An online car booking system for peak days is among options in draft master plan for improvements to the visitor precinct at Wattamolla in Royal National Park.
The draft plan also proposes reducing the number of injuries caused by cliff jumping by installing a “zip-line” experience, designed and installed by an independent operator.
This would provide a safer environment by reducing unrestricted access to the cliff edge during key visitation times.”
The online car parking proposal was flagged in a Leader report late last year.
National Parks and Wildlife Service regional manager Gary Dunnett said it would be a similar system to how people booked camp sites in the national park.
“On busy days visitors are often turned away at the park gates when the site is full leading to disappointment, particularly if other family members are already in the park,” he said.
“We want visitors to have a good experience, which is why the online car space booking system is being explored, and to provide visitors with certainty of access.”
The draft master plan will be on public exhibition until June 3.
“The aim of the draft plan is to safeguard the natural elements of the site and improve visitor facilities such a new carpark, picnic area and campground, a food kiosk, improved toilet facilities and new walking tracks to link into the Royal Coast Track,” Mr Dunnett said.
“With its freshwater lagoon, waterfall, beach and stunning coastal scenery, Wattamolla attracts over 300,000 visitors per year and is one of the most popular destinations in Royal National Park.
“On busy days over 4000 people visit Wattamolla.
“With such large numbers the current car park and waste water disposal system reaches capacity and unfortunately this often leads to the closure of the road to the precinct.”
Mr Dunnett said the draft master plan introduced a number of safe and sustainable options to manage increasing visitor numbers whilst protecting the site’s natural and cultural features.
“The options set out in the plan range from redesigning Wattamolla’s waste water system to concepts that provide safe pedestrian and vehicle access and parking,” he said.
“As visitor safety is a priority, we’re also looking at ways to strengthen safety particularly around the precinct’s cliff lines.”
Mr Dunnett said NPWS worked with key stakeholders on prior consultation which fed into the draft master plan.
NPWS will consider community and stakeholder feedback and prepare a final master plan for the site.
View the draft plan at: environment.nsw.gov.au/parkmanagement/wattamolla-master-plan.htm .
