The Redwood Forest in Warburton, just outside Melbourne, is to offer improved accessibility and a better experience for visitors with Parks Victoria by releasing draft designs to upgrade the site’s facilities.
Releasing the designs, Parks Victoria said the Cement Creek Redwood Forest in the Yarra Ranges National Park on Wurundjeri Country has become an increasingly popular place to visit over recent years due to the enchanting and photogenic Californian Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) trees.
“A project is underway to improve the site’s facilities, to manage increased visitation while ensuring the park’s stunning natural and cultural values are protected,” Parks said.
It said the draft designs outlined plans to improve the visitor experience by providing facilities such as additional car parking, an accessible public toilet, a safety gate and a wet-weather visitor shelter.
“Visitor impacts to the forest and surrounding landscapes will be managed by formalising sections of the existing trail network, which will reduce the site’s exposure to foot traffic and help protect and replenish important habitat for plants and wildlife,” the Agency said.
“An additional $400,000 of works funded and delivered by Melbourne Water will support visitor accessibility and additional open space opportunities,” it said.
“These works will include constructing boardwalks, viewing platforms and fencing.
“Re-vegetation along the Cement Creek and the Yarra River will also be undertaken to improve river health and provide habitat.”
Parks Victoria said the draft design was subject to environmental, cultural heritage, Heritage Victoria and Yarra Ranges Council town planning assessments, approvals and permits, and may change as the project progresses.
Further information on the draft designs can be accessed at this PS News link.
