Light to Light Walk

This $7.9 million project is funded through Restart NSW's Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund.

The Light to Light Walk will be constructed in stages to minimise disruption to visitors. Provided necessary approvals are granted, the first stage that involves constructing the new section of walking track, and upgrading the existing track is expected to commence in late 2022.

The NSW Government is delivering its largest investment in national parks history with more than $450 million for over 200 visitor infrastructure projects across the State.

It builds on the $17.9 billion and 74,000 jobs national parks already contribute annually to the State's economy and is supporting NSW communities to recover in the wake of droughts, bushfires, floods, and the pandemic.

We know there has been an increase in visitation to national parks on the south coast by 29% over the last 10 years, and this project will support the growing interest in nature-based experiences and multi-day walks in national parks.

Upgrading the Light to Light Walk and providing a broader range of accommodation options will make it easier for inexperienced walkers to participate in a multi-day walk. New and upgraded facilities along the walk will also make people's experience more enjoyable.

The upgrade will help boost the local and regional economy by drawing new visitors to the region and providing opportunities for the tourism industry, including tour operators, transport, accommodation, and hospitality services. The walk will be a key attraction for the region's tourism industry.

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

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 facilities, including visitor accommodation.

Environmental and cultural heritage assessments were conducted before the 2019–20 bushfires and were re-done after the fires to provide the most up-to-date information. This supports the need to ensure that public visitation and enjoyment is compatible with the protection of conservation values.

The proposed upgrades will offer a wider range of 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 provide new opportunities for learning about the park's cultural history and biodiversity, including the ecology of local landscapes, culture, and wildlife such as seals, seabirds, and whales.

Interpretation through innovative storytelling is one of the most effective ways to enhance a multi-day walk and 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 to immerse the walker in the natural and cultural landscape and help create respect, a strong connection and sense of place.

We are continuing to consult with key community representatives through the Light to Light Walk Stakeholder Reference Group established in 2021. We have also sought public submissions on key proposals such as the draft amendment to the Ben Boyd National Park Plan of Management, the draft Light to Light Walk Strategy, and the draft Review of Environmental Factors.

Read more about the Stakeholder Reference Group

Those interested in the project are invited to register their interest and receive regular updates on the project.