New England National Park is a place of great beauty, sitting on the Great Dividing Range, west of Coffs Harbour. The park boasts spectacular views all the way to the coast and across the wilderness that stretches north and south. As part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, it offers a rare chance to see Australian rainforest in a pristine state.

The New England Tableland area is much colder than the coast. Lovers of cold climates will enjoy the many benefits of winter walking. But if chilly doesn’t thrill you, visit this area in spring to enjoy the blossoms and birdlife of the season without the chill factor.

GETTING THERE

It’s a scenic drive from Coffs Harbour, first through Bellingen, then up the windy road to Dorrigo and Ebor. The journey takes a bit over two hours. Allow another hour if starting from Port Macquarie. There are plenty of places to stop along the way, including the fabulous cafes and bakeries in Bellingen. A stop at Ebor Falls is also recommended, the beautiful waterfall just a short stroll from the car park and toilet facilities.

Overnight Camping

After enjoying our drive, we arrive late in the day at Thungutti campground, using the last of the sunlight to set up camp. Our winter visit provides the opportunity to enjoy a campfire and although the mid-winter day has been beautifully clear and warm, the cold sets in as soon as darkness descends. As it can drop well below freezing overnight the warmth of the fire is very welcome.

Thungutti campground is well set up with grassy unpowered camping spots, fireplaces and firewood stacked up and ready. Bookings are required and internet access in the park is very limited, so book in advance. There are multiple camping areas over the New England National Park – check out the choices online.

Walking

After a cold night we warm up over breakfast, enjoying the stunning views from Point Lookout towards the coast. On a clear winter morning you can see all the way from Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie. In between, the wilderness seems to stretch in all directions. It’s also a great place to start walking as many of the trails begin at Point Lookout.

Walking initially to Eagle’s Nest lookout, we connect onto the Weeping Rock Trail, another wonderful winter experience. The rock face has a steady drip of water but in the depths of winter these are transformed into ice, decorating the trail with icy stalactites hanging from ledges, frozen foliage and icicles all around. With every gust of wind, small ice chunks fall noisily to the ground. Listen out for the creaking groan of the rare sphagnum frog that lives buried in the mossy crevices of the rock.

After Weeping Rock we use the Lyrebird Trail as a connection out to the spectacular Wright’s Lookout for lunch. The views here are even more impressive, unimpeded to the south, east and west, plus a view over the Bellinger River.

The return is via a lovely forest walk with plentiful birdlife, the highlight is a close up of a yellow-tailed black cockatoo foraging in a tree just above us. The day’s walk has been exhilarating, with clear air, amazing views and pristine bushland. Time to get back to camp and get the fire going before another cool, clear night.

What To Take

Make sure to pack for the cold if you are camping. Apart from warm clothing and a waterproof jacket, make sure to bring a winter-grade tent and sleeping bags that are rated to at least minus 5. Even in spring the area gets much colder than the coast, so be prepared. Any good camping store or a National Parks officer can advise you on the best gear to pack.

All the walks are well signposted and formed, at a Grade 3 level. But of course the obvious hazards of walking on wet bush trails apply. If in any doubt, check out the details with the National Parks. Check out Glenn’s other recommended walks in Coastbeat.

The post Walk Me Through It: New England National Park appeared first on Coastbeat.

One day it’s a blank wall, the next, two whales swim through a sunlit ocean. At the Kempsey Central carpark, Daniel Hend has given the community something beautiful to see.

“As I painted people were waving and honking, giving me the thumbs up,’ says Daniel. “Murals do that – people feel a real sense of engagement.”

From Kempsey, Daniel headed north to Coffs Central, in the heart of Coffs Harbour. Within hours he had transformed the pillars on the ground floor near Kathmandu into a landscape vista that stretched from rolling hills, to desert to mountains.

“I paint fast,” says Daniel. “It’s a technique my dad and I developed over the years. We call it our dab-dab method.”

