Diamond Bay Clifftop Walkway plan to stop selfie seeker deaths

A $3.3m proposal has been revealed to build secure selfie locations at a popular Sydney beauty spot after two young women plunged to their deaths in the pursuit of the perfect snap.

A council is preparing to take extraordinary steps to prevent selfie seekers plunging to their deaths with plans to spend $3.3 million upgrading a clifftop walkway.

Tourists and rock fishermen are known to regularly climb over the fences of the walkway, which takes in the jaw dropping views around Diamond Bay, Eastern Reserve and Dover Heights.

In 2019 a 27-year-old woman died taking a selfie at the cliff edge at Diamond Bay Reserve.

Tragedy struck again in 2020 when British model Madalyn Davis, 21, died attempting to take a photograph and falling from the same cliff.

A woman gets her photo taken on the cliffs of Diamond Bay the same day one of the deaths occurred. Picture by Damian Shaw

The tourists take enormous risks for the perfect photo. Picture by Damian Shaw

Waverley Council plans to create four new viewing platforms in prime photographic locations as well as relocate the existing platform at Diamond Bay allowing selfies to be taken with the dramatic coastline in the background from a safe vantage point.

The plans, which are currently on public exhibition, will also enhance the overall pedestrian safety of the walkway.

An artist impression of the new proposed walkway. Image courtesy of Thompson Berrill Landscape Design

The lookouts would provide a safe place for selfies. Image courtesy of Thompson Berrill Landscape Design

Residents have until next Tuesday to provide their feedback on council’s development application.

Mayor Paula Masselos said the safety on the walkway was paramount.

“The walkway is a stunning dramatic walk that has extraordinary views out to the ocean,” Mayor Masselos said.

“When whale season is on a lot of people go out there to watch them and it also draws people for photo shoots.

“There were a number of issues around people jumping over the fence and going very close to the cliff and unfortunately there were some people who fell to their death.

“These lookouts will ensure people have fabulous scenery they can enjoy and take photos of safely.”

Madalyn Davis fell was only 21 when she tragically died.

While no construction start date has been named, council has flagged its intention of proceeding with the procurement process as soon as they receive the green light for the development application.

The proposed works also involve the replacement of some of the existing boardwalk structures, increased signage and the installation of seating, drinking fountains and bins.

Mayor Paula Masselos on the existing walkway.

The walkway upgrade is funded by the state government and it is planned to coincide with Sydney Water’s Refresh Vaucluse and Diamond Bay Project which will also see works planned in the area.

The Sydney Water project will finally put an end to the ocean outfalls and instead divert the sewerage to the Bondi Treatment Plant.

Have your say on the walkway project HERE