Wentworth Falls Lake Park upgrades

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We are preparing for the exciting next stage of the Wentworth Falls Lake Park upgrade.

Over recent months, Council has been working to carefully enhance the upgrade plans for Wentworth Falls Lake, in order to deliver an expanded package of works that best support the community’s vision for this iconic recreational precinct.

Most recently, Council secured an extra $8.5 million under the NSW Government’s WestInvest Program, which significantly expands the scope of what can be achieved at the lake.

This funding boost is in addition to the original grant from the Western Parkland City Livability Program and funding secured by way of a Preparing Australian Communities - Local Stream Grant.

Each grant provides funding to deliver an exciting piece of the overall vision for the lake:

  • Dam upgrades: upgrade of the spillways, upstream dam wall and weir infrastructure to improve control of water levels for fire protection and community resilience. An upgraded boat ramp, landscaping and staging area for emergency vehicles will also be delivered.
  • Accessible walkway and viewing platform: a new pedestrian bridge and viewing platform, and improvements to how visitors access the northern edge of the lake to Waratah Road.
  • Loop walk: a full loop walk around the lake and a link to Waratah Road.
  • Carparks: new carparks on Sinclair Crescent and Waratah Road.
  • Plus upgraded park seating, shelters and BBQ facilities.

Council is now positioned to deliver the best outcome for the community through a broad package of upgrades that not only enhance how the lake and its surroundings can be experienced, but provide increased protections from future flood and fire events.

More information is available the News Feed below and a series of Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the right of this page.


Stay informed with updates on this project - click ‘Subscribe’ in the Stay informed box to the right.

We are preparing for the exciting next stage of the Wentworth Falls Lake Park upgrade.

Over recent months, Council has been working to carefully enhance the upgrade plans for Wentworth Falls Lake, in order to deliver an expanded package of works that best support the community’s vision for this iconic recreational precinct.

Most recently, Council secured an extra $8.5 million under the NSW Government’s WestInvest Program, which significantly expands the scope of what can be achieved at the lake.

This funding boost is in addition to the original grant from the Western Parkland City Livability Program and funding secured by way of a Preparing Australian Communities - Local Stream Grant.

Each grant provides funding to deliver an exciting piece of the overall vision for the lake:

  • Dam upgrades: upgrade of the spillways, upstream dam wall and weir infrastructure to improve control of water levels for fire protection and community resilience. An upgraded boat ramp, landscaping and staging area for emergency vehicles will also be delivered.
  • Accessible walkway and viewing platform: a new pedestrian bridge and viewing platform, and improvements to how visitors access the northern edge of the lake to Waratah Road.
  • Loop walk: a full loop walk around the lake and a link to Waratah Road.
  • Carparks: new carparks on Sinclair Crescent and Waratah Road.
  • Plus upgraded park seating, shelters and BBQ facilities.

Council is now positioned to deliver the best outcome for the community through a broad package of upgrades that not only enhance how the lake and its surroundings can be experienced, but provide increased protections from future flood and fire events.

More information is available the News Feed below and a series of Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the right of this page.


Stay informed with updates on this project - click ‘Subscribe’ in the Stay informed box to the right.

  • Next stage of the upgrade project

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    The next stage of the upgrade project at Wentworth Falls Lake focuses on the design of an accessible bridge that will connect to a walkway and dual viewing platform on the north side of the lake. The design follows the same footprint as the current walkway and platform.

    See a large artist's impression of the new accessible walkway on the north side of the lake.

    This project is part of the Wentworth Falls Lake Masterplan and Plan of Management, adopted in 2021 after extensive consultation with the community.

    Our survey for this current round of community consultation closed in March 2022. Thank you to all who provided feedback!

    Read Council's media release.

    Download the Community Consultation Report.

    The upgrade follows the construction of a brand new play space at the lake foreshore in 2021 and will be accompanied by improved pedestrian access from Blaxland Road to the lake in 2022 (see more on this project here).

  • On-site consultation event

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    We are taking community feedback on the design of the new accessible walkway and bridge that will be built at Wentworth Falls Lake, and extending the online survey until Monday 7 March.

    Join us at an on-site event:

    • Date: Thursday 24 February, 2022
    • Time: 5-7pm
    • Where: Wentworth Falls Lake
  • New accessible pathway

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    supporting image

    The next stage of the Wentworth Falls Lake Park upgrade is about to begin.

    The focus of this upgrade is the construction of a fully accessible bridge, extending across the top of the spillway to a walkway on the north side of the lake, and featuring a dual level viewing platform.

    The bridge and accessible pathway, that will be around 2 metres wide and span about 56 metres, will deliver an impressive and enhanced viewing experience of the lake for locals and visitors.

    Let us know what you think of the designs via the mini survey below, by 18 February.

    The new bridge will make it possible for the whole community to access one of the best vantage points from which to enjoy views over the lake.

    The upgrade follows the construction of a brand new play space at the lake foreshore in 2021 and will be accompanied by improved pedestrian access from Blaxland Road to the lake in 2022 (see more on this project here).

