A major redevelopment at Govetts Leap lookout in Blackheath would see the existing parking moved away from the escarpment to open the area up for better viewing of the spectacular scenery.
Under a National Parks management plan on public exhibition, changes are also planned for Green Gully in the Megalong to allow for day and overnight camping.
At Govetts Leap, the redesign would see the present parking area moved to allow people better, and safer, access to the views. Current parking is close to the escarpment and often hampers visitors trying to capture the scenic outlooks.
New parking for 100 cars would be created further up the hill (back towards the Heritage Centre) by removing some of the vegetation in the middle of the loop road.
The project design wants to encourage visitors to "linger and explore" by ensuring that the new parking is safe and can accommodates more visitors. It also wants to provide a range of spaces for people to enjoy the views as well as interpretation signage that might encourage them to visit the Heritage Centre to find out more.
There would be disabled parking, ramps and drop-off points for people with a disability.
Shelters and picnic tables would be upgraded, a new amphitheatre built near the existing lawn/picnic area, more seating and an improved lawn down near the memorial obelisk.
The plan also recommends information be signposted about a diverse range of topics from Aboriginal and European heritage, ecology and geology.
The changes are part of the state government's policy of improving access to national parks by increasing the safety and accessibility of walking tracks and trails.
Changes are also planned for Green Gully in the Megalong (formerly the Carlon Farm horse riding business), which is the jumping off point for walking around the Coxs River and Wild Dog Mountains.
It would be added to the list of places where walk-in or vehicle-based day/camping is permitted. The existing cabins would be able to be used for accommodation. Green Gully Cabins Road would be maintained for public access.
The plan is on public exhibition and submissions are open until August 17. The plan can be found at https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/get-involved/have-your-say and submissions made via that website, emailed to npws.parkplanning@environment.nsw.gov.au or posted to Manager, Planning Evaluation and Assessment, Locked Bag 5022, Parramatta 2124.
