Wattamolla Visitors Precinct is one of the most popular places in Royal National Park with visitation increasing significantly over the past few years by day trippers and those walking the Royal Coast Track. Visitor demand regularly exceeds the capacity of the existing facilities, including public amenities and car parks which is negatively impacting on the visitor experience and putting pressure on the natural environment.
Recognising that visitor demand at Wattamolla was exceeding the capacity of the existing facilities, including public amenities and car parking, National Parks and Wildlife Service prepared a Master Plan to address the challenges of managing visitation whilst protecting the natural and cultural values of the place. This plan was placed on public exhibition in 2016 with over 150 responses received. The plan was finalised and approved in 2017.
The Master Plan identified and assessed visitor needs, the impact of increasing use on the natural environment and managing the sustainable use of Wattamolla. The plan guides the enhancement of the precinct to meet rapidly escalating visitor expectations and proposes a range of measures including traffic and parking upgrades, enhanced landscaping and improved treatment system and public amenities. The implementation of the plan has been staged based on prioritised actions and cost.
A number of key upgrades proposed by the masterplan have been completed. The onsite sewerage treatment system was upgraded in 2016-17 and a new amenities block completed in December 2019. Both these projects have made a substantial contribution to improving visitor amenity and environmental outcomes within the precinct.
Wattamolla Visitor Precinct upgrade
The Master Plan provided guidance for precinct upgrades to the car parks and main picnic areas. Detailed design has been undertaken to enable works to be carried out for the main picnic area and lower car park. These works aim to improve access and arrival to the precinct, enhance the visitor experience and deliver environmental improvements.
In addition, the upgrades will also improve accessibility for National Parks and Wildlife Service and emergency operations as well as accommodate public transport options.