The long talked about cantilevered skywalks that will transform WA’s Kalbarri National Park ‘experience’ are finally getting closer to becoming reality.
Tenders for the construction of the structures – which offer dramatic views of the Murchison River more than 100 metres below – close on June 6 and the project is expected to be completed in late 2019.
Designed by Eastman Poletti Sherwood Architects, the skywalks will jut dramatically out from the gorge’s rim, with the longest protruding 25 metres from the edge, the other 15 metres.
“It’s one of the highest spots over the gorge; it has a very steep cliff face and we’re putting these skywalks right at the top,” project manager Rory Chappell of the Department of Parks and Wildlife told local radio station 6PR. “You get spectacular views right down the gorge and you can see the looping of the river back on itself; it’s my favourite place.”
Eastman Poletti Sherwood Architects says the design of the skywalk is informed by the landscape, with the red, ochre tones of the gorge reflected in the low-maintenance materials.
The two skywalks will form a horseshoe shape, with a connecting boardwalk stretching between them. ArchitectureAu reports that, behind the boardwalk, an air-conditioned area and kiosk will be housed a series of pavilions with an organic, unobtrusive presence.
The project was first announced by the then-Liberal National government in 2015, with $20.8 million allocated to the skywalks and improved road infrastructure.
Project manager Rory Chappell said the project would be a major tourist drawcard and would be ‘great for Kalbarri’.
The skywalks will be located around 40 kilometres from the town of Kalbarri, in ‘red gorge country’” near the popular attraction, Nature’s Window, a rock formation that offers framed views of the river.
Yep will be over thete 2020 can’t wait
Absoutly not. It is so ugly and completly dominates the natural beautiful environment. Build something unobtrusive ans sensitive!
Agree totally – a huge blot not he landscape. Whatever were they thinking?!
Dunno.
Great idea for viewing the gorge can’t see how it would be ugly it’s only one tiny spot in a very large area, should be more of the same.
What a horrible looking thing! What makes people think they can improve on nature? Whatever it is… they do not succeed. No, definitely it would not make me visit – if anything would make me void the place I have grown to love.
Yeah…bit mixed about that. BUT…I suppose we have to think about the other not so fit n healthy AND our disabled mates. It will be good for them to be able to see and experience a view that some of us have seen heaps of and get to fairly easy…!
Just something else where the natural enviroment loses out to big business. Another charge to view what always waqs free.
Bill you have no idea what you are talking about. There is NO exrra charge to visit
Can’t wait to see it
If it makes for safer viewing, allows mobility impaired access to and protects the natural areas from damage by repeated climbing over rocks it is a good thing. If they attempt to charge for use then it’s a no from me.
I think they’ve tried to blend it in with the surrounding landscape by using the green & brown tones in the construction. Not everyone is physically capable of trekking to high spots for a stunning view over the landscape.
Great idea. I think they’ve tried to blend it in with the surrounding landscape by using the green & brown tones in the construction. Not everyone is physically capable of trekking to high spots for a stunning view over the landscape.
Excellent work.
Bring on the tourism and enjoy the natural beauty.
Nevermind the negativity they’ll be first to line up..