MAY 2017 | Antonia Howarth

THE DEVELOPMENT of a new viewing platform at Devil’s Gullet is well underway.

Its repositioning, and the construction of a lengthened walkway from the carpark to the platform, has been in the planning phase for many months.

National Parks and Wildlife have released a Reserve Activity Assessment for public input and consideration. It includes a drawing of the proposed platform and a map showing its repositioning and new access.

Residents will recall the bushfires of January 2016 which burned out large areas of land surrounding Lake Mackenzie and the haze and smoke pall which hung over the valley for weeks.

Large swathes of bush were diminished in the area but it wasn’t until June of 2016 that floods destroyed the track and sections of the carpark making all access impossible, hence it was closed to the public.

The current plans are the result of lengthy negotiations for a new platform to be established 50m to the east of the old one, adding the advantage of enhanced views to the east through to Lake Mackenzie, to the west with its stunning rock formations, as well as amazing views to the south and to the long valley below.

The new structure requires 50-60m of extra walking track to the platform and some improvements to sections of the carpark.

Residents and visitors will be looking forward to the re-opening of this stunning site, as it is as one of the region’s local landmark attractions.

While there is no re-opening date set as yet, it is exciting to learn that this project has been actioned for completion.

Photo | Dan Fellow