THERE will be a rare opportunity to visit the heritage-listed shacks in the Royal National Park at Era, Burning Palms and Little Garie on Sunday, April 12.
The "open house" of many of the shacks will be held as part of the National Trust Heritage Festival from Saturday, April 11, to Tuesday, May 26.
The Little Garie site is a 15-minute walk along the cliff line from Garie beach and Burning Palms and Era are a two-kilometre trek each.
After a turbulent history, including the demolition of more than 50 shacks in the 1970s and 1980s, the heritage value of the shacks was recognised by the National Trust in 1993.
A spokeswoman for RNP Coastal said the shack lifestyle was one of "low technology, simple living and self-reliance".
"It is a distinctive way of life set against the beautiful bush escarpment with access only by foot."
The event is free, but the entry fee to the Royal is $11 a car.
Bookings essential: for Era call 0409 993 699, for Garie call 0417 448 392, for Burning Palms call 0418 441 866.
Participants should bring walking shoes, water, sunscreen and swimming gear.
