Philosopher’s Tale a wild old yarn

AFTER months of anticipation, many on the West Coast are celebrating the State Government’s decision to create Tasmania’s next iconic walk in their back yard — and it is expected to draw 20,000 visitors a year.

The Government received 24 public submissions to be considered as the next big eco-tourism drawcard and 35 locations were considered.

Mayor Phil Vickers yesterday flew in a helicopter over the area where part of the Philosopher’s Tale walk will wind through the Tyndall Ranges behind Lake Margaret.

“It is a spectacular place and this news is exceptionally great,” Mayor Vickers said.

“We are so thrilled we will have another major drawcard to bring people into what is a beautiful region.”

Destination West Coast’s The Philosopher’s Tale concept has been embraced and Parks and Wildlife will now drive the project.

Destination West Coast chairman Anthony Brown said its “chapter four offering” through the Tyndall Ranges would be the first experience off the rank and could be completed by the end of 2021.

“We know we were up against some really stiff competition so this is terrific,” Mr Brown said.

“At the moment we attract an older demographic. This will bring adventure seekers and those like myself who want to walk but enjoy good food and a wine when they get to their destination.”

The edge of Lake Huntley at the base of the Tyndall Ranges was being considered as the location for the first hut of the Philosopher’s Tale walk to be built.

Parks and Wildlife Service general manager Jason Jacobi said the remote area was currently only accessed by a small number of experienced rock climbers.

According to the proposal, the four “chapters” of the walk would be built in seven stages, with the last stage completed within 10 years.

The estimated high end total cost of the project was $26.6 million.

Environment, Parks and Heritage Minister Peter Gutwein said the total cost of the project and extent of government funding would be determined by a feasibility study.

It is a spectacular place and this news is exceptionally great — MAYOR PHIL VICKERS

“We’ll be guided by that,” Mr Gutwein said.

“Until the feasibility is concluded we won’t know whether that will be too much or not enough, but then we’ll work our way through that.

“It may be a matter of looking at stages.”

Mr Gutwein said the development would showcase the best the West Coast had to offer and further enhance Tasmania’s reputation as one of the best, if not the best, ecotourism destinations in the world.

The Government promised to give Tasmania another major walking attraction, to build on the success of the Three Capes and Overland tracks in the lead-up to the last election.

“This proposal provides an opportunity to showcase the rugged and spectacular Tyndall Ranges, with its unique geology and mineralisation, which lie between Queenstown and Tullah,” Mr Gutwein said.

He said the concept would pay homage to the pioneering spirit of the West Coast and the expeditions of James “Philosopher” Smith while delivering a new perspective of one of Tasmania’s wild regions.

Market testing and a feasibility study will be done and public consultation will guide the walk’s route and the nature of facilities to be offered.

“The Overland and Three Capes Tracks have captured the world’s attention, showcasing our spectacular island home,” Mr Gutwein said.

“Both these iconic walks are booked out in peak season and have had a very positive impact on their surrounding communities, boosting the economy, creating local jobs and redefining the identity of the regions.

“The new walk will deliver a major boost to the West Coast economy, and complements the recently launched Western Wilds Drive Journey and will be supported by the Hobart to Strahan air service that the Government is backing.”