The centrepiece of proposed upgrades to Dorrigo National Park is a brand-new Arc Rainforest Centre, which will feature a spectacular elevated walkway and lookout to offer accessible and exceptional experiences for visitors.
The visitor centre will offer a place for people to learn and connect with the culture of the traditional custodians, the Gumbaynggirr People, and a new way to experience the ancient plants and animals from which life on Earth evolved.
The Dorrigo Arc Rainforest Centre will be a unique starting point for the stunning new 46-km multi-day walk along the rugged escarpment within Dorrigo and Bindarri national parks, including hiker camps, pedestrian bridges and lookouts.
The Arc Rainforest Centre and the new multi-day walk proposals balance conserving the parks’ significant values with future visitation demands, by creating inspiring visitor experiences that connect people with nature and culture in a sustainable way.
Environmental assessments determined
The environmental assessment process aims to assess how the proposals affect the park and make sure the planned activities do not conflict with the park's conservation objectives.
The reviews of environmental factors for both projects have now been determined, allowing the proposals to go ahead if they meet several conditions as outlined in the decision statements. National Parks and Wildlife Service has responded to topics raised in submissions with some changes to the designs, which are described in the submissions reports. Where possible, we have avoided or minimised possible impacts through design and site-specific safeguards.
For more information see:
- Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk review of environmental factors
- Dorrigo Arc Rainforest Centre review of environmental factors
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service sent the multi-day walk proposal to the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water for review under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The review looked at how the project might affect National and World Heritage areas and threatened species, helping to build public trust in the project.
After public exhibition in October, the department decided the proposal to build, operate and manage a new multi-day walking track was not a controlled action and did not require further assessment and approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
For more information, see Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk Project – referral summary
Next steps
Construction works on the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk and Dorrigo Arc Rainforest Centre will start once approvals under the NSW Heritage Act 1977 (section 60) are in place and the preconstruction requirements set out in the decision statement are complete.
We will continue to engage with Aboriginal groups, key stakeholders and local communities to help achieve the range of environmental, social and economic benefits of the project.
Funding and timeframe
The NSW Government announced this $56.4 million project in June 2022. The project is due for completion in 2028. We will continue to provide updates as the project progresses.
Timeline for the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk project
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2019
Initial planning and consultation
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June 2022
Funding announced
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Late 2022
Concept design planning and form project team
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2023
Commence Aboriginal heritage and environmental assessments
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2023–24
Public exhibition of draft master plans and adoption of plan of management
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2024–25
Finalise environmental approvals and design procurement
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2025–26
Detailed design
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2026–28
Construction of multi-day walk and rainforest centre
Why we are doing this and who benefits
The video below is a compelling explanation of the significance of this project. As Andrew Turbill explains, our overarching ambition is to improve and expand the opportunities we offer for people to experience nature in ways that are positive and meaningful to them.
At Dorrigo National Park, we want to attract more visitors and entice them to stay longer, learn, connect and, ultimately, care more.
Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk Map
A map is available of the proposed route of the 4-day walk showing existing, new and historical sections. 'Historical' refers to old logging and snig tracks which have been identified using LiDAR (light detection and ranging) mapping. The historic logging tracks generally have existing benching to provide a level surface on sloping ground, with only minor vegetation works required to create the walk.
Download the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk Map (PDF 3.5MB)
Protecting park values
Our national parks are managed to protect their unique values and provide for sustainable visitor use and enjoyment.
All visitor infrastructure improvements in the parks are subject to independent environmental and Aboriginal heritage assessments and rigorous planning approvals to ensure compliance with relevant environmental and heritage management plans under state and Commonwealth legislation. This includes working with Aboriginal custodians to assess Aboriginal places of significance and seek advice on spiritual and cultural values associated with Country and how best to respect these values.
The current draft concept plans and planned walk alignment are subject to change or strict conditions to mitigate any potential impacts on natural and cultural values.
The Arc Rainforest Centre and Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk will provide a platform to promote the importance of protecting the natural and cultural values of Dorrigo and Bindarri national parks. And, by creating accessible, engaging and immersive experiences for visitors that reflect the aspirations of local communities, we can help to build a strong legacy of support and advocacy for conservation.
Reflecting a sense of place
Education and interpretation will remain the primary purpose of the revitalised rainforest centre. Compelling guided experiences, school excursions and contemporary interpretive elements will continue to be a catalyst for visitors to form emotional and intellectual connections with the parks.
Interpretation through innovative storytelling is one of the most effective ways to achieve an 'experience of a lifetime' for visitors. Developing rich and engaging face-to-face interpretation, including opportunities for local Aboriginal guided experiences, will be a key focus to immerse visitors in the natural and cultural landscape, creating a strong sense of place.
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Dorrigo Great Walk provides views from the rugged escarpment over Dorrigo National Park. -
Dorrigo Great Walk features tall waterfalls. -
Looking north over the Bellinger Valley towards Coffs Harbour and the track finish point. -
Example of hut accommodation (from Overland Track Tasmania). -
Example of camping platforms (from Three Capes Track Tasmania). -
The Walk finishes at Bindarray picnic area on the Urumbilum River in Bindarri National Park. -
View from Dorrigo Rainforest Centre -
Artistic render of draft plan for the proposed Arc Rainforest Centre. -
Artistic render of main entry to proposed visitor centre. -
Artistic render of proposed Arc Rainforest Centre with elevated lookout platform.
Updates
The proposals to build a new Dorrigo Arc Rainforest Centre and a 4-day Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk have been approved, with design work ongoing for some projects and construction and fabrication...
The Dorrigo Escarpment great walk and Arc Rainforest Centre projects have entered the detailed design phase, with consultants selected and engaged. Hear about our new project delivery partners and...
Project update on the community information sessions held, the Dorrigo Rainforest centre investigation which took core drilling samples and a bridge site inspection for the Never Never River.
Project progress update including completion of the Wonga Walk upgrade, preparations for the Dorrigo Arc Rainforest Centre, and community feedback.
Project progress update including community feedback on draft master plans, enhancements to visitor facilities, and the completion of trail upgrades.
Ongoing community consultations, along with cultural heritage assessments and environmental impact surveys aim to enhance visitor experiences, with the Crystal Shower Falls walk recently reopened.
Have your say in public consultations, get latest updates on Wonga Walk upgrades and heritage conservation efforts.
Public consultation period details are forthcoming, alongside updates on environmental impact assessments and other activities within Dorrigo and Bindarri national parks.
Meet our project team, stay updated on environmental assessments, community engagement efforts, and new plan of management for Dorrigo and Bindarri national parks.
Planning begins for a new multi-day walk and visitor centre in Dorrigo National Park.
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