LANDSLIDES CLOSE ICONIC TRACK
LANDSLIDES have forced the closure of one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic walking tracks.
The 1.2km Oceanview Walking Track through Burleigh Head National Park – which attracts more than a million visitors each year – has been closed indefinitely due to last month’s wild weather damage.
“The landslip site remains unstable, with the potential for more soil and boulders to come down on to the track,” a spokesperson said.
ONE of the Gold Coast’s most iconic walking tracks, which draws more than a million visitors annually, is closed indefinitely after landslides.
The 1.2km Oceanview Walking Track through Burleigh Head National Park was damaged by wild weather last month and remains unstable.
A Department of Environment and Science spokesperson said it was closed for safety reasons, with walkers warned not to bypass barriers.
“There were two landslips in late March just near the northern weather gate (the track was closed at the time due to high rainfall),” the spokesperson said.
“Sections of handrail were damaged during the landslips and further assessment on slope stability and any damage to the track are taking place this week.
“The landslip site remains unstable, with the potential for more soil and boulders to come down on to the track.”
While there is no timeline for Oceanview’s reopening, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has contracted a geotechnical engineer to assess the landslips and the walking track this week.
“The track will remain closed until it is deemed safe to open by the engineer and QPWS,” the Department of Environment and Science spokesperson said.
“For their safety, visitors are asked to observe all signage, barriers and directions from rangers and do not enter closed areas.”
The scenic stroll spans from Burleigh hill in the north to Tallebudgera Creek’s Echo Beach on the southern side of the headland.
Skirting the coastline with its basalt boulders, this section of national park passes through pandanus groves, tussock grasslands and coastal heath.
Visitors can still enjoy the park … if they don’t mind a few stairs.
“Visitors can still enjoy the Rainforest Circuit, which offers elevated scenic views from the lookouts and remains open for walks.
“It can be accessed from the northern and southern entries via link tracks.”
The dramatic landscape that makes Oceanview so spectacular means it is also subject to regular closures after rainfall, including a lengthy stint back in 2015 for major safety work.
Then National Parks Minister Steven Miles said it was a complex operation requiring the expertise of specialist geotechnicians.
“The Oceanview track is one of my own favourite walks and so I’ve understood how frustrating it’s been for people to see it closed off since last year following significant boulder falls which just made it too dangerous to use,” he said at the time.
It comes after another of the region’s most well-known tracks, to the summit of Mount Warning/Wollumbin, deteriorates after its closure in March last year.
News Corp reported in February that secret NSW government documents revealed plans to shut the walking track permanently.