Studio Hollenstein has designed the centrepiece of a proposed $56.4 million eco-tourism attraction in the World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforests on the NSW mid-north coast.
A new Arc Rainforest Centre, featuring a curved boardwalk offering views overlooking the rainforest will be part of NSW government project to create a multi-day walk and visitors centre in the region, intended to boost nature-based tourism and bolster the contribution that national parks make to the state economy.
Render of proposed Arc Rainforest Centre.
Image: Studio Hollenstein
“The project will provide access for all abilities to connect with nature and culture on Gumbaynggirr Country,” Studio Hollestein said.
The centre will provide flexible spaces to be used for a swathe of events, and will include a treetop skywalk and spiralling walkways to connect visitors with the existing 6-kilometre Wonga Walk, as well as the start of the new Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk.
The NSW government announced funding for the project on 19 June, which will also cover the creation of the 46-kilometre walking track, four low impact walkers’ huts, new camping areas, and three suspended bridges over World-Heritage-listed rainforest.
Starting at the Arc Rainforest Centre, the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk would traverse Dorrigo and Bindarri national parks, along the rugged escarpment as it heads towards the coast.
According to the Minister for Enviornments James Griffin, the project is part of the largest ever capital investment program in the state’s national parks, and is set to be “even more spectacular than the Daintree”.