Daniel’s father is well-known landscape artist Len Hend. Len taught Daniel to paint when Daniel was nine. After Year 10, Daniel left school to study visual arts and business at Ace Community College Mullumbimby, ready for a career as a visual artist. His career took off immediately. He completed his first major mural at age 18 and has never looked back.

Painting Techniques

Daniel uses house paints, mostly Dulux, and an array of brushes from huge to tiny. He begins by laying down the base colour: for a landscape, sky blue, green for the hills and rough swirls of white above. These form the shapes and outlines. The next layer adds detail: light green to catch the sun on the hillside, blue and violet for the shadows on the hills and white where he imagines light glinting off water. The process happens quickly. Suddenly a whole world emerges.

Watching Daniel paint is like watching a dancer. He moves as if in a trance, but fluidly and in complete control of each brushstroke. He likens his process to meditation and derives great satisfaction from creating to meet a concept.

“I let my brain identify the shapes then I paint the tones as I am feeling,” says Daniel.

Making the Mundane Magical

Daniel has painted all over Australia, exhibited his fine art work and won numerous painting competitions. He also worked in film and television, creating scenery and props. In fact, there are very few things that Daniel’s brush cannot transform.

As well as murals, for public and private spaces, Daniel is sought after for what is called live painting and art battles. Sounds messy!

Art Battles

“Art battle is an event from the USA. Like a grand slam, with painters facing off in a live competition,” Daniel explains. “And live art is speed painting at a function or event. Often it is themed and sometimes my work is auctioned off afterwards to raise money for a charity or community program. They’re challenging events, but fun.”

Gowings, who own Coffs Central, plan to have Daniel decorate multiple areas in the centre, as well as adding another whale to the building in support of the Gowings Whale Trust. If you’re at Kempsey Central or Coffs Central, drop in and enjoy the art of Daniel Hend.

Visit Daniel’s website to view more amazing art.

The post Daniel Hend, Mural Master appeared first on Coastbeat.

Creative Director Laena Stephenson said, “The weather forecast for the 1st October long weekend looks perfect and I for one can’t wait to try the food that’s freshly cooked on site.”

“You’d be amazed by the range of food that can be prepared in cast iron camp ovens.”

“This annual event attracts skilled amateur cooks to the Clarence Valley from far afield. Camp oven cooking is hugely popular across Australia,” she said.

The annual festival features live music, bush poetry, roaming street theatre acts and hilarious family games. The workshop program includes daily healing meditation sessions, palm pots challenge, a climate café, veil dance session, face painting, ukelele lessons and guided nature walks. The event is dog and family friendly, and BYOB.

How to Get There

Event Manager Phil Nicholas said, “We’re running a special coach service from Coffs Harbour and Woolgoogla to and from the festival on Saturday 1^st October.”

“The coach costs just $5 return. Single day festival entry is $35 for adults and $15 for children.”

“I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t already booked in for the weekend to make a day trip on the Saturday, try the food, check out the bands, kids activities and workshops and stay for the fire show.”

Use Your NSW Vouchers

“Parents NSW vouchers can be used for live music and arts, so for anyone who enjoys the great Aussie outdoors, there’s no better opportunity to get involved,” he said.

To see the full festival program and for ticket booking information, head to the festival website or call the office on 02 6649 4155.

The post Countdown to Clarence Valley Camp Oven Festival appeared first on Coastbeat.

Kaleidoscope Gallery Opening

It was standing room only at the opening of the Kaleidoscope Gallery on the ground floor of Coffs Central. The gallery featured work by many of the prize winning artists from the 2022 Coffs Coast Art Prize, including winner Kelly Finley. This is in addition the exhibition of the 2022 Coffs Coast Art Prize entrants, held upstairs.

Kaleidoscope manager, Katy Dee, said, “There was such a buzz in the air. So many people turned out to celebrate the vibrant arts community of the Coffs coast. We look forward to showcasing many beloved and emerging artists over the coming years.”

