Currawong Falls walking track re-opened

Wednesday 8 August, 2012

The Currawong Falls Walking Track north of Aireys Inlet has been re-opened with improvements.  The track was closed in March 2010 after damage from a planned burn made it impassable for visitors. Since the fire, Parks Victoria has improved and realigned the track around the damaged section and installed a new bridge and low boardwalk enhancing the walk to the falls.

The track starts at the popular Distillery Creek Picnic Area and takes about four hours for walkers to complete the 12 kilometre loop back to the picnic area.

Parks staff from Lorne and Anglesea worked with contractors to replace the infrastructure and clear the track of vegetation that had overgrown following such a long period of closure, “often working in trying and wet conditions to deliver a great walking track,” said Ranger in Charge at Lorne Frank Gleeson.

As a Cultural Heritage Management Plan was required to ensure that the new section of track would not impact on cultural heritage values, rangers were able to work with the Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation and a heritage consultant to improve their knowledge and understanding of cultural heritage values in the area.

The new section of track has also been constructed to ensure minimal impact on the environmental values of the area.

“We now have one of the Otway’s very popular walks again available to the public, with some spectacular views of Ironbark Gorge, across to Aireys Inlet, along Distillery Creek and towards the Currawong Falls,” Mr Gleeson said.

For information on the Great Otway National Park, call 13 1963 or visit www.parks.vic.gov.au