About

The Tamworth Regional Skywalk is an exciting project which is expected to become an iconic tourist attraction for the Tamworth region, as well as protect the safety of local recreational walkers.

An elevated walking platform will be constructed from the top of Brisbane Street within Victoria Park up to the top of the Oxley Scenic Lookout, giving people the chance to enjoy the natural bushland of Victoria Park and its commanding views toward the Liverpool Ranges.

This project aligns with the Tamworth Regional Active Transport Strategy which aims to improve our participation in unstructured recreational activity and the associated benefits for the individual and the community. A core strategy of Council’s Blueprint 100 is also to make our region more liveable by providing improved social, cultural and physical amenities.

Why is this project important?

Scenic Road is currently used frequently by pedestrians wanting to access Oxley Lookout but poses a serious safety issue due to pedestrians sharing the narrow road with cars, and the sharp corners mean vehicles have poor lines of sight.

The skywalk will provide a safer alternate option and greatly increase usage by families, keen exercisers and those visiting the region.

This project was first earmarked during the community consultation in May 2021 for the development of the Victoria Park Master Plan. Residents felt that a safer pedestrian link to the lookout was an important consideration.

Progress Updates

Construction on the Skywalk this month saw the delivery and installation of the centrepiece of the project with the main stairs and bridge structure installed up to and over Scenic Road. Good progress also continued on the other sections of boardwalk and the commencement of remaining clearing and earthworks for the lower path. The Carpark on Endeavour Drive is expected to be completed by the end of next month with pavement works completed in March.

Stage 1 Boardwalk and Structures – Footings are now fully completed. Viewing Platform (VP) 1 completed aside from handrail and timber lean rail. Boardwalk completed between VP1 and RA (Rest Area) 2, aside from decorative balustrade panels and handrail. VP2 to RA2 70% completed is expected to be completed by mid-April (including RA2). VP1 to the bottom of the Boardwalk section will commence in April. Finishing works include handrail, handrail lighting and viewing platform signage and information panels will be later in the construction phase.

Stage 2 Boardwalk and Structures – Footings for the boardwalk above Scenic Road to the lookout are completed aside from the pad footing at the Oxley Lookout. Assembly of the main stairs up to and bridge over Scenic Road occurred in March with a 3 week closure of Scenic Road. Installation of boardwalk between the Bridge and has progressed to just below VP3. Installation of VP3 commenced in late March with the structure expected to be completed in April. Work above VP3 to the lookout will commence in late April.

Stage 3 Endeavour Drive Carpark - The Endeavour Drive carpark works continued this month with completion of pavement and kerb works as well as commencement of lighting and path. Early April will see sealing and path works undertaken with the asphalt anticipated to be installed towards the end of April and works completed by the end of the month, aside from minor signage and tree planting.

Stage 3 Landscaping and Path - The design for the upper and lower entry landscaping and concrete path from lower entry to the start of the lower boardwalk is completed. Works commenced in late March for clearing and earthworks on the lower area to link to the Endeavour Drive carpark. Upper landscaping works where the Skywalk joins into the Oxley Lookout carpark are expected to commence in late May. Landscaping and finishing works are expected to run through to the end of construction of the project currently anticipated for August 2026.

The long lead time pad mount substation for the electrical supply upgrades remains on track for delivery in May 2026.

Activity during April will include:

• Completion of the carpark construction on Endeavour Dr with asphalt and linemarking in the later part of the month
• Commencement of hard landscaping at lower entry and path works
• Commencement of VP1 to Path boardwalk full structural assembly
• Completion of VP2 to RA2 boardwalk full structural assembly
• Completion of bridge to VP3 boardwalk full structural assembly
• Completion of VP3 full structural assembly
• Commencement of VP3 to Lookout full structural assembly

February 2026

Construction on the Skywalk this month saw the commencement of another run of boardwalk and switchbacks above Scenic Rd, completion of two of the viewing platform roofs and good progress on the Endeavour Dr carpark works.

