Whale-watching hotspot Crackneck Lookout reopens following upgrade
Central Coast locals and whale-watching enthusiasts are in for a treat, with top whale-watching spot Crackneck Lookout reopening on 21 June following a significant upgrade.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Central Coast Area Manager Steve Atkins said the upgrades have revitalised the stunning Central Coast location, creating a more accessible and user-friendly visitor precinct.
“Crackneck Lookout in Wyrrabalong National Park is very popular with the local community and is one of the best locations to observe whales on the Central Coast,” said Mr Atkins.
“Visitors to Central Coast national parks contribute more than $1 billion to our local economy each year and help generate over 2,520 jobs for the region.
“It’s fantastic to see this national park project completed so that locals and visitors to the Central Coast can enjoy the site’s unique vantage point as the annual humpback whale migration continues,” said Mr Atkins.
The upgraded Crackneck Lookout now includes new viewing areas and wheelchair-friendly pathways to make the precinct more accessible for all visitors, as well as an expanded visitor precinct featuring a landscaped picnic area with timber and sandstone seating.
The carpark has also been upgraded to improve safety and provide accessible parking. A total of 55 parking spaces have been created, as well as a formalised minibus parking bay and a number of wheelchair-friendly parking spaces.
“The new arrangement will improve visitor safety, provide universal access to the spectacular ocean views, including for those in parked vehicles, and better manage the flow of traffic during peak periods,” said Mr Atkins.
“For those whale-watching enthusiasts, new information signage about humpback whales and their annual migration has been installed,” said Mr Atkins.
The upgrade was carefully planned by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) team, considering both conservation and improving visitor infrastructure.
Following public consultation in September 2021, the concept design was adjusted to reduce environmental impacts.
Works were completed by local Aboriginal-owned company Goanna Services.
