LOCALS and visitors can have their say on the Victorian Government’s $7.76 million revitalisation and upgrade proposal to the MacKenzie Falls visitor precinct, including the Zumsteins (Bun-nah) walking trail and day visitor area.

Parks Victoria is working in partnership with the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, and Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation to plan and design the project and will accept public feedback until September 8.

Parks Victoria Western Region director, Jason Borg, said Mackenzie Falls is one of the most spectacular and popular visitor sites in the Grampians.

“We’re looking at options to make it an even better place to come and enjoy,” he said.

“We have some ideas to improve walking tracks, views, access and safety, but we’re keen to test them and see what people think.

“The consultation will help us develop a final plan for the upgrade.

“We will continue to work closely with Traditional Owners and key stakeholders on the next steps.”

The area known as Zumsteins is a picturesque half hour drive through the Grampians from Halls Gap near the banks of the MacKenzie River, around five kilometres from the famous MacKenzie Falls.

The upgrades are part of the government’s $12.76 million investment that includes creating new access points and trailheads along the 160km Grampians Peaks Trail.

The upgrades will improve safety and access in the carpark and trails, as well as more opportunities for viewing the falls and understanding the Aboriginal cultural and environmental values for the site and surrounding landscape.

The Grampians Peaks Trail is a unique cultural long-distance hiking experience that runs down through the park from Mount Zero in the north, through Halls Gap, to Dunkeld in the south.

Since opening in November 2021, hikers have booked over 9200 nights to stay at hike-in campgrounds along the length of the trail.

The upgraded trailheads along the Grampians Peaks Trail will provide hikers with more flexibility on where they access the trail, information and facilities.

Improvements will likely include new toilets, improved car parking, larger water tanks, and opportunities to interpret Aboriginal cultural and environmental values of Gariwerd.

Environment and Climate Action minister, Lily D’Ambrosio, said the investment will make sure more people can access the stunning Mackenzie Falls and Grampians Peak Trail safely.

Western Victoria MP, Jaala Pulford, said the MacKenzie Falls precinct offers visitors a range of walks and stunning views.

“These upgrades will encourage more people to come and enjoy what the beautiful Grampians has to offer,” she said.

Construction is expected to begin next year.

To find out more about the MacKenzie Falls revitalisation or provide feedback on upgrades, visit engage.vic.gov.au/mackenzie-falls[1]revitalisation