Stage 1 Boardwalk and Structures – Footings are now fully completed. Viewing Platform (VP) 1 completed aside from handrail and timber lean rail. Boardwalk completed between VP1 and RA (Rest Area) 2, aside from decorative balustrade panels and handrail. VP2 to RA2 commenced this month and is expected to be completed by mid-April (including RA2). By the end of April, it is anticipated only below VP1 boardwalk on stage 1 remains. Finishing works include handrail, handrail lighting and viewing platform signage and information panels will be later in the construction phase.

Stage 2 Boardwalk and Structures – Footings for the boardwalk above Scenic Rd to the lookout, including the bridge across Scenic Rd and stairs below Scenic Rd, are completed aside from the pad footing at the Oxley Lookout. VP2 to RA3 boardwalk and stairs to the bottom of the stairs up to Scenic Rd was completed in February with only handrail and infill panels remaining. Assembly of the main stairs up to and bridge over Scenic Rd will be undertaken in March 2026 and will come with 3 weeks of full closures of the Scenic Rd, the lookout and associated walking trails during the week with no afterhours access. Installation commenced on the Bridge to VP3 boardwalk and switchbacks with works progressing to Switchback 2 with works aiming to be at VP3 by the end of March.

Stage 3 Endeavour Dr Carpark - The Endeavour Dr carpark works continued this month with a week of full road closure for drainage in first week of February on endeavour Dr for drainage works and then will return to being conducted under stop go traffic control during remainder of February and March. Early March will see sub base pavement works and kerb installation moving towards finishing the carpark works by the end of March with footpath and finishing works on the carpark in April.

Stage 3 Landscaping and Path - The design for the upper and lower entry landscaping and concrete path from lower entry to the start of the lower boardwalk is progressing with design nearing completion. Works are expected to commence in March for clearing and earthworks on the lower area to link to the Endeavour Dr carpark. Upper landscaping works where the Skywalk joins into the Oxley Lookout carpark are expected in mid to late May. Landscaping and finishing works are expected to run through to the end of construction of the project.

Second pole for electrical supply was installed within the carpark on Endeavour Dr this month. The long lead time pad mount substation for the electrical supply upgrades has been procured and is expected to now be delivered in May 2026.

Activity during March will include:

• Continuation of the carpark construction on Endeavour Dr with kerb, v drain and pavement, and lighting and concrete footpath works in the later part of the month
• Commencement of lower landscaping and path works
• Installation of VP2 full structural assembly
• Completion of VP2 to RA2 boardwalk full structural assembly
• Completion of bridge to VP3 boardwalk full structural assembly
• Commencement of RA2 full structural assembly
• Bridge and Stair installation over and below Scenic Rd

January 2026

Construction on the Skywalk this month saw the completion of another run of boardwalk and stairs and the commencement of the Endeavour Dr carpark works.

Stage 1 – Footings completed, aside from eight footings that are awaiting assembly above their location. Viewing Platform (VP) 1 completed aside from handrail, shelter sheets and fit off of electrical. Boardwalk completed between VP1 and RA (Rest Area) 2 bar decorative balustrade panels and handrail. Steel installation has commenced between VP2 and RA3 with FRP (Fibre Reinforced Plastic) delivered just prior to Christmas. VP2 and VP2 to RA2 will commence and be completed during February. By the end of February it is anticipated only below VP1 boardwalk on stage 1 remains. Finishing works being handrail, handrail lighting and viewing platform signage and information panels will be later in the construction phase.

