Public access through Cathedral Cove arch closed

Date:  03 May 2010

Public access through Cathedral Cove’s iconic archway is to be closed following recommendations in a draft report provided to the Department of Conservation (DOC) by specialist geotechnical engineers.

An independent report was commissioned by the Department following a rock fall event from the ceiling of the archway late last year. The purpose of the report was to evaluate future risks associated with rock fall and to identify possible ways of managing this risk. 

New signs warning people about the risk of rock falls in the arch are being put up this week at a number of locations in the reserve and in the car park at the start of the walkway down to the cove. Staff will also be installing barriers to prevent public access through the arch.

‘We are asking visitors to obey the signs and not attempt to walk through the archway’ says Peter Carter, DOC’s Visitor Assets Manager. ‘Following the rock fall in October last year, there is a real risk of further rock falling’. Access will remain closed while the department reviews the remedial actions proposed in the report.

Visitor access to the main beach, Stingray Bay, Gemstone Bay and the snorkel trail remain open.

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