Art Studio Available

Of added interest to the Coffs Harbour art fraternity is the maker space at Kaleidoscope. Here artists and other makers can work in a comfortable studio setting that is open to the public. Art lovers get to see the work being created and chat to the artist. It is fascinating to watch artistic process and hear the stories behind each object.

Coastbeat visited while local artist Zepo was at work. Zepo works digitally and on canvas. He told the story of his grandmother, a European artist who traveled the world painting. She gave him a treasured box of pastels that he still uses.

Katy Dee is both store manager and curator of the collection. “The scope of artists and artisans at Kaleidoscope is really diverse. From jewellery to beauty to art. We are becoming known as a go-to place for unique gifts.”

Kaleidoscope welcomes art lovers, art makers and the curious into their boutique of wonders. Read the full story of Kaleidoscope here.

The post Art at Coffs Central appeared first on Coastbeat.

Festival Creative Director Laena Stephenson said, “We have overcome covid induced cancellations and flood provoked postponements to make this festival happen.”

“I want to thank all our workers, volunteers, performers and our loyal audience for their patience and tenacity. We can’t wait to bring the festival family back together for a celebration of the great Aussie outdoors.”

Despite the postponement, most of the musical and workshop program remains intact, with a handful of exceptions. Most notably, the dirtgirlworld crew are unavailable on that weekend. In their place, the super-talented Hoozatt Entertainment mob will host additional kid-friendly workshops and hilarious performances, alongside their brilliant street theatre antics.

Good Food, Good Music

The festival has also added Grafton locals, The Manifested to the bill, as well as the captivating and energetic Casino-based band, Blinders, who guarantee to ‘get any party rockin’.

“Aside from the music, the glorious natural setting and family-oriented workshops and outdoor games, the main attraction is the food,” said Phil Nicholas, festival Event Manager.

“There are many skilled amateur cooks out there who demonstrate their proficiency with a camp oven at the festival, including in the Sunday cooking competition. And there are still spaces left for anyone who wants to enter.”

Tickets

For tickets, the revised festival program and competition entry forms, head to the festival website. Read our last article on Coastbeat.

The post Clarence Valley Camp Oven Festival – BACK ON! appeared first on Coastbeat.

Words and images by Glenn Mead

Kosciuszko National Park is a wonderful place to visit outside the ski season. It boasts spectacular views from well-organised tracks, leading you through this strikingly beautiful alpine wilderness.

Getting There

There are a couple of ways to walk the high country, the most popular being driving to Thredbo and catching a chairlift. The walk from Thredbo to the top of Mt Kosciuszko is 4-6 hours. Or you can drive to Charlotte Pass and do the 18.6-kilometre day walk from there, returning the same way.

An even more spectacular option is to take the Main Range Loop. This is what we decided to do. The walk provides views of the alpine lakes, crosses the Snowy River twice and passes over or close to all of the 10 highest peaks in Australia. It starts past the Perisher ski resort, at Charlotte Pass, about 41 kilometres from Jindabyne. The road is suitable for most vehicles, but chains are recommended during the winter snow. The National Park website is informative about road conditions.

The Main Range Loop walk is close to 23 kilometres, at a National Park Grade 4 level, which makes for an enjoyably challenging day walk. However, we chose to camp one night, allowing us to explore some of the lakes and peaks off the trail.

The Walk – Day 1

After leaving Jindabyne (the last chance for a morning coffee and supplies) we drive into the National Park. You can pay a one-off entry fee at the gate, or purchase an annual pass online beforehand. Then follow the signs to Charlotte Pass. We get an easy park about 100m from the trail start.

The sky is wide and blue as we head down the slope to the Snowy River, rock-hopping across the glistening stream. Immediately there is a long uphill, but every step unfolds a little more of the panoramic views of Australia’s highest peaks.