Stage 2 – Footings for the boardwalk above Scenic Rd to the lookout, including the bridge across Scenic Rd and stairs below Scenic Rd, are completed bar the pad footing at the Oxley Lookout. VP2 to RA3 boardwalk and stairs to the bottom of the stairs up to Scenic Rd was all but completed in January with only handrail and some minor deck sheets to complete in February. Assembly of the main stairs up to and bridge over Scenic Rd will commence in early March 2026 and will come with some full closures of the lookout during the week with no afterhours access. Fabrication of steel and FRP components is well underway for the remainder of the boardwalk above Scenic Rd which will continue after bridge installation

Stage 3 - The Endeavour Dr carpark works commenced in Mid-January with initial clearing, stie strip and bulk earthworks cut to fill completed by the end of the month. This work will involve a week of full road closure for drainage in first week of February on endeavour Dr for drainage works and then will return to being conducted under stop go traffic control during remainder of February and March. The carpark is expected to be completed by April, weather permitting. The design for the upper and lower entry landscaping and concrete path from lower entry to the start of the lower boardwalk is progressing with design expected to be completed in February. Works on this are all expected to occur off the back of the car park construction through to the end of construction of the project.

First pole for electrical supply was installed adjacent to the pad mount near the Tamworth Men’s Shed and the 2nd pole on the opposite side of Long Gully will be installed in February. The long lead time pad mount substation for the electrical supply upgrades has been procured and is expected to now be delivered in April 2026.

Activity during February will include:

• Continuation of the carpark construction on Endeavour Drive with drainage works moving into pavement and kerb works in the later part of the month
• Installation of VP2 full structural assembly
• Installation of VP2 to RA2 boardwalk full structural assembly
• Commencement of RA2 full structural assembly
• Preparation for Scenic Rd Stairs and bridge installation in March

December 2025

Construction on the Skywalk this month saw the completion of all but 9 footings on the entire alignment for the boardwalk sections, completion of the first viewing platform and section of boardwalk in the lower section below Scenic Rd.

Stage 1 – Footings completed, aside from eight footings that are awaiting assembly above their location. Viewing Platform (VP) 1 completed aside from handrail, shelter sheets and fit off of electrical. Boardwalk completed between VP1 and RA (Rest Area) 2 bar decorative balustrade panels and handrail. Steel installation has commenced between VP2 and RA3 with FRP (Fibre Reinforced Plastic) delivered just prior to Christmas. After Christmas this section is expected to progress down to the start of the boardwalk during the first 3 months of 2026, with the 3m wide concrete footpath and gully bridge down to the entry to be the last stage of works for Stage 1 due to access restrictions for structural assembly works above.

Stage 2 – Footings for the boardwalk above Scenic Rd to the lookout, including the bridge across Scenic Rd and stairs below Scenic Rd, are completed bar the pad footing at the Oxley Lookout. Assembly of this section’s stairs, bridge and boardwalk will commence in late February 2026 and continue through to near the end of the project, prior to opening in late June 2026. Fabrication of Steel and FRP components is well underway

Stage 3 - The Endeavour Dr carpark design is completed, and works will commence on the 13 January 2026 with initial clearing and bulk earthworks, this work will be conducted under stop go traffic control during January and then will have some day closures following Country Music Festival and School holidays in February. The carpark is expected to be completed by April, weather permitting. The design for the upper and lower entry landscaping and concrete path from lower entry to the start of the lower boardwalk is progressing with design expected to be completed in February. Works on this are all expected to occur during 2026.

Long lead time pad mount substation items for the electrical supply upgrades have been procured and will be delivered in March 2026, with relocation works on Scenic Rd expected to take place in February 2026.

Activity during January will include:

• Commencement of carpark construction on Endeavour Drive under stop go traffic control

• Commencement of VP2 to RA3 full structural assembly

• Finalisation of electrical supply design and easement creation ready for construction

Works onsite will cease close of business on 24 December 2025 and recommence Monday 12 January 2026.

November 2025

Construction on the Skywalk has continued to progress this month, continuing on assembly of the boardwalk in the lower section, while nearing completion of remaining footings in the upper section, ready for structural works in 2026.

