New walking track development starts at Observation Point, south of Batemans Bay

The coastal walking trail will link the headlands and beaches between Observation Point and McKenzies Beach via a series of new and existing natural bush tracks and lookout areas, all on public land.

The project is based on a concept approved by the council back in 2010 and now includes the upgrade of Observation Point, which will serve as a gateway to the trail.

The council received $5.25 million from NSW and Commonwealth Governments last year for the trail and the NSW Government's Public Works Advisory was helping with project planning and implementation.

The council said owners of land adjoining the trail are being informed of the project's progression. The council said staff will work directly with residents who might have encroachments like gardens or structures on the public land where the track passes.

READ MORE: 30-kilometre walking track planned between Batehaven and Mckenzies Beach

Eurobodalla Shire Council's tourism manager Tim Booth said the trail would add to the diversity of offerings for visitors to the region.

"Around the world, walking tracks are a huge drawcard for nature lovers and this section of coast has it all," he said.

"The trail will traverse mix of urban and wild, from suburbia to rock platforms and salt-stunted scrub forests, to majestic spotted gums towering over prehistoric cycads.

"Locals are bound to love it too, with the trail opening and improving access to our unique seaside environment."

The council said the development will offer a year-round attraction that shows off the shire's unmatched coast, diverse nature and unique Aboriginal heritage.

Connecting the villages of Batehaven, Surf Beach and Malua Bay, walkers can choose to hike the whole distance in a single day, wander at a more leisurely pace, or take advantage of numerous shorter walks.

Work at Observation Point will start in the latter half of 2021. Work on the walking trail will begin early 2022 and consists of low-impact construction such as erosion control, upgraded walkways and stairways, footbridges and safety barriers, information signage, as well as minor vegetation trimming. The trail is due to be complete by June 2023.

An interactive map showing the planned route and features along the trail is now available on Eurobodalla Shire Council's website, CLICK HERE.