A MAJOR environmental restoration project is set to transform the northern and southern entrances to the Tomaree Coastal Walk, following the announcement of new funding through a partnership between Bupa and Landcare Australia.
The project will be delivered by the Friends of Tomaree National Park in collaboration with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, with the goal of restoring degraded coastal ecosystems, strengthening habitat resilience and enhancing the visitor experience at key access points to the walk at Boat Harbour.
Friends of Tomaree National Park Coordinator Sue Olsson said, “the initiative will deliver long-term environmental benefits, improve the visual appeal and safety of the walk entrances, and foster stronger local stewardship of this iconic coastal landscape.”
The $10,000 grant was secured through the national 2025 Healthy Cities Landcare Grants program funded by Bupa.
At the northern entrance on the Tomaree Coastal Walk, which extends from Ocean Parade to the first small bridge crossing remnant rainforest, much of the work will focus seaward of the path where weeds have overtaken native vegetation.
The project will initially target extensive infestations of Turkey Rhubarb and Black-eyed Susan, which smother groundcover and prevent natural regeneration.
Areas previously cleared of Giant Reed, which once choked a sensitive creek line, will be replanted to help re-establish endangered littoral rainforest.
Approximately 700 native coastal trees, shrubs and groundcovers will be planted along the northern entrance between late autumn and July 2026.
Closer to Ocean Parade, the project will restore coastal littoral scrub, create a natural vegetation buffer along the walk and remove invasive spider plants.
The southern entrance, extending from the Kingsley Drive lookout carpark to near the Kingsley Beach carpark, will also undergo significant rehabilitation. Work will focus on restoring degraded littoral scrub–forest along both sides of the shared walk and road corridor, while maintaining key coastal viewlines around the lookout.
Invasive grasses such as Buffalo, Paspalum, Rhodes Grass and Green Panic, which have taken over since earlier Bitou and Lantana removal, will be a major target for control.
Across both sites, photo monitoring points will be installed to track ecological recovery over the coming years.
Community involvement is central to the project, with planting days, citizen science monitoring and school and corporate engagement activities planned.
Volunteers, schools and local businesses interested in getting involved are encouraged to contact the Friends of Tomaree National Park to take part in upcoming restoration activities, which include planting days, weed management and assisting with public events.
Inquiries can go to Sue at tomaree-np-friends@npansw.org.au.
By Jacie WHITFIELD
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