Stage 1 – Footings completed, aside from eight footings that are awaiting assembly above their location. Viewing Platform (VP) 1 completed aside from balustrade and handrail, shelter sheets and fit off of electrical. Boardwalk columns, bearers and joists commenced between VP1 and Rest Area (RA) 2. A delay on this section's shipment of Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) during November has slowed progress planned for November on this section but is expected to be completed prior to Christmas Shutdown. Steel has commenced between VP2 and RA3 with FRP due prior to Christmas. After Christmas this section is expected to progress down to the start of the boardwalk during the first 3 months of 2026, with the footpath down to the entry to be the last stage of works for stage 1 due to access restrictions for structural assembly works.

Stage 2 - Footings above Scenic Rd to the lookout, including the bridge across Scenic Rd and stairs below Scenic Rd, are nearing completion with only 10 footings remaining of the 400 boardwalk, rest area and viewing platform footings. Assembly of this section’s stairs, bridge and boardwalk will commence in February 2026 and continue through to near the end of the project, prior to opening in late June 2026.

Stage 3 - The Endeavour Dr carpark, lower entry landscaping and path from lower entry to the start of the lower boardwalk is progressing with design almost complete for the car park with works expected to Commence in Mid-January 2026. Landscaping design iterations are being reviewed during November and expectation of nearing completion of design during January following Christmas shutdown. Works on this are all expected to occur during 2026.

Long lead time pad mount substation items for the electrical supply upgrades have been procured with relocation works on Scenic Rd expected to take place in January and February 2026.

Activity during December will Include:

• Completion of Scenic Rd bridge footings and remaining footings on the boardwalk alignment above Scenic Rd

• Completion of VP1 structural installation

• Completion of VP1 to RA2 structural assembly
• Commencement of VP2 to RA3 full structural assembly

• Commencement of boardwalk structural assembly between RA2 and VP2

• Finalisation of electrical supply design and easement creation ready for construction

Works onsite will cease close of business on 24 December 2025 and recommence over the weeks of the 5 January and 12 January 2026

October 2025

Construction on the Skywalk has continued to progress this month, moving into assembly of the boardwalk in the lower section, while working on completion of remaining footings in the upper section, primarily in footing installation.

The footings for Stage 1 - the central section of the boardwalk, rest areas and viewing platforms footings between Endeavour Drive and Scenic Road have now been completed (392 of 400), aside from a small number that are awaiting completion of some assembly of the boardwalk above to allow access to be maintained for now.

Assembly on the boardwalk for Stage 1 has commenced with the main structural members installed for Viewing Platform (VP) 1 and the boardwalk columns commenced between VP1 and Rest Area (RA) 2. Delivery of the first portions of FRP (Fibre Reinforced Plastic) boardwalk structural members and decking panels is due in the first half of November. Angled balustrade for VP1 and the boardwalk between VP1 and RA2 will begin installation as the structural members are completed in November.

Stage 2 footings above Scenic Rd to the lookout, including the bridge across Scenic Rd and stairs below Scenic Rd, have been hampered by hard rock excavation at VP3 and the stairs between RA3 and the Scenic Rd Bridge during October which has slowed some progress with the contractor completing approximately 300 of the 400 boardwalk, rest area and viewing platform footings. Assembly of this sections stairs, bridge and boardwalk will commence in February 2026 and continue through to near the end of the project prior to opening in late June 2026.

Stage 3 - the Endeavour Dr carpark, lower entry landscaping and path from lower entry to the start of the lower boardwalk is progressing with design iterations being reviewed during October and expectation of nearing completion of design during November. Works on this are all expected to occur during 2026.