Near the top of this climb we take our first detour, across to Hedley Tarn, following around to the end of Blue Lake. Tarn is an old Norse word for a glacial mountain lake. Both Hedley Tern and Blue Lake are spectacular, carved out by the ice in ages past. Blue Lake sits in front of Mt Twynam, Australia’s third highest peak. The beautiful setting makes for a perfect lunchtime stop.

Continuing on, we reach a saddle with spectacular views of the drop-off to the west of the main range – close to 1800 metres down to the headwaters of the Murray River. From there it is up to Carruthers Peak, another of the 10 highest peaks. Carruthers Peak offers magnificent 360-degree views, including Kosciuszko, Club Lake (another alpine tarn), back across to Mt Twynam, Blue Lake and countless other peaks.

We are keen to set camp well before nightfall because the temperature drops significantly as soon as the sun starts to set. After a quick climb of Mt Lee, we choose a ridge overlooking Lake Albina, just out of the No Camping zone that protects these lakes. The sunset is magnificent over the range of Mt Townsend and Alice Rawson Peak.

The Walk – Day 2

It is a very cold camp. Overnight the temperature drops to minus 7. We wake to find a crusting of ice covering the tents. We had packed for an overnight temperature of zero, so our sleeping bags were insufficient for the unexpected cold. Best hint here is to take a sleeping bag rated lower than the forecast!

While waiting for the sun to melt the remnant ice, we wander down to Lake Albina to refill water bottles, bask in the morning sun and take in the beautiful scene. Today’s track is visible, winding high above us. The early risers are starting to pass along the trail so it’s time to be on our way.

Heading towards Kosciuszko, we down packs at a junction and head off to climb Australia’s second highest peak, Mount Townsend. This detour is less popular and more difficult because it involves some rock-hopping. While Kosciuszko is an easy stroll up a well-groomed track, Mount Townsend looks like someone has thrown a stack of granite boulders in our way. We clamber up under the midday sun.

Mt. Townsend

The views are worth every slip, slide and scramble. At this height the clouds are rising from below us, creating a dramatic backdrop for Kosciuszko and the surrounding peaks. We can still imagine Strezlecki standing here on what he thought was Australia’s highest peak before his surveying instruments showed him that Kosciuszko was just a few metres higher.

After climbing down from the Mount Townsend we follow in Strezlecki’s footsteps through the Mueller Gap. This leads back to the main path before the final winding ascent to the top of Australia. It is getting late in the day but there are still plenty of people enjoying the view from Mt Kosciuszko.

Home Safe

After photos and a snack, it’s a mostly gentle downhill path to Charlotte Pass. With our extra detours today, the sunlight is disappearing quickly. We arrive at Charlotte Pass in time to be dazzled by a last brilliant sunset glowing over the peaks of our two-day walk.

This fantastic walk was made all the more enjoyable by detours to the various peaks and lakes. The walking was easy enough, along well-signed tracks. We would recommend enjoying the Main Range Loop in Spring, or early Summer when the wildflowers are blooming. Most of the 350,000 hectare Kosciuszko National Park has been named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, because of its valuable wilderness. If you love rugged vistas and wide open spaces, this is the walk for you.

Next time Walk Me Through It visits the New England National Park. You can read about last month’s walk at Coffs Harbour here.

The post Walk Me Through It appeared first on Coastbeat.

Having run for 23 years, the Awards showcase and endorse Coffs Coast First Nations community members who are leaders in their field – people who are seen as achieving and modelling positive behaviour and goals. 

Leaders and future leaders alike were able to Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! – reflecting this year’s NAIDOC Week theme.

The Awards have continued to grow each year to become a major event for the Coffs Coast.

The nominees and winners were:

Grace Roberts Memorial Community Development Award

• Amber Hamer
• Lilly Glegg
• Kaleesha Morris
• Joshua Maguire
• Lachlan Skinner
• Yandaarra Advisory Committee

The winner was Kaleesha Morris.

Kaleesha works in language ecology and revitalisation. She is a strong Gumbaynggirr speaker and instructor and has worked with many First Nations communities in law and policy, strategy and governance, environmental management and cultural education.

