Deteriorating walking tracks at two of Tasmania’s most popular outdoor destinations have received safety upgrades, as the state government works to cater for rising visitor numbers.
The Mount Rufus track in Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park has had its northern descent completely rebuilt, after the old section was described by regular users as “a bit dodgy”.
At Ben Lomond, a new 122-metre village walkway now links the public shelter to the Ski Sports building. At 2.4 metres wide, it can handle two-way foot traffic during peak periods.
The upgrades come as Tasmania’s parks system faces mounting pressure from ageing infrastructure across an estate that covers half the state’s mainland.
“[This is] evidence that the government’s getting on with the job of delivering for the things that people care about,” Minister Nick Duigan said.
The Ben Lomond works are the first stage of a $2.8 million program, with a new summit lookout and walking track set to go to tender in coming months.
The improvements are part of a push to establish Ben Lomond as a year-round destination, building on its success as Australia’s longest-operating ski resort last year.
Even so, officials stressed the works don’t change the tracks’ demanding nature. The 20-kilometre Mount Rufus intermediate-level walk remains unsuitable for inexperienced hikers.
“We wouldn’t be driving people with no experience and no knowledge and not the right equipment to set out on a walk like that,” Duigan said.
“What this does is make the walk safer and more accessible for the people who are experienced enough to use it in this instance.”
The previous Ben Lomond walkway had been in service for around 50 years before being replaced.
Tourism operators are now banking on the upgrades to boost visitor confidence and encourage longer stays in Tasmania’s wilderness areas.
