Tamworth’s newest tourist attraction is officially open, with the $18 million Skywalk unveiled to the public on Saturday following a ribbon-cutting and community celebration.
The grand opening featured live entertainment, food and drinks, children’s activities and the chance for attendees to experience the elevated 1.5-kilometre walkway firsthand. The Skywalk connects Victoria Park with Oxley Scenic Lookout, offering a safer alternative to walking along Scenic Road while giving residents and visitors a new way to take in the region’s views.
The idea for a safer pedestrian connection to the lookout emerged through community consultation carried out as part of the Victoria Park Master Plan in 2021. The structure has been designed to maximise accessibility, with its stairs concentrated in the middle so people using wheelchairs, prams or with limited mobility can still access significant sections from either end.
Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb said the opening marked an exciting milestone for the community.
“This is a project that started with a simple but important idea, that people should be able to safely walk to the lookout and enjoy the natural environment along the way,” Mayor Webb said.
“Today, we can see that idea brought to life in a way that offers so much more. The Skywalk is a place to exercise, explore, spend time with family and friends, take in the views or simply enjoy being outdoors.”
The project was funded through a $14.3 million contribution from the NSW Government, with Tamworth Regional Council contributing a further $3.7 million.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the Skywalk reflected the benefits of state and local government working together on regional projects.
“The Tamworth Skywalk will give locals and visitors a safer, more accessible way to enjoy one of the region’s most scenic locations, while supporting recreation, tourism and the local businesses that benefit when people spend more time in town,” Minister Moriarty said.
Mayor Webb said the project relied on close collaboration between council, head contractor FORGE and local subcontractors and suppliers throughout planning and construction.
FORGE Head of Construction Robert Antonios said the company was privileged to have led delivery of the project as principal contractor.
“Local contractor participation was a priority for FORGE. In line with our tender commitment, and as part of our Grassroots program, we focused our procurement strategy on engaging local businesses to ensure the project generated meaningful economic benefits for the region across both delivery and supply chains,” Mr Antonios said.
Construction required extensive work in a challenging natural environment, including hundreds of footings, elevated boardwalk sections, viewing platforms and a bridge across Scenic Road, with temporary closures needed at various stages of the build.
Mayor Webb thanked the community for its patience during construction, and said the Skywalk was expected to provide a lasting boost to Tamworth’s visitor economy.
“For our community, it provides a new place to connect with nature and with each other. For visitors, it adds another distinctive experience to our tourism offering,” Mayor Webb said.
“When visitors stay a little longer, enjoy a meal or coffee, shop locally or explore another attraction, that activity helps support local businesses and contributes to the strength of our regional economy.”
Access to the Tamworth Skywalk is free, and it is now open for the community and visitors to experience.
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