Her favourite quote is “When we learn our native languages, we learn of ourselves. We are one and the same,” which sums up her deep connection and understanding of language and its significance to Aboriginal peoples.

“I’m very humbled to be honoured in the memory of Aunty Grace Roberts, one of our strong Goori martriarchs,” Kaleesha said.

“There’s no better model of leadership than that of our Mother, Grandmothers and Aunties. Ngaaja Garla-ngarraanga – I pay my deep respects.”

Aunty Award

• Aunty Angela Brown
• Aunty Kathleen Flanders

The winner was Aunty Kathleen Flanders.

Aunty Kath has been a member of Abcare Elders, SIS Program Galambila. She is a wealth of knowledge and is always willing to assist where possible. Aunty Kath is a upstanding role model for our community. She has been involved in juvenile issues at Acmena with other Elders as part of an Indigenous youth program.

Uncle Award

The winner was Uncle Johno Miers.

Johno is very passionate about what he does for his community, He is a volunteer for community radio and is a personal carer for several people it the area – a wonderful soul whom gives so much and asks nothing back.

Aboriginal Community Organisation or Business of the Year

• One Mob Radio
• Aboriginal Employment Strategy
• Echidna Kids Day-care
• Garlambirla Aboriginal Elders
• Garby Aboriginal Elders
• Pathfinders LTD Coffs Harbour

The joint winners were Aboriginal Employment Strategy and Garby Aboriginal Elders.

AES Employment is a great organisation for all Indigenous Australians looking for that chance to prove themselves to employers. Without this organisation, they struggle to get a foot in the door this is where AES make it possible with the support needed. 

Garby Elders are vital to keeping Gumbaynggirr culture alive and thriving. They have a big responsibility to make sure Aboriginal lands are cared for and respected. The elders have respect from people in their clan and the clans who make up the rest of Gumbaynggirr nation. They are deadly protectors and modern day conservationists.

Sports Achievement Award

The winner was Dustin Parry.

Dustin is a 10-year-old boy that has excelled at sports his whole life, he shows aptitude in cricket, soccer, golf and tennis. Dustin currently plays in the under 12s cricket team for the Diggers Cricket Club and is this season’s top batting average and bowling average for his age group. In soccer he is a great goal keeper. He is currently working on his golf skills at the Coffs Harbour Driving Range.

Arts and Cultural Achievement Award

• Lachlan Skinner
• Marley Morgan
• Danielle Burford
• Mudjai – Jeremy Devitt

The winner was Mudjai – Jeremy Devitt.

Mudjai is wise and welcoming. He expresses the beauty of culture in a way which fosters a sense of coming together in the local community in a way which is two-way strong. Always walking shoulder to shoulder in respect and brother/sisterhood. When he speaks he connects you to something deep and that two-way strong time feels closer and more possible. Mudjai puts heart and soul into community connections.

The Yandaarra Aunty Grace Roberts Community Awards are the flagship event in the NAIDOC Week celebrations on Gumbaynggirr Country. Well done to all of this years nominees and winners.

Pictured above (L-R):

Aunty Leanne Fisher (Grandaughter of Aunty Grace Roberts), Uncle Johno Miers (back row), Aunty Kathleen Flanders, Kaleesha Morris, Shonelle Pholi, Lauren Dootson (back row), Dustin Parry, Jodie Dootson. Missing from the picture is Mudjai – Jeremy Devitt.

Photo credit: Marley Morgan Photography

The post Yandaarra Aunty Grace Roberts Community Awards 2022 Winners Announced appeared first on Coastbeat.

When brothers Benjamin and Daniel Mos went fishing over summer, the pair did not anticipate their catch to be anything other than a photo opportunity or dinner.

Instead, the fish they captured and released, commonly called the barred javelin, is rare to find in New South Wales waters.

