Great Burragorang Valley Walk proposed for Western Sydney
A massive walk through the untouched western Sydney wilderness - linking the Southern Highlands to Katoomba - has the potential to become one of Australia’s leading nature treks.
Macarthur
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A proposed 316km walk through the unique beauty of the untouched Western Sydney wilderness, linking the Blue Mountains right through to the Southern Highlands, has the potential to become one of Australia’s leading nature treks.
To be known as the ‘Great Burragorang Valley Walk’, the mooted track would wind through the world heritage-listed Blue Mountains Conservation Area, connecting with Warragamba Dam, Lake Burragorang and visiting the authentic mining ghost town Yerranderie.
The concept plan, unveiled by Wollondilly Council, would see a segment of the track positioned on the doorstep of the incoming Western Sydney International Airport as a gateway for domestic and international tourists.
Wollondilly Mayor Matthew Deeth said the opportunities were endless, describing the plans as a ‘gamechanger’ for Western Sydney.
“For a small investment, we could have something which would be a massive,” he said.
“You’ve got this pristine, untouched biodiversity across the whole catchment area which has been locked away for over 50 years with hardly a soul going in.
“It’s right on Sydney’s doorstep. In about an hour’s drive, you are in that special type of wilderness. You don’t have to fly to Tasmania, you don’t have to travel to North Queensland to go visit all those great walks because we have one right on our doorstep.”
The loop trek would be accessed at points in Katoomba, Mittagong, Oakdale, Warragamba and Thirlmere, with camping and picnic facilities available at some locations.
Mr Deeth said he believed the great walk, which is estimated to cost $3.7 million to deliver, would be a welcome stimulus to the regional economy in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The initiative has been supported by Hume federal MP Angus Taylor, Wollondilly state MP Nathaniel Smith, Blue Mountains City Council and Wingecarribee Shire Council.