NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will now move forward with plans to transform the existing Light to Light Walk through Ben Boyd National Park into a spectacular, uninterrupted 30-kilometre coastal track with purpose-built hut accommodation and new campgrounds along the way,” NPWS executive director Naomi Stephens said.
She said the walk would be enhanced in stages, starting with two new eco hut sites at Mowarry Point and Hegarty’s Bay.
The first stage also involves an upgrade of the informal campground at Mowarry Point to establish a purpose-built walk-in campsite with new tent platforms and toilet, as well as a new walk-in campsite at Bittangabee Bay.
This stage is expected to be completed around December 2022 and all accommodation in the national park will be owned and operated by NPWS.
“We will also realign some sections of the existing track closer to the coast to offer spectacular views and to protect the environmental and cultural values of the park,” Ms Stephens said.
READ MORE: Community urged to “have your say” on draft Light to Light plans
NPWS received more than 200 submissions during the public exhibition of the draft amendment and draft strategy, with feedback resulting in some changes including formalising a campground at Mowarry Point.
The stunning Bittangabee Bay in Ben Boyd National Park. Photo: OEH.
Ms Stephens said a key outcome of the submissions will be the establishment of a Light to Light Walk Stakeholder Reference Group that will work with NPWS to guide the rollout of the project.
Representatives from a range of local and regional organisations will be invited to be part of the group.
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said funding from the Regional Growth-Environment and Tourism Fund will allow new tourism infrastructure to be built.
“The popularity of multi-day walks is surging and this investment is going to encourage visitors to the Sapphire Coast to revel in nature-based and adventure tourism,” he said.
The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has said the walk is expected to deliver benefits to the local economy, draw new visitors to the region and provide opportunities for the tourism industry including tour operators, transport, accommodation and hospitality services.
The next steps for the walk include independent environmental, cultural and historic heritage assessments.
Keep up to date on the project or read about the Light to Light Strategy online.
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