“While this species is likely well-known to fishers in Queensland, it is not something we typically find here. We had to look through a few fish books and websites to identify our specimens,” said Dr Benjamin Mos, a marine biologist based at Southern Cross University’s National Marine Science Centre.

A scientific paper outlining the pair’s discovery, is now published in the Journal of Fish Biology.

The captures in late 2021 and early 2022 are the southernmost records for the barred javelin reported to date. And there may be more around the area.

“At the end of May 2022, we saw posts on social media about a barred javelin caught from Deep Creek, which is just north of the Nambucca River where we found our specimens,” Dr Mos said.

The species has been previously sighted in the Richmond River and Clarence River systems on the NSW North Coast, which are around 200 kilometres north of the Nambucca River where the latest specimens were discovered.

It is not known if the arrival of the barred javelin this far south into NSW is due to changing ocean conditions.

“It is possible the sightings this far south are a one-off event. However, our sightings fit with a broader pattern occurring in the waters off south-eastern Australia which points towards a role of climate change,” said Dr Mos.

“In our region, dozens of tropical species are moving southwards where oceans and estuaries are also warming faster than the global average.”

According to Atlas of Living Australia records, the barred javelin has not been collected in NSW in more than 50 years.

The barred javelin’s southernmost stronghold is Queensland’s Moreton Bay, off Brisbane, where the species supports economically important recreational and commercial fisheries.

The species is a popular sport fish and reportedly good eating. The barred javelin grows to around 80cm in length and is found in estuaries and offshore to around 75 metres deep.

Dr Mos said the newcomer was not of particular environmental concern at present. The barred javelin’s relative rarity in NSW and generalist diet means it is unlikely to outcompete local species.

In the Mediterranean, tropical fishes moving into sub-tropical or temperate areas pose threats to biodiversity, public health, and fisheries. Two examples include herbivorous rabbitfishes chomping away at kelp forests, and poisonous silver-cheeked toadfish fouling fishers’ nets and stealing their catch.

In contrast, the barred javelin may be welcomed by NSW recreational and commercial fishers.

“It is important that we understand where this species is showing up, and in what numbers,” Dr Mos said.

“If greater numbers make their way to NSW over coming decades the barred javelin may become a more common catch. It might then be necessary to look at whether specific size or catch limits are needed to ensure more fishers have the opportunity to catch this fish.”

Because the barred javelin has been rarely captured in northern NSW, there are at present no specific catch or size limits for this species in NSW. A maximum daily bag limit of 20 applies to all fish in NSW that do not have specific bag and size limits. A 40 cm minimum length and bag limit of 10 applies in Queensland waters.

Fishers, divers, and the general public can help scientists track the movement of fish and other marine organisms to new locations by reporting unusual sightings to RedMap Australia at www.redmap.org.au

Study details
‘Range expansion of a widespread Indo-Pacific haemulid, the barred javelin Pomadasys kaakan (Cuvier, 1830), in a climate change hotspot’ by Benjamin Mos and Daniel Mos.
Published in Journal of Fish Biology

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15125

The post A fishy capture reveals a prized tropical species moving south appeared first on Coastbeat.

Having one of Australia’s most acclaimed and sought-after artists in town was a rare opportunity for the community of art lovers, artists, students, teachers and professionals to come out in support of the fundraiser by the Friends of Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery.

The Sydney artist was welcomed to Gumbaynggirr country by elder Tina Powell, before the Friends’ Heather McKinnon and Lorraine Gordon from Southern Cross University highlighted the role art plays in the wellbeing of regional communities.

It was a nod to Wendy Sharpe’s recent work in the ABC TV series Space 22, proving the benefits of art on mental health which she says ‘really does make a difference.’

“Art is really for everyone, it’s not just for so-called professional artists,” Wendy said.

“People who play sport on the weekend, you’re not doing it thinking you’re going to represent Australia, you’re doing it because you love to do it. That’s the same with art.

You’re doing it because you love it, it’s fun, you’re with community, mixing with other people, it’s a wonderful thing to do.”

