The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) has announced that a new lookout on the Heysen Trail on the Fleurieu Peninsula has officially opened as part of the first stage of the Wild South Coast Way project.
Minister for Environment and Water, David Speirs said that as well as the new lookout and picnic area at Deep Creek Conservation Park, the upgrades included new day visitor facilities at Goondooloo Ridge.
Mr Speirs said the Goondooloo Ridge walk – a 4.2-kilometre return class two track – was perfect for family groups seeking an immersive, easy walk as part of a day visit to the region, or for hikers looking for an interesting loop off the main track.
He said the new picnic area included designated picnic nodes with tables, accessible toilets, sealed carpark, roadside bus parking and interpretative signage.
“Visitors will walk through re-vegetated and remnant native bushland to a lookout with spectacular view, with opportunities to view wildlife and enjoy nature along the walk,” Mr Speirs said.
Founder of Kool Tours, Mark Koolmatrie, who offers cultural experiences and day tours across the Fleurieu Peninsula and Coorong region, provided cultural advice to DEW’s National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) for the project.
“It means it’s starting to come alive,” Mr Koolmatrie said.
“It’s a little fire that is burning and this gathering is a starting point and connection with Country, self and us as a people.
Mr Speirs said the Wild South Coast Way on the Heysen Trail offered an exciting, active adventure for walkers of all fitness levels.
He said the project was supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service with project partners Friends of the Heysen Trail, Yankalilla District Council and the City of Victor Harbor.
