Light to Light Walk

A wild and remote 4-day coastal walk experience in Ben Boyd National Park.

Humpack off Greencape, Ben Boyd National Park_credit Scott BlanchThe Light to Light Walk is a fully immersive 4-day experience that combines walking and eco-accommodation in one of the most remote and dramatic settings in Australia. The project will see the creation of a spectacular 39-kilometre coastal walk supported by hut accommodation, located in the Ben Boyd National Park on the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales.

What the project involves

The Light to Light Walk project will deliver a key piece of tourism infrastructure to the South Coast region of New South Wales. The project will extend, significantly upgrade and re-route sections of the current walk and provide overnight hut accommodation at 2 sites. This will enable the transformation of the existing Light to Light Walk into a hutted walk, enhancing its reputation as an iconic Australian coastal nature-based destination and improving visitor access.

The 4-day walk will be able to be undertaken as self-guided, or through commercial tour operators offering various levels of assistance to individuals or groups, with National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) fostering these partnership opportunities.

The Light to Light Walk will promote the culture and heritage of the region, encourage sustainable development and provide broad physical and mental health benefits through access to recreational facilities and the natural environment.

Additionally, the project will provide opportunities to strengthen local and regional partnerships, including working with the Aboriginal community.

The proposed walk has been awarded $7.9 million funding by the Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund program, an initiative of the NSW Department of Industry, that provides funding for infrastructure that supports regional economic growth, creates local employment opportunities, and drives growth in the visitor economy.

Planning for the Light to Light Walk has commenced and we are currently working through the design and approvals processes, with the first stages of construction expected to commence in late 2019. Construction will be undertaken in a staged approach and is expected to be completed by 2021-22.

The Light to Light Walk project aims to create a new multi-day walking experience of a superior quality that may qualify under the ‘Great Walks of Australia’ collective marketing program, supported by Tourism Australia. The project aims to be the key attraction in the region’s tourism industry while encouraging people to protect and love their national parks.

This walk is expected to deliver benefits to the local economy, drawing new visitors to the region and providing opportunities for tour operators, local specialty provedores, and transport, accommodation and hospitality services.

Our national parks are managed to protect their unique values and provide for sustainable visitor use and enjoyment. This includes providing visitor experiences and, where appropriate, new visitor facilities including visitor accommodation.

We will conduct independent environmental assessments to examine the significance of likely environmental impacts of the proposal and the possible measures required to mitigate any potential impacts to the environment. This highlights the need to ensure that public visitation and enjoyment is compatible with the protection of conservation values.

The proposed project will undergo further detailed design and assessment to ensure compliance with the park’s plan of management and conservation management plans. Further stringent environmental, cultural heritage and cost-benefit assessments, involving our staff, key stakeholders and other experts, will ensure the project meets environmental, cultural and economic aspirations.

The proposed Light to Light Walk will offer visitors an opportunity to experience a diverse range of landscapes while connecting with the dramatic coastline as they make their way from Boyds Tower in the north, to Green Cape Lighthouse in the south. The walk will promote the natural and cultural heritage of the region and provide new opportunities for learning about local landscapes, culture and wildlife, including seals, seabirds and whales.

Interpretation through innovative storytelling is one of the most effective ways to enhance a multi-day walk and to achieve an ‘experience of a lifetime’ for walkers. Developing rich and engaging interpretation, including opportunities for local Aboriginal guided experiences, will be a key focus with the aim of immersing the walker in the natural and cultural landscape creating respect, a strong connection and sense of place.

Effective community and stakeholder engagement is critical to the success of this project. NPWS will engage with stakeholders and interested community members in a meaningful and timely way. Those interested in the project are invited to register their interest and receive regular updates on the project.

To register your interest in this project please complete and submit the form.

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