OPTIONS for walking and sight-seeing at the Cotter campground have been improved with the installation of a new footbridge over the Cotter River.
ACT Parks and Conservation Service Senior Ranger, Murrumbidgee, Darren Roso said the footbridge, which replaced a footbridge previously destroyed by flooding, would allow people to access walking tracks and other attractions in the area.
“The original bridge was washed away in heavy flooding in 2010, so we are excited to be able to have access to some great walking tracks again,” Darren said.
“The new bridge crosses the Cotter River, allowing access to the Bullen Track. This track takes people above the Cotter and Paddys rivers along the side of the Bullen Range, providing some great views of the confluence of both rivers.
“The track eventually leads walkers to the Paddys River crossing where they can go for a swim and visit the Cotter Caves lookout. Part of this track has been recently upgraded.
“The bridge itself is broken into two spans of 14 and 6 metres which are designed to shear off from their footings during floods and be retrievable via a cable tethered to their crossbeams.
“The Cotter campground is the most popular bushland camping area in the ACT. Nestled on the banks of the Cotter River amongst shady river oaks and deciduous trees, the campground is also adjacent to the Murrumbidgee River.It is a great place for camping, picnics and a whole range of other outdoor activities only 15 kilometres from the western edge of Canberra.
“The re-opened footbridge and the tracks it leads to are just another great reason to visit the site and enjoy all it has to offer.
“I’d encourage both day visitors and campers to stop and have a look at the double sided Cotter campground sign when they first get to the area. It has a huge amount of information about the campground, flora and fauna and the Cotter catchment as well as things to do and see in the broader region.”
Visit www.tams.gov.au for more information about the Cotter campground.
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