Gibraltar Falls is a popular destination but facilities there and at nearby Woods Reserve are basic. The falls remain closed after two deaths in 2023 and while works to make the area safer are completed. Photo: ACT Government.
The ageing and rudimentary facilities at Gibraltar Falls and the nearby Woods Reserve Campground in the south of the ACT will be upgraded, providing a new amenities block, camping and visitor areas and carpark.
An ACT Government tender has been released for a consultant to manage the project, ahead of a construction tender and development application.
Funding for the project was announced in last year’s ACT Budget.
The tender follows a project to make Gibraltar Falls safer after two fatalities in quick succession in 2023 prompted Parks and Conservation to close the popular destination.
A new 210-metre-long fence is being built along the walking track from the lookout platform to the end of the current railing along the length of the top of the falls in a bid to prevent people from climbing to rock pools and to the precipice.
The Parks ACT website warns that Gibraltar Falls is not a swimming location.
“Please do not enter the water. The waterfall and surrounding rock pools are dangerous and people have died at this site. Use of the area as a swimming location may result in death or serious injury,” it says.
Gibraltar Falls is on the edge of Namadgi National Park and during warmer months the facilities do not cope with the number of visitors.
The site has only drop toilets and shelters, a lookout, fencing and two trails leading away from the carpark.
A map of the area showing Gibraltar falls, Woods Reserve and Snake Rock swimming hole. The blue line is Gibraltar Creek. The orange line is the existing walking track. The black lines are new tracks, while the brown line is the Snake Rock track. Image: ACT Government.
Woods Reserve campground lies to the north alongside Gibraltar Creek, off Corin Road, and is managed by Parks and Conservation, which wants to make it a family friendly destination that delivers accessible and contemporary nature-based experiences.
The tender document says the proposed works include new and upgraded carparking, campsites, day-use amenities, amenities blocks, visitor areas, walking tracks, a lookout and making the reserve accessible for people with a disability.
Ageing toilet blocks will be demolished and a new centralised toilet facility for day users, with disabled access and hot showers for campers, built.
The new carpark will be the only parking available for day-use visitors to Gibraltar Falls.
New designated spaces for camper trailers and vehicle camping will be introduced.
The eastern end of the reserve site will be upgraded to camping only, with firepits confined to this area, while the western portion will be converted for day use, with new picnic shelters and barbecue facilities.
New access to the creek will be created from the day-use area, and the Snake Rock trail will be upgraded and signposted.
The Gibraltar Falls viewing platform and walking track remain closed.
The Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate said last year that when they did reopen, the plan was for the public to reach Gibraltar Falls via the walking trail from Woods Reserve.
The construction tender is expected to be released about late March.
An Environmental Significance Opinion should be lodged this month, with the DA to follow after it is considered.
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