Mandalay Beach Lookout
8/1/2007
Prior to September 2003, reaching the point where the Bibbulmun Track arrives at the Southern Ocean near Mandalay beach, involved a steep climb up the face of an exposed, heath covered sand dune. The climb brought walkers up on to a sandy ridge with spectacular coastal views. This was a favourite spot on the Track for most end-to-enders, especially those walking north to south, who were getting their first true view of the ocean.
Unfortunately, unacceptable and unmanageable erosion problems made it necessary to find a new realignment quickly to avoid further erosion damage to the ridges. This new route did not provide walkers the impressive scenery and ‘sense of arrival’ of the old route.
However, the project has now provided a sustainable trail alignment including new steps and a lookout that allows walkers to experience the magnificent coastal scenery, and still gives north to south end-to-enders a sense of completion of the inland based section of their walk.
The lookout, which was designed by a landscape architect from the Department of Environment and Conservation, consists of two limestone walls, constructed as two low, curved retaining walls, coming together to form a multilayered seat. The walls have been built by stone masons from yellow limestone rubble, with the platform infilled with sand and topped with crushed blue metal to prevent erosion. The seat is fashioned from two curved sections of laminated timber marine ply. The structure provides a perfect place for walkers to safely remove their backpacks and sit in comfort to enjoy the view with minimal impact on the landscape and surrounding environment.
The next stage of the project will be to construct appropriately located erosion control structures and stairs that will ensure that this important section of the Track and its immediate environment are sustainable into the future. The Frankland District of the DEC and the Recreation and Trails Unit are currently working towards this goal.
Many thanks to Lotterywest for a grant of $5000, and to those individuals whose donations have gone towards funding this project.