Major Milestone Reached on Inglis River Walking Track
Council is pleased to announce the completion of Project 5 of the Inglis River Walking Track Upgrade, marking another significant milestone in one of Council’s major infrastructure projects.
Located along Golf Links Road, Project 5 has delivered a new pedestrian bridge and boardwalk, improving safety, accessibility and flood resilience while protecting the surrounding natural environment.
Project 5 Delivered
The completed works include:
• A new 18-metre pedestrian bridge spanning the creek gully
• New boardwalk connections at either end of the bridge
• An asphalt upgrade to the existing car park and new bollards to improve pedestrian safety
• Removal of the ageing timber stairs and bridge structures
• A new walking track alignment on higher ground to improve flood resilience while protecting the area’s sensitive paperbark ecosystem
• Retention of the existing boardwalk access to the river edge, kayak launch and popular fishing spot
The Inglis River Walking Track is a much-loved community asset, offering opportunities for walking, recreation and connecting with nature. The completion of Project 5 is another important step in Council’s long-term vision to create a safer, more accessible and better-connected walking trail for the community
Protecting the Inglis River Environment
Protecting the Inglis River environment was a key consideration throughout the project. During the design process, an area of old-growth Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca ericifolia), which is recognised as a threatened ecological community, was identified adjacent to the new walkway.
The walking track alignment was carefully designed to minimise impacts on this important habitat. The Swamp Paperbark community also helps stabilise the riverbank and naturally reduce erosion during flood events, ensuring the project supports both recreation and environmental conservation.
What Project 5 Means for the Community
The completion of Project 5 delivers a range of long-term benefits for residents and visitors, including:
• Improved accessibility with a safer, more resilient bridge and boardwalk for walkers of all ages and abilities
• Better connectivity between the Inglis River Walking Track, the Coastal Pathway and the Fossil Bluff Walking Track
• More recreation opportunities for walking, running, cycling and enjoying the natural environment
• Enhanced visitor experiences that encourage more people to explore the Waratah-Wynyard coastline and support local tourism
• Improved community wellbeing through safe, accessible outdoor spaces that promote healthy and active lifestyles
• Environmental protection through improved track alignment and infrastructure that helps preserve the surrounding paperbark ecosystem and river corridor
Council thanks the community for its patience during construction and looks forward to seeing residents and visitors enjoy the upgraded walking track for years to come.
To learn more about the overall Inglis River Walking Track Upgrade, including completed works and future stages, visit the project page on Councils project page.