Low voltage supply and relocation works have been awarded to a local electrical contractor following open Council tender in September/October

Activity during November will include;

• Completion of Scenic Rd bridge footings and remaining footings on the boardwalk alignment above Scenic Rd

• Completion of VP1 structural installation

• Completion of VP1 to RA2 structural assembly

• Commencement of installation of the boardwalk decking and balustrade/handrail between VP1 and RA2

• Commencement of boardwalk structural assembly between VP2 and RA3

• Finalisation of electrical supply design and easement creation ready for construction

September 2025

Construction on the Skywalk has continued to progress primarily in footing installation, but also the commencement of fabrication of the structural steel and fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) boardwalk components prior to the first delivery to site for assembly commencing in mid-October.

The footings for Stage 1 the central section of the boardwalk, rest areas and viewing platforms footings between Endeavour Drive and Scenic Road is completed for now (315 of 400) to not restrict site access for the boardwalk assembly above this area. The remaining footings in this section will be completed in the new year as the boardwalk assembly moves from Scenic Road down to this point.

Stage 2 footings above Scenic Rd to the lookout including the bridge across Scenic Rd and stairs below Scenic Rd have progressed well during September with the contractor completing approximately 250 of the 400 boardwalk, rest area and viewing platform footings.

A public tender was advertised by Council this month for the LV supply and LV relocation works for the project.

Activity during October will include;

• Completion of all footings along the alignment, excluding the lower section awaiting completion of the boardwalk assembly above
• Commencement of installation of the boardwalk, rest area and viewing platform structures on central section of the boardwalk below Scenic Rd
• Progression of landscaping design for lower and upper entry
• Finalisation of the carpark design on Endeavour Dr
• Finalisation of electrical supply design and easement creation ready for construction
• Award of Tender the construction tender for electrical supply and relocation

August 2025

Construction on the Skywalk has continued to progress primarily in footing installation during August, with work on the central section of the boardwalk between Endeavour Drive and Scenic Road progressing well. Some improved weather in the second half of August has allowed steady progress with the contractor completing approximately 300 of the 400 boardwalk, rest area and viewing platform footings in Stage 1 and approximately 100 of the 400 in Stage 2.

Activity during September will include;

• Completion of footing construction in the central section with both excavation and concreting of the footings
• Commencement of manufacturing of boardwalk structure for construction on central section
• Commencement of footing construction above Scenic Rd up to the Oxley Lookout
• Progression of landscaping design for lower and upper entry
• Finalisation of carpark design on Endeavour Dr
• Progression of electrical supply design and construction procurement

July 2025

Construction on the Skywalk has progressed to footing installation, with work currently focused on the central section of the boardwalk between Endeavour Drive and Scenic Road. Wet weather over the past two months has created access challenges for the contractor, especially after rain, due to clay soils in this part of Tamworth on the access tracks.

Despite losing on average 1-2 days of access per week since commencing construction, the contractor has made steady progress in Stage 1, completing approximately 100 of the 400 boardwalk and viewing platform footings in this section, with nearly 200 already excavated.

Activity during August will include;

• Continuation of footing construction in the central section with both excavation and concreting of the footings
• Finalisation of carpark design on Endeavour Dr
• Finalisation of bridge design across Scenic Rd
• Commencement on landscaping design for lower entry

Accessibility wins

It has been a priority for the delivery of the Tamworth Regional Skywalk to maximise its accessibility for use for people of all ages and a wide range of abilities.

This has been achieved by concentrating the stairs in the middle of the structure.

To be a little technical, the design uses grades no steeper than 1:14 plus there are landings every nine metres and tactile markers. Further on from these viewing areas, prams, or those who are less mobile or use a wheelchair will be able to access larger lengths of the Skywalk with assistance.

While the concept for the Skywalk grew from the need for a safer pedestrian link to Oxley Lookout, it’s a real win to know the design we have means it will be able to used by people of all ages with a wide range of abilities.

We expect it will be one of the most accessible elevated walking platforms in Australia.

Funding success

On 3 March 2023, the NSW Government announced that the skywalk had been the recipient of $14.3 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund.

Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb joined Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson alongside several Council staff at the Oxley Scenic Lookout to make the announcement.