RELAXATION: Sydney Weekender reporter Mel Symons relaxes on Montague Island last week. Photo by Susan Elliott
ISLAND RETURN: Returning from their trip to Montague Island last week are National Parks marketing officer Charlotte McManus, Channel 7 film crewman Owen Wynne, Montague Island visitor coordinator Cass Bendixsen, ranger Andy Young, Sydney Weekender reporter Mel Symons and film crewman Duncan McLeod.
MONTAGUE Island was on proud display last weekend when the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) invited Sydney Weekender to explore this fabulous tourist destination.
Presenter Mel Symons and her crew explored the historic lighthouse, stayed and played at the lighthouse keeper’s cottages, watched penguins come home to nest for the night.
They also spent some time filming the most numerous animals on the island, the fur seals.
NPWS are keen to promote all parks experiences and the Far South Coast offers many jewels in the crown, Montague Island visitor coordinator Cass Bendixsen said.
NSW Environment Minister Robyn Parker meanwhile on Monday announced a collaborative new eco-tourism venture involving the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Auswide Services which will offer supported tours along the popular “Light to Light” walk south of Eden.
The new venture would open up new camping opportunities and bushwalking and sea kayaking opportunities with specialist guides providing expert advice and assistance, Ms Parker said.
Ms Parker said guided walks between Ben Boyd Tower and Green Cape Lighthouse were a productive and sustainable use of the landscape and would boost the local economy.
“Auswide Services has a track record of creating local job opportunities and empowering Aboriginal and non-aboriginal Australians and I am delighted they are now an ecotourism partner in the Light to Light walk,” Ms Parker said.
Ms Parker said the new Light to Light walk partnership involving NPWS is the Government’s latest initiative to build on the State’s multi-billion dollar eco-tourism industry by making parks more accessible to visitors.
The Light to Light walk is one of the many reasons our State’s national parks receive around 34.6 million domestic visits each year and an estimated 3 million international visitors.
Under this latest eco-tourism venture, by early next year visitors tackling the Light to Light walk will no longer have to carry three days’ worth of provisions and camping gear because of guided support, new low-impact camping at Mowarry Point and farther south at Bittangabee.
Member for Bega Andrew Constance said the people of the Far South Coast welcomed the opportunity to share their magnificent coastline.