The Tasmanian Government has announced a revised plan for the West Coast’s ‘Next Iconic Walk’, set to open in 2029, which has already caused backlash online. 

 

The proposed hike, a 28km, three-day, two-night walk through Tasmania’s Tyndall Ranges, was first announced by Tasmania National Parks and Wildlife Service in 2023, to mixed feedback and some local controversy. 

Modelled off the success of the Overland Track and Three Capes Track, the walk between Lake Plimsoll and Lake Margaret Power Station plans to offer a Class T3 (AKA ‘boot standard’) track through Tasmania’s wild and rugged West Coast. 

The state government revised its proposal in response to a market research survey conducted in late 2024, however, the updated plan and artist impression images have continued to cause backlash on social media, with the majority of commenters objecting to the project altogether. 

‘Stop making the National Parks comfortable. These areas should be kept for the people who really want to make the effort’, said one commenter on Facebook.

‘PWS is so out of touch with the majority of the population. When will they get the message that we want wild places to be left alone?’, asked another.

2,210 respondents from around Australia gave feedback on the original plan, citing concerns about the $40 million project’s environmental footprint and associated maintenance and operational costs. Fears were also raised around bushfire and emergency management as well as walker safety in the often treacherous and variable weather of Tasmania’s West Coast.

Read more: Pros and Cons of Tassie’s Controversial Next Iconic Walk

What are the changes?

The track will now only feature two accommodation locations, one each at Lake Huntley and Lake Mary, removing a third proposed node at Lake Malcolm. The public also expressed strong demand for camping in tents over two nights, rather than one, with access to shared hut facilities.

‘All walkers will now undertake the same three-day, two-night walk, but will be able to choose their overnight accommodation experience, with options being private pods, shared bunk rooms, and camping on tent platforms’, said Nick Diguan, Minister for Parks and Environment.

‘They will have access to shared kitchen facilities and amenities, host rangers, and interpretation, providing a consistent and enhanced experience for all walkers regardless of their accommodation type’, he said.

Other improvements include maximising renewable energy production and adjusting the locations of the accommodation buildings to help with bushfire risk. 

The updated plans and the Environmental Impact Statement are expected to be publicly available in mid-2025. Subject to approvals, construction is set to commence in 2025/26, and the walk is expected to open in 2029. 

 

 

Images supplied by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service

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