Update June 2023

This upgrade project is nearing the start of construction.

Here is a summary update of the project's progress since November 2022:

Stage 3: Final design and planning approvals

We have completed:

  • the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment
  • the Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit application, which Heritage NSW approved and issued in January 2023. This will cover both planned works and ongoing management of the precinct
  • preparation and determination of the environmental impact assessment (Review of Environmental Factors) of the planned work, including the conditions of the work
  • the Crown Lands licence for works application, and it has been issued
  • a civil design application to construct over a watermain, and it has been approved.

Stage 4: Procurement

The procurement process started in December 2022, and a tender for construction works was released in January 2023. The tender has been awarded to Bolte Civil Pty Ltd.

National Parks project team with Bolte Civil representatives, Brisbane Water National Park

Next steps

Stage 5: Construction

The first phase of construction works is forecast to start on 13 June 2023, and the project is forecast to be completed by the end of December 2023 (weather permitting).

During this time, there will be no access to the Somersby Falls precinct, including:

  • the amenities
  • the picnic area
  • the Somersby Falls
  • the walking tracks.

The focus for the first stage of construction will be improving visitor parking, adding disabled access to the precinct, and replacing the flood damaged elevated timber walkway to the lower falls.

We will update the NPWS Alerts webpage to notify you about any changes to public access to this visitor precinct in Brisbane Water National Park.

The next published update will be in September 2023, and it will include details of the first phase of construction.

What are nearby alternatives?

Girrakool Picnic Area, also in Brisbane Water National Park, is about a 5-minute drive from Somersby Falls. It is well-equipped with picnic tables, barbeques, amenities, scenic waterfalls and walking tracks.