With additional funding secured in November 2023, construction commenced for phase 2 works in January 2024 at the Somersby Falls picnic area.
Phase 1 works focused on the construction of the bus drop-off point and new car park. This will provide improved visitor parking, including dedicated disabled spaces and better access to the precinct. Works are completed.
Phase 2 works will focus on building improved accessible amenities, installing an onsite sewerage system and improving visitor facilities and accessibility.
Construction began on the improved amenities in January 2024, including accessibility provisions. Key landscaping features were also begun, including planting new shade trees and regeneration areas.
Progress is currently underway to provide improved picnic tables, barbecues and shade shelters.
From April to June 2024, the phase 2 works construction program will complete:
- the lookout over the top falls. This will link the upgraded parking area via accessible pathways to the picnic area and to the lookout.
- internal fit-out of the amenities, as well as solar and water treatment system
- the landscaping program, including new seating, plantings and signs.
Phase 2 works are on track for completion by end of June 2024, with the improved Somersby Falls picnic area being open in time for the July school holidays.
The elevated steps to the mid and lower falls were impacted by previous storm events, and are undergoing repair works. The walking track to the mid and lower falls will be opened once all safety and repairs works are made during June 2024.
During this construction time, there is no access to the whole Somersby Falls precinct including the amenities, the picnic area, the walking tracks and the Somersby Falls. During the temporary closure of the Somersby Falls picnic area, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service recommends visiting the Girrakool picnic area located a short drive away.
How park values will be protected and enhanced
The environmental impact assessment of the final design has outlined how the works must occur and will be monitored during the construction phase. A review of environmental factors was completed before works commenced.
What visitors can expect to see when the picnic area reopens
The final precinct will include:
- 54 parking spaces and 4 designated accessible parking spaces
- improved universal access linking new car park with existing picnic area
- a bus turning circle and drop-off point
- upgraded accessible pathways in picnic area
- upgraded 8-stall amenities
- improved accessible viewing platform at the top falls
- site security upgrades
- new seating and landscaping features.
How the project is protecting heritage
The project design ensures protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage sites in the area. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has received the required approvals to undertake works within this important cultural heritage site.
At key points during phase 2, registered Aboriginal heritage representatives were invited to inspect and monitor construction works to ensure there was no impact on cultural heritage items or values. To date, no new cultural heritage items have been identified or cultural heritage sites impacted in phase 2. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will continue to liaise with Aboriginal cultural representatives for this project. A key outcome is the long-term protection of important cultural items found near the falls.
Plants
The landscape design plan has considered active planting and natural regeneration techniques to ensure the picnic area at Somersby Falls is regenerated using locally endemic species. The regeneration plan guides the management of any trees that need to be planted or removed.
The re-planting program commenced in mid-March 2024 with 75 trees planted by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. The mulch from the site has been re-used and the park ranger has observed many natural regeneration seedlings already showing in the mulched areas.
The final landscaping for the picnic area will be completed after construction works are completed in June 2024. This will be undertaken by both NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service staff and volunteers.
Where to find up-to-date information about site closure changes
We will notify of any changes in public access through updates on the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service alerts page.
The next published update will be in June 2024, and will include details of when the site will be reopened.
Thank you
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service would like to thank the local community and neighbours of the area for their support and patience during the construction works while we upgrade this popular picnic area.
Nearby alternatives
Girrakool picnic area, also in Brisbane Water National Park, is less than 5 minutes' drive away from Somersby Falls. It is well-equipped with picnic tables, barbeques, amenities, scenic waterfalls and walking tracks.