Oceanview Walking Track at Burleigh, Gold Coast damaged by landslide
An iconic Gold Coast walking track is back up and running after it was closed due to landslips following heavy rain in March. SEE THE PICTURES >>>
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BURLEIGH'S iconic Oceanview walking track is back up and running after it was closed due to landslips following heavy rain in March.
Burleigh Head National Park senior ranger Jess Rosewell said the landslips meant the Oceanview Track had to be closed for safety reasons during the rain event.
“I’m pleased to say the Oceanview track is scheduled to be reopened Friday afternoon, weather permitting, for people who want to enjoy the beauty of the national park and take in the breathtaking views,” Ms Rosewell said.
“Contractors have worked extremely hard to clear mud and soil from parts of the track and repair handrails that were damaged by two landslips.
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“Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) also contracted a geotechnical engineer to assess the landslips and the walking track, and provide advice on the repair works.
“Excavation of the mud and debris revealed two large boulders weighing up to 10 tonnes each.
“Those boulders were sitting on the edge of a small shelf of soil that would likely have been further eroded in another high rainfall event.
“The boulders were too large and heavy to physically move and required mechanical splitting by pneumatic drilling and using a hydraulic rock splitter.
“Another cluster of smaller boulders were also uncovered during the works and were also removed for safety reasons.”
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Ms Rosewell said the Burleigh Head National Park is known for its panoramic views of the ocean and stunning sunrises.
“The 1.2 kilometre Oceanview track is very popular, with more than a million visitors taking to the track for exercise or for pleasure every year,” she said.
“The landslips were just east of the northern weather gate, and QPWS rangers thank the community for their patience during the repairs.”
Paradise lost: Gold Coast icon damaged by landslide
ONE of the Gold Coast’s most iconic walking tracks, which draws more than a million visitors annually, is closed indefinitely after landslides.
The Oceanview Walking Track through Burleigh Head National Park was damaged by wild weather last month and remains unstable.
A Department of Environment and Science spokesperson said it was closed for safety reasons, with walkers warned not to bypass barriers.
“There were two landslips in late March just near the northern weather gate (the track was closed at the time due to high rainfall),” the spokesperson said.
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“Sections of handrail were damaged during the landslips and further assessment on slope stability and any damage to the track are taking place this week.
“The landslip site remains unstable, with the potential for more soil and boulders to come down onto the track.”
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While there is no timeline for Oceanview’s reopening, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has contracted a geotechnical engineer to assess the landslips and the walking track this week.
“The track will remain closed until it is deemed safe to open by the engineer and QPWS,” the Department of Environment and Science spokesperson said.
“For their safety, visitors are asked to observe all signage, barriers and directions from rangers and do not enter closed areas.”
The scenic stroll spans from Burleigh hill in the north to Tallebudgera Creek’s Echo Beach on the southern side of the headland.
Skirting the coastline with its basalt boulders, this section of national park passes through pandanus groves, tussock grasslands and coastal heath.
Visitors can still enjoy the park… if they don’t mind a few stairs.
“Burleigh Head National Park is known for its panoramic views of the ocean and stunning sunrises,” the Department of Environment and Science spokesperson said.
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“The 1.2km Oceanview track is very popular, with more than a million visitors every year.
“Visitors can still enjoy the Rainforest Circuit, which offers elevated scenic views from the lookouts and remains open for walks.
“It can be accessed from the northern and southern entries via link tracks.”
The dramatic landscape that makes Oceanview so spectacular means it is also subject to regular closures after rainfall, including a lengthy stint back in 2015 for major safety work.
Then National Parks Minister Steven Miles said it was a complex operation requiring the expertise of specialist geo-technicians.
“The Oceanview track is one of my own favourite walks and so I’ve understood how frustrating it’s been for people to see it closed off since last year following significant boulder falls which just made it too dangerous to use,” he said at the time.
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