APRIL 2017 | Patsy Crawford

THE WAIT to walk into the Liffey Falls from the lower camping ground is finally over. Following replacement of a bridge and reconstruction of about 1.87 km of walking track the walk is set to reopen this month.

The work, carried out in March, required a helicopter lift of a 12-metre galvanized modular steel truss bridge which was prefabricated in three sections and bolted together on land adjoining the park. The 960 kg, 12 metre bridge, which has a tread of non-slip fibreglass reinforced plastic, spans Quinn Creek allowing the track to link with the existing walk. It was airlifted into the park on the 18th March by Tasmanian Helicopters Helicopters.  The Squirrel helicopter, piloted by Andrew Kerr, also removed debris and equipment from the damaged site.

A spokesman for Parks and Wildlife Service said it had been necessary to close the track last June following severe flooding of the area which caused extensive damage to the boardwalk and destroyed two bridges. The track is gradually being rehabilitated and now follows a route that utilises the topography more smoothly.

According to the Western Tiers Visitor Centre in Deloraine, the reopening of the lower falls track cannot come too soon. Along with Cradle Mountain it was the premier attraction in the area. A steady stream of disappointed visitors had been turned away from the site in the nine months since it had been shut.

Photo | Mike Moores