Lakes Entrance - Krauatungalung Walk

Krauatungalung Walk is being designed as an all-abilities accessible walking circuit around Cunninghame Arm, east of the famous Lakes Entrance Footbridge. The circuit aims to complement and link the existing uses and facilities of the foreshore.

Krauatungalung Walk, named after the traditional landowners, will be a practical demonstration of respect and healing by increasing our mutual understanding of the rich Indigenous heritage of Lakes Entrance. The circuit will tell stories of the local Indigenous community, while providing an opportunity to develop an active community and help provide improved all abilities access within Lakes Entrance. Krauatungalung Walk will further enhance Lakes Entrance as a tourist and enviable lifestyle destination.

Krauatungalung Walk will be completed in four (4) stages:

Stage-1 | Surf Club Precinct

The objective is to provide a world class pedestrian walkway between the Lakes Entrance Footbridge and Hammocks bridge at the eastern end of Cunninghame Arm. The site offers a unique design opportunity to link-in and complement the existing foreshore developments and additionally offer a unique cultural experience for all members of the public.

Stage-2 | The 'Missing Link' Northern Boardwalk

Located on the northern side of Cunninghame Arm, this 400m boardwalk will provide the missing link from Eastern Beach to the existing foreshore all-abilities shared pathway.

The crucial development of the northern boardwalk will address and limit the impact of existing erosion on the foreshore, whilst providing a safe, and accessible boardwalk directly from Eastern Beach to Lakes Entrance.

Stage-3 | Southern Boardwalk

Located on the southern side of Cunninghame Arm, this 1.8 km boardwalk will provide the missing link from the Lakes Entrance Surf Club precinct to Eastern Beach.

The crucial development of the raised southern boardwalk will help protect environmentally sensitive areas which are currently impacted by uncontrolled foot traffic and assist in its regeneration.

Stage-2 is designed to immerse visitors in the Aboriginal culture, taking them on a journey to Pelican Point, where you are encouraged to sit and appreciate the land and your surrounds.

Stage-4 | Boomerang Pedestrian Bridge

Located at the eastern most end of the proposed Krauatungalung Walk, the Boomerang bridge will provide safe all abilities access linking the southern side of Cunninghame Arm to the northern side, and a practical transition connecting the cultural experience with the modern European settlement of Lakes Entrance.

Whilst the Boomerang bridge will be the main feature of stage 3, the upgrade and extension of the existing walking paths are required to ensure this section of the walk meets the all-abilities criteria.

Project Background

Council secured funding through the Australian Government to design an all-abilities walking circuit around Cunninghame Arm, east of the Lakes Entrance footbridge. The circuit aims to complement and link the existing uses and facilities of the Lakes Entrance foreshore.

Krauatungalung Walk will be a practical demonstration of healing by immersing the walker in the natural and cultural landscape, creating strong connections of respect and understanding of cultural diversities. The walk will begin with the traditional stories of the Gunaikurnai people. As you progress along the southern boardwalk to the east, the stories will take a more contemporary view with the pedestrian bridge assisting in the transition from the cultural significance of the walk through to the modern European settlement of Lakes Entrance. The walk will end at the ‘common ground’, a meeting place of respect and understanding for all diversities.

Five significant ‘break out’ locations have been identified, providing the opportunity to include smaller structures offering local quotes attributed to the Local Elders and their recollection and understanding of the local area.

To view the Krauatungalung Walk concept design document - Click Here

Funding

Funding for Krauatungalung Walk stages 2, 3 and 4 is allocated to design development only. Construction will not necessarily occur in stage order and is subject to the success of future funding applications.

Funding for this project is provided by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts through the Community Development Grants program, and East Gippsland Shire Council.

East Gippsland Shire Council acknowledges the Gunaikurnai, Monero and Bidawel people as the Traditional Custodians of the land that encompasses East Gippsland Shire. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in East Gippsland, their Elders past and present.

Council is proud to be working in partnership with Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) to deliver this project for the East Gippsland community.

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