MacKenzie Falls Gorge Trail - 9a Biennal 2016

Steve Schutt

From natural disaster an opportunity arose for a new trail at MacKenzie Falls in the Grampians National Park.
Key principles of the brief were:
provide a feasible, sustainable design which prioritises visitor experience, and
protect and interpret the precinct’s natural values.
Hansen worked diligently to gain an appreciation of the natural setting. The remoteness of the site was a significant constraint. Quality aerial photography and survey information was unavailable, so gathering information on site was crucial, requiring innovative solutions.
Detailing required an adaptive approach. Alignment options were tested via ‘ground truthing’.
The pristine beauty of the site inspired the design. To minimise impacts on the environment, sustainable principles were followed. Stone was sourced on site, and steel from local suppliers.
The new trail appears intrinsic with its surroundings. Artificial elements are only used where natural elements could not be used. The steel has rusted over time to take on the colours of the landscape. The new trail significantly enhances the precinct’s identity within the Grampians region. Our sensitive design approach resulted in the delivery of a sound framework for the ongoing management of the area, balancing increased visitor traffic with conservation and preservation requirements of Parks Victoria. The final design provides a new trail alignment with an emphasis on natural features and identifies a more intimate, inspired route for visitors.

Autors

Steve Schutt

Hansen Partnership