Sea Acres in Port Macquarie set for $2.4 million makeover

The ecotourism and cultural destination will be upgraded as part of a $257 million investment in community infrastructure projects across the NSW national parks estate.

The $2.4 million Sea Acres project includes refurbishing the boardwalk, reconfiguring the car park and replacing the steps to Miners Beach.

Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams described Sea Acres as one of the most popular tourist attractions on the Mid-North Coast.

More than 150,000 people visit Sea Acres each year.

Mrs Williams said the car park upgrade, for example, would make Sea Acres more accessible, particularly for those with a disability.

She said the upgrade project would include replacing the steps to Miners Beach and making it easier for visitors of all ages and abilities to get out and explore the breathtaking rainforest and learn about local Aboriginal culture.

"The refurbishment of the seven-metre high boardwalk will make it an even better experience for visitors hoping to get close to the sights and sounds of this ancient rainforest canopy, and maybe even see animals like the scarlet robin and the diamond python in their natural habitat," Mrs Williams said.

Some 800 metres of the 1.3 kilometre boardwalk will be replaced with fibre-reinforced polymer and the remaining section will have repairs carried out in a $1.5 million upgrade.

A total of $200,000 is earmarked to replace the steps to Miners Beach, $350,000 will go to improve car park safety and access, and $350,000 will be used to address issues with the rainforest centre building.

National Parks and Wildlife Service area manager Shane Robinson said Sea Acres protected one of the biggest areas of intact littoral rainforest on the east coast.

Project works are scheduled to begin in February with sections of the boardwalk to remain open as works progress.

Works are scheduled to be completed by late 2022.

Environment Minister Matt Kean said: "Not only will this upgrade benefit visitors of all abilities by improving access, it will also provide a significant boost to the local economy through the purchase of locally sourced materials and the employment of local contractors."

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