A 300-metre glass ‘skywalk’ is set to be installed at one of the most iconic grey nomad destinations of them all, the Northern Territory’s Katherine Gorge.
Concept plans have already been released for the skywalk, which will extend over the gorge and along its 70-metre high cliffs. It will cost an estimated $10 million, and will be built by Government and offered to a suitable private sector operator to run as a commercial business.
Traditional owners of the park, the Jawoyn people, have indicated support for the move.
“This is potentially game-changing infrastructure that will give unprecedented access to some of the most stunning scenery in the world,” said NT Chief Minister, Adam Giles.
It is intended the aerial experience will operate year-round, with wet season access via the existing jet boat operation.
An NT Government statement said the skywalk proposal would endeavour to showcase the spectacular views of the gorge, also known as Nitmiluk Gorge, while complementing the natural beauty of the landscape by integrating the structure seamlessly into its surroundings.
“This is achieved through the use of suitable organic looking materials, including perforated, rusted metal to enhance the natural hues of the gorge along with frameless glass balustrades to achieve maximum opacity and minimise obstruction of views,” the statement said. “The skywalk will also feature wider breakout sections for visitors to better absorb and photograph the view and surroundings.”
Katherine Gorge currently attracts almost 250,000 visitors per year.
Another skywalk is also said to be under consideration at a different iconic Northern Territory destination. Details of the second skywalk are expected to be announced in next week’s NT budget.
Skywalks are popular around the world and here in Australia, with tourists queuing to gain a unique perspective of spectacular natural wonders in places such as the Grand Canyon and the Canadian Rockies.
It should be left alone. People travelling to the outback come here to see its natural and un-spoilt beauty. The skywalk, no-matter how well designed will be an eyesore that will diminish the natural appeal of the place. If you want to see man made adrenalin sites there is already the Eureka tower in Melbourne and plenty of sites on the Gold Coast. The outback traveler will want to see un-spoilt natural attractions. This will drive Australian and European visitors, who often see a bit of wild away. And Asian visitors with their limited travel ability due to shorter annual leave are unlikely to fill the gap in a fairly remote location which will be wrecked for those who really appreciate it in their own right.
That artists impression is appalling. Having visited the Gorge several times I cannot think of anything more hideous than defiling the ancient beauty of the gorge with a large man made structure, especially if it was to cross the gorge itself. You can already get a fantastic appreciation of the gorge by boat and see it as it has always been. For the life on me I can’t understand why any of the traditional owners would support this ‘metal and glass graffiti’ being scrawled across their mother earth. Agree completely with Frtiz Nath’s comments too.