Geotechnical investigations involving the use of a drone have found part, or all, of Wedding Cake Rock in Royal National Park could collapse without warning.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) fenced off the site while investigations were carried out following a spike in visitor numbers due to a fad of posting photos on social media.
NPWS regional manager Gary Dunnett said the results clearly showed standing on the rock platform risked ‘‘a truly tragic outcome’’.
“The geotechnical report found the edges or the entire formation could collapse at any time,’’ he said.
Mr Dunnett said a drone was use to video the underlying rock strata.
“The footage clearly shows Wedding Cake Rock is precariously balancing on the edge of the cliff and severely undercut,’’ he said.
“Alarmingly, the results of earlier collapses can be seen scattered over lower ledges and at the bottom of the cliff.
“The vertical fractures that make the rock look like a slice of wedding cake clearly mark where it will eventually give way and tumble to the sea 50 metres below.’’
Mr Dunnett said a new and safer way would be developed to allow visitors to take in the beauty of the site without compromising their safety.
‘‘This will likely mean a new viewing platform further back from the edge that will allow people to safely take those incredible shots of the rock formation that have become internationally recognisable,’’ he said.
‘‘This is not about closing the site, it is about making it a safe place to visit and enjoy the view.”
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