The amendment to the Ben Boyd National Park and Bell Bird Nature Reserve plan of management was publicly exhibited from 24 May to 5 July 2024 and has been approved by the minister.
Amendments to the plan of management:
- enable walk-in camping instead of hut-based accommodation at Hegartys Bay
- incorporate the new name 'Beowa National Park', meaning 'orca' in Thaua language, into the plan of management following the park renaming in 2022
- change the name of ‘North Head’ to ‘Worange Point’ to align with the wishes of the Traditional Owners.
Facilities at Hegartys Bay will include a low-key, walk-in public camping area for Light to Light walkers, including 10 camp platforms and basic facilities, similar to the recently constructed campground at Mowarry Point.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service maintains its dialogue with key stakeholders to inform delivery of the project and establishment of the new multi-day walking experience.
View the amendment at Ben Boyd National Park and Bell Bird Creek Nature Reserve amendment to the plan of management.
Walking track upgrades
Boyds Tower to Saltwater Creek
This section opened in February 2024. Visitors can walk from Boyds Tower to Saltwater Creek.
Saltwater Creek to Bittangabee Bay
This section of the track re-opened to visitors on 30 October 2024. A modified Light to Light end-to-end walk is now available to visitors using the following sections:
- Boyds Tower to Saltwater Creek (upgraded track)
- Saltwater Creek to Bittangabee Campground (upgraded track)
- Bittangabee Campground to Pulpit Rock (existing track)
- Pulpit Rock to Green Cape (existing track).
Bittangabee Bay to Pulpit Rock
Construction on the new track alignment has commenced and is anticipated to be completed in early 2025. Walkers are currently able to access the existing track between Bittangabee Bay and Pulpit Rock.
Pulpit Rock to Green Cape
Construction on the new track alignment has commenced and is anticipated to be completed in January 2025. Works will also be undertaken on the existing track to repair flood damage and remove damaged infrastructure.
Campgrounds
Mowarry campground
Work to the campground and facilities is complete. The campground includes 10 hardwood camping platforms, 4 on-ground camping pads, a double-stall skillion toilet block with rainwater tank, and a natural ground group camping area for use by education groups.
One of the newly constructed hardwood camping platforms at Mowarry campground.
The campground is a key overnight location for visitors doing part or all of the Light to Light Walk. Bookings are currently available through the National Parks and Wildlife Services website for the 4 camping pads. The camping platforms will be available for walkers as part of the Light to Light package due to be released in 2025.
Newly built toilet facilities with a water tank at the Mowarry campsite.
Hegartys Campground
The plan of management amendment has enabled walk-in camping at Hegartys Bay instead of hut-based accommodation for visitors undertaking the Light to Light Walk. Construction of the campground will commence in late 2024 and is due for completion in early 2025.
Next stages of delivery
Interpretive and wayfinding signage continues to be developed, in consultation with key stakeholders for the Light to Light Walk. Interpretive signage has been installed at Boyds Tower and new wayfinding signage has been installed from Boyds Tower to Saltwater Creek.
We continue working with our contractor and commercial tour operators to provide visitor access to as much of the Light to Light Walk experience as possible, where it is safe and practical to do so.
You can view details of upcoming and active closures at alerts for Beowa National Park.
NPWS is working to complete track upgrades on the Light to Light Walk and intends to open to the public in early 2025. This is dependent on weather conditions and the upcoming bushfire season.
Contact
If you would like further information about this project, please email the Merimbula Office at [email protected].
If you have not already registered to receive these updates, you can do so on the project webpage.