The wide reach of social media is also, sometimes, its scourge.
Hundreds of posts and photographs extolling the beauty of Lincoln’s Rock in Wentworth Falls have increased the number of visitors to the point where it’s creating chaos.
Traffic congestion, litter, using the bush as a toilet, illegal camping and tourist buses clogging the narrow Hordern Road have locals at their wit’s end.
Lincoln’s Rock, named after the famous mountaineer, the late Lincoln Hall, is also known as Flat Rock, Honeymoon Rock and Sunset Rock.
It is very popular with newly marrieds for their wedding photos, and with evening revellers who get a spectacular view of the sunset.
But some days dozens of cars and buses drive along Hordern Road to get there.
Marcus Adams, who has lived in Hordern Road for 11 years, said it used to be 22-seat coaches but recently the large, 60-seaters are trying to negotiate their way through.
Another Hordern Road resident, Steve Mclearie, said the street is too narrow for the big coaches.
“It’s only one-and-a-half lanes so they [the coaches] just squeeze everyone off the road.”
Council is now stepping in. It has resolved to restrict vehicles over 10 metres in length from driving down Hordern Road past Coronation Drive.
It’s only one-and-a-half lanes so they [the coaches] just squeeze everyone off the road
- Steve Mclearie
It is also proposing to close part of Little Switzerland Drive (the direct access road) and create formal parking areas.
Cr Romola Hollywood said she had been contacted by many residents over the last couple of years.
"The issues include traffic management along Hordern Road, parking, pedestrian safety, littering and toileting in the bush,” she said.
"In particular, residents reported large coaches trying to park and turn along the skinny Hordern Road and Little Switzerland Drive. Residents were worried about pedestrian safety and that the road was simply not suitable for heavy vehicles.”
Council is now seeking feedback on its plans for the area, which Cr Hollywood said was a positive move.
"I am pleased that we are now taking the next step to address the issues by putting out a management plan for public consultation,” she said.
“This plan proposes to formalise parking and appropriately manage visitor access to this unique bushland area. I really encourage people to have their say. It's vital that we protect this beautiful bushland area and find a way to better manage visitation and residential amenity."
