Stepping a bit lighter to save Dam tracks

Walkers, runners and the environment are benefiting from new boardwalks and steps built on the popular walking track within Manly Dam.

We’ve built 209 metres of new boardwalks  along the loop pathway on the north-western side of the Dam. The boardwalks protect the tracks which have been increasing in popularity throughout 2020 and were in danger of being loved to death.

The boardwalk is made of Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) which protects vulnerable parts of the track prone to washaway and boggy mud puddles. They sit atop hard-wearing sandstone logs, some of which had to be carried by hand up to 500m from a compound on the fire trail. Over 20 ton of hard wearing, Kurrajong sandstone was used for this project too.

Ten sandstone steps, a new retaining wall and a handrail have made some of the trickier sections of track a little easier to traverse but takes nothing away from the feeling of being immersed in the beauty of the bushland setting.

“This is my favourite part of the Manly Dam running loop,” said local trail runner Ellie Burns. “It’s so cool and quiet along here by the creek and under the canopy of the trees.”

“I’m not one to be afraid of getting my shoes dirty, but this new boardwalk will stop the erosion and protect the tracks from wearing away after rain.”

This is the second section of Manly Dam track to receive an upgrade this year. A 133m section of the track on the north-eastern side was restored in July after it was destroyed by storms in February. The sandstone and FRP boardwalks will now withstand future flooding events and wild weather.

The full Manly Dam circuit is 7.5km with some difficult sections and will take about 2.5 hours.

It can get hot out there at this time of year so don’t forget your hat, sunscreen and a big bottle of water.