Dangar Falls New Viewing Platforms Officially Opened
Published on 01 October 2021
Council and community came together on Wednesday 29 September to celebrate and officially open the new Dangar Falls viewing platforms and upgraded pathways. The project was a collaboration between Council and community groups that saw an investment of nearly $1M funded by the State Governments’ Regional Growth Environment and Tourism Fund along with a $230,000 contribution from Council.
The project saw two new viewing platforms – the main platform at the top of the falls increased capacity and views to the falls significantly while being fully accessible – and a smaller plunge pool platform that allows visitors to experience the waterfall up close. The car park was also upgraded along with approximately 60 metres of new pathway.
Indigenous elder, Uncle Gary, opened the event with a Welcome to Country and spoke about the Gumbaynggirr name and importance of the Reserve. Mayor Dominic King followed by recognising the work of Council and the community in bringing the project to fruition.
New interpretive signage has been installed featuring QR codes which allow smart phone and tablet users to access video content and audio files that capture the natural sights and sounds of the area and help visitors identify ways to reduce their environmental footprint.
“The Dangar Falls Platform upgrade project provides visitors with not only an attractive, safe and accessible experience but an educational one as well.” Said Mayor Cr. Dominic King.
“The benefits that this asset upgrade brings to businesses and the broader community through increased visitation and longer stays in the region aligns with Council’s Inclusive Tourism Strategy.” Said Mayor, Cr. Dominic King.
Council’s General Manager, Liz Jeremy, also thanked those involved in making this project a success, identifying the strong collaborative partnership invested in delivering the upgrade including:
- Steve Gorrell Architect who designed the platforms
- Uncle Cecil Thomas Briggs
- Dorrigo Rotary Club
- Dorrigo Local Aboriginal Land Council
- Bill Gibson – Dangar Falls Lodge
- Annie Stanton – Dangarrga Community Garden
- Don Dorrigo and Guy Fawkes Historical Society
- Don Dorrigo Gazette
- Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-op
- Anna Fisher Architect and Designs
The falls, which are set amidst scenic agricultural and dairy farmland, provide a truly unique experience for the 90,000+ visitors they attract each year, and the upgrade works will enhance the experience locals and visitors alike can take in at one of the best views in our Shire as they stand on a curved platform which overhangs the cliff by an amazing three metres.
Additionally, The Dangar Falls Reserve Play Space has also received a funding boost to the value of more than $214,000 to refurbish and replace the existing dilapidated and dated play equipment to create a modern and engaging play space and destination for the hundreds of families with children that visit Dangar Falls every weekend.