Mallacoota - Pittosporum Walk and Devlins Gully Walk Reconstruction

The Draft Pittosporum Walk and Devlin Walk proposed plans were available for feedback from November to December 2024.

A total of 41 submissions were received with 100% of respondents providing in principal support for the project, with a small number of responses raising concern regarding access to the Devlin Gully Walk from the Foreshore Caravan Park.

Minor design considerations will be made to address concern raised.

What we heard [feedback summary]

Support for restoring pathways -

• Restoration will prevent damage from informal tracks and bush bashing.
• The reopened tracks will greatly benefit both locals and visitors, as they were among the most popular short walks in the area.

Importance of the walks -

• They provide safe off-road access to the beach and allow appreciation of the coastal landscape.
• The tracks are a key part of community infrastructure, originally developed with local input, labour, and funding.

Nature and scope of repairs -

• Support for repairs that maintain the natural character of the track (narrow, winding, not gravel).
• The focus is on repairing existing infrastructure rather than expanding tracks to avoid further environmental impact.
• Proposed works use similar materials and do not increase infrastructure levels.

Specific track considerations:

Pittosporum Walk -

• Reinstating the full length will allow safe off-road beach access.

Devlins Gully Walk -

• Should remain a lower grade walk to protect its sensitive rainforest environment.
• Support for keeping signage minimal and non-intrusive.
• General agreement to close access from the campground to allow revegetation of critically endangered temperate coastal rainforest.

Concerns and other feedback -

Some concerns about unauthorised tracks from the caravan park to Devlins Gully.

• Concerns of illegal vegetation clearing.
  
  

Key recommendations for next phase of project

1. The trail planning, and particularly the wayfinding signage component, must clearly manage the orientation and direction of walkers from the foreshore caravan park to the start of the Devlin Gully and Pittosporum Walks.
2. Environment protection measures must be incorporated into the construction phase to avoid and minimise any detrimental impact on the sensitive habitat areas.
3. The trail should be constructed of materials that are in keeping with the existing character. Track surfacing will be the natural soil and mulch material from local vegetation management. No imported gravel or mulch will be used.
4. Incorporate minimal signage to assist first time visitors with way finding and interpretation about environmental and heritage aspects of the walks.
5. Integrate seating at strategic locations to improve visitor amenity and provide rest points.
6. Undertake revegetation in selected locations to improve environmental and landscape values.

View the engagement report - CLICK HERE

After conducting environmental and cultural heritage assessments, draft plans have been created for the reconstruction of the Pittosporum Walk and the Devlins Walk. These plans outline the necessary work on the track infrastructure, which includes drainage improvements, steps, a boardwalk or bridge, signage, and some careful clearing of vegetation to reopen the paths.

This proposed project aims to reopen the two walks, establishing Pittosporum Walk as the main trail linking Mallacoota to Bastion Point. Devlins Gully Walk would serve as a secondary option that winds through a valuable littoral rainforest and would also lead visitors into a dynamic estuary area that can vary with changing water levels due to ocean conditions; sometimes making it potentially impassable during high tides.

Reconstruction of the recently removed Estuary Boardwalk is no longer practical due to the high-risk fluctuating estuary conditions. When water levels permit, visitors can access the remaining section of boardwalk from the sandy gully which connects to the littoral rainforest.

Key aspects of the proposed works for Pittosporum Walk include:

• Replacement of the boardwalk/bridge over the creek line that was burnt.
• Reconstruction of timber and gravel steps either side of the creek line
• Installation of trail marker posts across Mortimers Paddock linking the two sections of Pittosporum Walk.
• The trail surface will remain as primarily natural material and not imported gravel.

Key aspects of the proposed works for Devlins Gully Walk include:

• Closure of the track crossing the creek from the Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park.
• Trail and drainage work at the end of Develling Drive to prevent further erosion of the trail.
• Replacement timber edging along the trail adjoining the creek line.
• Possible removal of concrete footing to the removed boardwalk.
• Repair works to the section of existing boardwalk in the littoral rainforest.
• Replacement of timber steps along the existing trail.
• Potential installation of interpretive signage providing information about historic elements, ecological values, and cultural heritage.

We want to hear from you!

The draft plan for the proposed works is now available for review and feedback; all feedback will be considered when finalising the plans.
Next Steps

Directional signage will be incorporated to lead visitors to Bastion Point and interpretive signage will also be developed to highlight the environmental and heritage values of the site.

Construction is subject to the future availability of funding; all opportunities will be explored.