Tasmania’s ‘next iconic walk’: Tyndall Range project beginning to take shape on state’s West Coast
It’s hoped a new $40m multi-day Tassie trek could rival the Overland Track and the Three Capes Track. See the first concept images of the “gamechanger” project.
Tasmania
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Tasmania’s “next iconic walk” is beginning to take shape on the West Coast and it is hoped the $40m multi-day trek could ultimately rival the Overland Track and the wildly successful Three Capes Track.
The Tyndall Range, between Queenstown and Tullah, has been selected as the location for the 28-kilometre hut-based walk and site investigations and planning for the track have been undertaken.
The two-night walk will be situated in the Lake Beatrice Conservation Area and the Tyndall Regional Reserve, stretching between Lake Plimsoll and the Lake Margaret Power Station, and is tipped to open in 2029.
Parks Minister Nick Duigan, who visited the proposed site of the walk on Friday with West Coast Mayor Shane Pitt, said the track route was now confirmed and concept plans for the huts had recently been completed.
“This walk will be a gamechanger for the West Coast region. It will complement the growing suite of great tourism products and experiences that are available, and under development, in the state’s picturesque West,” he said.
An Environmental Impact Assessment and plans for the huts and camping ground will be released for public consultation in the first half of 2024. After the feedback from this process is reviewed, a development application will be lodged with the West Coast Council.
Mr Duigan said the project would create 139 jobs during construction and an additional 40 jobs in tourism, hospitality and transport through ongoing operations.
Construction of the track and associated facilities is expected to begin in 2025-26.
Mr Duigan said the track, which the government has dubbed Tasmania’s “next iconic walk”, was “the next natural step for visitors and Tasmanians to get out into our great outdoors, challenge themselves, and experience our beautiful reserves”.
“Not only will the walk deliver economic and social benefits to both the West Coast community and the state, but it will also build on the success of the Overland Track, the Three Capes Track, and enhance our reputation as one of the great walking destinations of the world,” he said.
The minister said the Tyndall Range had been chosen from a possible 35 statewide locations due to its “extraordinary landscapes”, as well as its “links to hydro power and geological exploration heritage”.
A 2021 feasibility study by SGS Economics identified 50 walk options in and around the Tyndall Range.
Overnight accommodation would be provided at Lake Huntley and Mount Geikie, with each hut expected to fit about 30 walkers.
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