The highly anticipated Kalbarri Skywalk in Kalbarri National Park has officially opened at midday today, providing a major tourism boost for the Mid-West region.
The opening of the universally accessible Skywalk marks the culmination of a $24 million project to install two cantilevered platforms overlooking the Murchison Gorge, a kiosk, shade shelters, toilets, parking, 22km of park roads, and upgrades to Meanarra Hill and Z Bend tourist sites.
For the Nanda Traditional Owners, the facility showcases their culture and stories through interpretive and artistic elements. Visitors are greeted with an entry sign stating kaju yatka, the Nanda words for 'sky' and 'to walk.'
The State Government is working with the Nanda people to explore opportunities for the management of the soon-to-open environmentally friendly kiosk that will operate on low to nil emissions on an off-the-grid power system.
Kalbarri National Park is an iconic location, famous for its 80-kilometre gorge, coastal cliffs that plunge more than 100 metres to the ocean, striking wildflowers and many recreational activities. Annual visits to the national park have increased by almost 100,000 over the past five years to more than 450,000 last year.
As stated by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Today is an exciting day for everyone who was involved in the development of this bold and iconic facility - congratulations to the Nanda Traditional Owners, the Mid-West Development Commission, the Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Biodiversity of Conservation and Attractions and all the contractors.
"The Kalbarri Skywalk is projected to inject up to $73 million in additional expenditure over the next decade into the local economy and create jobs for tourism businesses, accommodation providers and associated service industries.
"There's never been a better time to get out and explore all that Western Australia has to offer; the McGowan Government has just launched its 'Wander out Yonder' campaign to entice people to explore our wonderful State and support the tourism industry, which has been doing it tough.
"These 100-metre high Skywalks which project 25 and 17 metres beyond the cliff face complement the existing natural beauty of the surrounding area, and I'm pleased to say that with universal accessibility, they can be enjoyed by all who visit the national park.
"The Kalbarri Skywalk will further cement Kalbarri's reputation as an international destination and one of Australia's most popular destinations. I would encourage all Western Australians to add this new attraction to their bucket list."
As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
"There has never been a better time for Western Australians to discover all of the world-class destinations right here in our backyard.
"The new skywalk at Kalbarri National Park provides yet another reason for local travellers to discover or rediscover this wonderful natural location.
"Kalbarri National Park is one of the reasons travellers from all around the world had been flocking to WA in record numbers - and now's the time Western Australians should check it out for themselves."
