A AU$23-million plan to improve the visitor experience in Wilsons Promontory National Park is in the process, with consultants looking to develop, design, and further study park improvements as part of the larger-scale project.
This Wilsons Prom Revitalisation project is expected to provide various enhancements to the park, a major regional tourist attraction highly regarded by interstate, local, and international tourists.
New and improved trails are planned to enhance Prom’s trails, including the Telegraph Saddle trail to connect the Tidal River with Mount Obero. The visitor’s precinct at Tidal River is also set to be upgraded, with the Request for Tender being made available to consultants to revamp the area.
A new range of accommodation and amenities will also improve the experience for visitors as the plan looks to expand the units beyond the park’s northern boundary and the Tidal River. The campground will be renovated with a new footbridge and an all-abilities accessible Changing Places facility added to the Victorian Government’s AU$105.6-million Victoria’s Great Outdoors investment.
Controlling traffic congestion, particularly in the vicinity of the Tidal River, is a priority, with the high number of vehicles in peak periods raising issues about the safety of visitors, illegal parking, and environmental impact.
Parks Victoria is seeking consultants to study and develop parking and traffic management options, including the possibility of a park-and-ride service.
Comprehensive assessments and studies will determine what, when, and how elements of this complicated project will be completed. Parks Victoria will be engaging with Traditional Owners and specialist consultants to ensure that the Prom’s Aboriginal culture and environment values are safeguarded.
A Request for Tender procedure for upgrading the Visitor Precinct and congestion and parking management follows the requirement for consultants to create an exclusion fence that is predator-proof for 10 km along the Yanakie Isthmus that will turn the park into the state’s largest conservation sanctuary.
Parks Victoria will be seeking feedback from community members and visitors about certain aspects of the plan by conducting surveys in the park throughout the autumn. An Engage Victoria page will also be made available, with further information and opportunities to share feedback.
The majority of the groundwork for the project will be completed from 2023 to 2024, phased to take into account seasonal factors, land conditions, and market availability.
The project has received AU$23 million from the Victorian Government as part of the AU$633-million Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan.
For further information and to sign up for updates, visit parks.vic.gov.au/projects.
Did you know that Wilsons Promontory National Park is in for some cool updates? They’re talking about adding guided tours to showcase the park’s amazing plants and animals! And get this – they’re looking into using solar power and other eco-friendly stuff to make the park even more awesome! Sounds pretty neat, right?