Visitors to the Pilliga are now able to take in the view from a soaring 16 metres above the ground thanks to a new attraction which was opened earlier this month by Barwon MP Kevin Humphries.
Mr Humphries said the dual purpose fire and lookout tower added a different perspective to the visitor experience.
“The Pilliga is not known for its scenic viewing points and the new Pilliga Forest lookout tower now provides a place visitors can rise above the tree canopy,” he said.
The tower is at Salt Caves in Timmallallie National Park, north of Baradine, where fire lookout towers have existed since the late 1930s.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has replaced the old tower, which had no public access, with a purpose built facility that is safe for people of all ages to climb and enjoy the view.
It will also continue its use as a fire detection tool, one of many important early warning systems used by NPWS.
“It’s the latest in a series of attractions which have been added to the Pilliga to entice visitors to take a closer look at this unique part of Western NSW,” Mr Humphries said.
“The nearby Sculptures in the Scrub area at Dandry Gorge, renewed visitor facilities at Sandstone caves, the Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre at Baradine and the upgraded facilities at Salt Caves, including the new tower, form an interesting loop of unique things to do.”
Mr Humphries opened the new tower at a ceremony on Sunday March 9, which also saw the staging of a 45 kilometre bike trek through the national park, the dual events capping off Parks Week 2014.
Parks Week is an annual celebration that provides opportunities for the community to come together and connect with these natural areas.
Pictured are NPWS discovery ranger Bevan Wallace, NPWS ex-ranger Polly Montgomery, Narrabri Shire mayor Conrad Bolton, Barwon MP Kevin Humphries, NPWS regional manager Robert Smith, Warrumbungle Shire mayor Peter Shinton, NPWS Baradine area manager John Whittall and NPWS senior ranger David Wurst at the opening of the Pilliga Forest lookout tower.