Construction Underway for Bald Head Walk Trail

The Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) has commenced a significant upgrade project on the iconic Bald Head walk trail in Torndirrup National Park.

The trail is a spectacular, but challenging 12.5km return walk traversing the ridge line of the Flinders Peninsula, providing stunning views of the Southern Ocean around to King George Sound and the City of Albany.

The project team has designed a sustainable, long-lasting trail surface treatment that delivers on the quality trail experience that trail users have come to expect from DBCA.

They have designed low impact stair and walkway structures utilising Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) to raise the level in eroded areas and stabilise the sandy trail surface, providing protection to the surrounding fragile coastal environment.

Much planning work went into the design of stairs and surfaces to remediate the erosion gullies that have developed in the sandy soil from over-use and exposure to the elements.

Terpstra Constructions were contracted to undertake the works and prefabricated sections so they could be transported to site in helicopter sling bags at designated GPS locations along the length of the trail.

On a suitable day with low wind speeds in March, approximately 80 bags weighing around 400kg each were airlifted from the Jimmy Newells car park and deposited along the trail for the contractors to commence assembling the footings. In April, another 60 sling bags were airlifted and dropped along the trail.

Another exciting development is that Terpstra Constructions have employed two local, young Minang men who have the opportunity to learn trail and construction building skills and provide cultural and community connection to the project.

The Bald Head walk trail, and the nearby Jimmy Newells car park, will be closed during construction and are signposted accordingly. DBCA requests that visitors do not access these areas for their safety and that of the work crews who have to manage these incursions and any impacts to the works site.

Further revegetation and stabilisation works are planned to be undertaken over the coming months including matting and planting of local native species to improve ground cover, combat erosion and provide habitat for fauna.

In addition, local Minang traditional owners are working with DBCA to develop interpretive opportunities for the Bald Head walk trail and the broader Torndirrup National Park.

Construction is expected to be completed by September 2022.