Wendy Sharpe took the audience on a journey revisiting some of the sights and stories behind her successful career of 40 years. Wendy explained how winning awards like the

Archibald Prize in 1996 has led to major commissions and work in East Timor as an official war artist. Her art has also taken her on many international residencies including Antarctica and Mexico.

What is evident from Wendy’s impressive body of work is her unwavering work ethic.

“I live entirely from selling paintings,” explains Wendy, whose exhibition Transience has been on show in Brisbane with works for sale at Philip Bacon Galleries.

“One of the exciting things for an artist about having an exhibition in a regional gallery is you’re not thinking about the commercial things, you’re just thinking of creating an interesting experience.”

Wendy also has a heartfelt willingness to use her art to support those less fortunate. In one of her fundraising exhibitions, Her Shoes, Wendy’s drawings represent victims of domestic violence.

“I’m pleased to say for Lou’s Place Women’s Refuge, the Asylum Seekers Centre and the Catherine Hamlin Foundation, we raised close to $100,000 for each. It just shows you the power of art.”

Wendy returns to her second home of Paris soon and the Friends have invited her back to see the new Yarrila Arts + Museum once it has finished construction.

“It is fabulous you are able to get this new gallery and everyone should come see it. How incredible it will be right in the middle of town and puts Coffs Harbour even more on the map.”

The night’s fundraiser will be a timely boost for the new gallery’s collection which Wendy Sharpe also donated to with a gouache painting of herself, ‘Rialto Bridge, Venice 2008’. Another donation which raised funds as the raffle prize was Wendy’s etching San Marco At Night.

The post Spotlight on the arts with Wendy Sharpe appeared first on Coastbeat.

The ancient Gondwana Rainforests on the NSW mid-north coast will host a spectacular new multi-day walk as part of a $56.4 million investment in the NSW Budget.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the four day Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk will increase access to one of Australia’s most beautiful rainforests and attract an extra 200,000 visitors to the region.

‘Through the NSW Budget, we’re investing $56.4 million to offer a new way for people to enjoy the ancient World Heritage environment,’ Mr Kean said.

‘This project will drive increased nature-based tourism in NSW, further bolstering the contribution that national parks make to the State economy.’

National park management and visitation generates $18 billion in economic activity annually and supports over 74,000 jobs, with 75 per cent of economic benefit occurring in regional areas.

Minister for Environment James Griffin said the project is part of the largest capital investment program ever undertaken in NSW national parks.

‘Along with Snowies Alpine Walk, the Wollemi Great Walk, and the Great Southern Walk, our signature multi-day walks are providing new experiences in NSW while expanding access to our national parks,’ Mr Griffin said.

‘The rainforest at Dorrigo National Park is even more spectacular than the Daintree, and I’m proud to say that with this magnificent new 46 kilometre walk, we’ll be happily tempting domestic and international tourists away from Queensland.

‘I want everyone who comes to our NSW national parks as a visitor to leave as a conservationist, and this world-class Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk helps us achieve that.’

The starting point of the Dorrigo Great Walk will be the new Arc Rainforest Centre, featuring a hanging boardwalk overlooking the World Heritage rainforest.

The walk will include four low impact walkers’ hut precincts, new camping areas, three suspension bridges and 46 kilometres of walking trails.

It will also become a place for visitors to learn and connect with the culture of the traditional custodians, the Gumbaynggirr people.

Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the new Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk would help put NSW on the global map for tourism and national parks.

‘We’re building a network of multi-day walks to bring people from all over the world to NSW, boosting local tourism businesses, jobs and regional economies,’ Mr Ayres said.

‘The Dorrigo project will be one of the first of its kind to combine two new, world class nature-based attractions – the Arc Rainforest Centre and the multi-day walk – providing access for all abilities to the Gondwana rainforest.’

For more information, visit the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk webpage.

The post Magnificent new multiday walk puts NSW on global ecotourism map appeared first on Coastbeat.