    The bridge is part of the Wentworth Falls Masterplan and Plans of Management, adopted in 2021 after extensive consultation with the community.

    District Parks are high quality parks that cater to the needs of the broader community and visitors, offering a wide variety of activities and settings. There are four district parks in the Blue Mountains: Glenbrook Park, Butttenshaw Park, Blackheath Soldiers Memorial Park, and Wentworth Falls Lake Park. All have received, or will receive, a major upgrade as part of the Western Parkland City Liveability Program.

    Take our survey by 18 February 2022

  • Plan of Management and Masterplan adopted by Council on 29 June 2021

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    Wentworth Falls Lake Plan of Management and Masterplan adopted by Council on Tuesday, 29 June

    On 29 June 2021, following an extensive public exhibition and consultation period, Council adopted the Wentworth Falls Lake Plan of Management and Master Plan. These plans were adopted with a minor amendment relating to events.

    The Council resolved that events will be limited to 500 people at any one time and will follow the events booking process which will consider noise, parking and residential amenity.

    Council also resolved to prioritise a parking precinct plan for the area around the lake and to seek grants to complete the loop walk.

    You can view the final Wentworth Falls Lake Plan of Management and Master Plan by clicking on these links or by going to the Document Library to the right of this page.

    Blue Mountains City Council would like to thank the community for your ongoing interest and input into this important community space.

  • Revised Plan of Management and Masterplan to be presented to Council on Tuesday, 29 June

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    The draft Plan of Management and draft Masterplan for Wentworth Falls Lake Reserve have been slightly modified as a result of comments received during the exhibition phase. The revised versions will be presented at the next Council meeting on Tuesday, 29 June for adoption.

    The Plan of Management and Masterplan documents for adoption, can be viewed by clicking on the links (bolded) or by going to the document library.

    Members of the public are welcome to address this meeting either for or against any aspect of the documents. Please note that this will be your last opportunity to have input into the overall management of Wentworth Falls Lake. Other opportunities for input will arise when funding is identified and the detailed design of components is underway.

    If you wish to attend the meeting, you will need to register at the Council Chambers between 6.45pm to 7.20pm on 29 June or you can download and complete the registration form here. Registrations must be sent to council@bmcc.nsw.gov.au by 4pm on the day of the Council Meeting.

  • Public hearing and drop-in session to be held on Saturday, 8 May

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    Date: Saturday 8 May

    Venue: Main Hall, Wentworth Falls School of Arts, corner of Adele Avenue and the Great Western Highway

    Time: Public Hearing by Independent Chairperson into the categorisation of the land 10:00 till 11:00

    General information drop in session 11:00 till 2:00

    Please note that if you would like to make a formal verbal or written submission to the Independent Chairperson you will need to do this at the public hearing between 10am – 11am.

    Alternatively, you can come to the drop-in session at any time from 11am – 2pm where Council staff will be on site to answer your questions.

    If you require any further information regarding the public hearing please see the attached document entitled 'Wentworth Falls Lake Reserve Public Hearing Background Information 23 April 21'.

    Note that written submissions can be made to Council anytime during the exhibition period as outlined here.

  • How to make a submission on the draft plans

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    Use the submission form here.

    You can view the draft documents by clicking on the links here or going to the document library.

  • What is a Masterplan?

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    A Masterplan is a more detailed plan that guides future design to improve function and access, facilitate social activity and amenity for residents and visitors while recognising, respecting and enhancing the existing character. Masterplans must be endorsed by Council.

    The Masterplan for Wentworth Falls Lake Reserve considers upgrades such as a new, accessible walkway over the spillway, improvements to the dam wall, a new, accessible viewing platform, a community kick-about space, additional picnic facilities and a new multi-purpose shelter.

  • What is a Plan of Management?

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    A Plan of Management is a legal document to guide how the park will be managed. The POM divides the park into high level management zones (categories) reflecting their current use. Each zone will be managed for a different purpose; bushland, picnic areas or waterways. It establishes permissible uses, developments and the level of maintenance of the land. These plans must be endorsed by Crowns Land and Council.

    The changes permitted by the Plan of Management will enhance the space and the way the community uses it making it easier to get around, and protect the environmental values that make it so special.

  • Wentworth Falls Lake Park is getting a number of improvements, thanks to Blue Mountains City Council and grant funding

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    Everyone Can Play

    Final Design for Replacement Play Space

    Thanks to the more than four hundred people that responded to our survey in December and January, we now have the final design for the replacement play space. Council secured $200 000 through the ‘Everyone Can Play’ grant which will top up Council’s contribution of $400 000 to make this place space happen.

    It will be a fun, adventurous and fully fenced area suited to its district park status. There will be equipment from both options that went on display before Christmas, including a climbing tower, lots of swings, a giant slide and incorporating inclusive elements across the whole play space.

    Construction to commence in March 2021.

    Read more detail about the final design of the play space in the News feed below, plus you can download the design images on the right

Page last updated: 30 May 2023, 11:09 AM