Visitor Living management Systemsplan for the Triplet Falls project area of the Otway Ranges
May 2004 Front cover image: Triplet Falls, Otway Ranges
The Draft Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges was prepared by:
The final plan was finalised by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment, to incorporate issues associated with a major incident of site vandalism in Sept 2003 and the release of the Draft Proposals Paper by the Victorian Assessment Council on the Angahook-Otway Investigation in May 2004.
May 2004
ISBN 1 74152 098 3
Disclaimer:
The publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...... 3
1. INTRODUCTION ...... 4
1.1 Background ...... 4
1.2 Aim and objectives of this Plan...... 5
1.3 The Study Area ...... 5
1.4 The Process...... 7
2. EXISTING SITUATION...... 8
2.1 Regional positioning and marketing ...... 8
2.2 The existing environment at Triplet Falls...... 12
2.3 The existing visitor experience at Triplet Falls ...... 13
2.4 Supporting infrastructure and services at Triplet Falls...... 14
2.5 Existing visitation and visitor profile at Triplet Falls...... 15
2.6 Existing visitor management at Triplet Falls ...... 17
2.7 Recent visitor management planning and assessment...... 18
3. VISITOR MANAGEMENT ISSUES ...... 19
3.1 Introduction to issues...... 19
3.2 Disfunctional descent to Triplet Falls...... 19
3.3 Increased intensity of use ...... 20
3.4 Ongoing expectations for development...... 25
3.5 Limited site capacity for upgrading ...... 26
3.6 Uncertainty about future visitation to the Otway Fly ...... 27
3.7 Distance between sites ...... 27 ______1 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
3.8 Ongoing impact of site vandalism ...... 278
3.9 Summary of key issues ...... 300
4. VISITOR MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES...... 300
4.1 Core experience for Triplet Falls...... 300
4.2 Target visitation...... 311
4.3 Target markets...... 311
5. ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES...... 333
5.1 Adaptive management system ...... 333
5.2 Road access and parking...... 355
5.3 Track system ...... 377
5.4 Interpretation...... 40
5.5 Toilets...... 411
5.6 Marketing and further product development ...... 422
5.7 The Future...... 433
5.8 Further development scenario...... 444
6. REFERENCES ...... 466
Appendix A – Analysis of similar short forest and waterfall walks in the local area ...... 477
Appendix B – Raw data used to generate visitor forecasts ...... 57
Appendix C – Analysis of new walking tracks proposed...... 5959
Appendix D - Visitor management options for Triplet Falls ...... 600
Appendix E - Preliminary Design Layout Plan for Triplet Falls...... 62
______2 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Executive summary
Triplet Falls is one of the Otway's many short walks on public land through tall forest to a waterfall surrounded by cool temperate rainforest. However, Triplet Falls stands out from these other walks because it offers:
An arrival experience based on driving to the abutment of two of the symbolic environments of the Otways – pasture and tall forest; and
a progressive immersion onto a waterfall environment, moving from a steep valley dominated by tall eucalypt trees, past a series of cascades, waterfalls and chutes, and out via cool temperate rainforest and an abandoned sawmill.
Triplet Falls has the greatest strengths to provide the most memorable short to medium waterfall walk in the Otways. The popularity of the adjacent canopy walk known as the Otway Fly, is likely to result in triple the annual visitation that was recorded at Triplet Falls prior to the vandalism at the site1 within three years to 180,000 visits. More significantly, the Otway Fly is likely to increase the intensity of use of Triplet Falls to a point where all available parking is taken up at peak times within three years and the spacing between walking groups shrinks from 15m to 5m apart. While the Otway Fly will bring great benefits to the local area, it is likely to increase crowding and visitor impacts upon the sensitive rainforest environment at Triplet Falls.
This Plan recommends a course of action for managing increased visitor pressure at the Triplet Falls site as a consequence of the Otway Fly development and the increasing emphasis on the Otway Ranges as a tourist destination. Implementation of the recommended actions will also ameliorate the landscape effects of the vandalism on the visitor experience.
This Plan recommends taking a regional approach in channelling visitors to the most appropriate short walk experiences that suit the varied markets. This plan is based on the assumption and vision that the Triplet Falls experience will be positioned among the other short walks as the premier waterfall experience within the Great Ocean Road hinterland.
To achieve this vision for Triplet Falls, this plan recommends constructing a new track descent to Triplet Falls that would spread groups out and avoid crowding, and greatly improve the waterfalls experience with new boardwalks and viewing platforms of cascades, chutes and the waterfall environment. Creative interpretation signs about the lost world setting of waterfalls would further evoke a sense of mystery and wonder. As the intensity of use grows, the Plan then recommends avoiding further development of the Triplet Falls access road or parking facilities, and instead progressively transferring the facilities to the Otway Fly or a new previously cleared site known as VicTree. A new track from VicTree to Triplet Falls could provide a longer walk that helps set the scene for the amazing waterfall experience below, and help keep visitors in the region longer.
Implementing the Plan’s recommendations will result in re-positioning Triplet Falls as the premier waterfall experience within the Great Ocean Road hinterland, and should provide a distinct and complementary walk to the Otway Fly. If the visitor monitoring and marketing recommendations are implemented along with the infrastructure recommendations, this Plan will reduce the potential for crowding and visitor impact, significantly increase the quality of the visitor experience, and increase tourism activity in the local area.
1 On March 19 2003 approximately 73 trees along the walking track at Triplet Falls were maliciously damaged using a chainsaw to make cuts into the tree trunks. The site was closed to the public for several months while the trees were removed and the site was made safe for visitors.
______3 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
1. Introduction
1.1 Background
Triplet Falls was first developed in the early 1970s and has long been recognised as a valuable recreation and tourism destination on public land within the Otway hinterland. Significant upgrades were undertaken in 1995 when the Triplet Falls Heritage Trail was developed and boardwalks, handrails, toilets and picnic facilities were established along with a substantial viewing platform. Visitor numbers were progressively increasing and prior to the site's closure in March 2003, were approaching around 60,000 visits per year.
In March 2003, a malicious act of vandalism occurred at the site. Chainsaw cuts of varying depth were made to approximately 73 trees along the Triplet Falls short loop track. The majority of trees damaged were Mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans), with the others consisting of Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon). These trees have subsequently been removed and the site reopened.
Prior to the vandalism attack, it was recognised that the Triplet Falls site would require further infrastructure development as a result of flow on visitation generated from the Otway fly complex.
The Otway Fly development is a canopy walk on a private land site in Weeaproinah, north of Phillips Track. It consists of a 600 metre long and 20 - 30 metre high canopy walk, with a spiral tower 45 metres from the forest floor and a cantilever section over Youngs Creek. The precinct also includes a visitor centre, café and associated service infrastructure.
The Otway Fly was officially opened to the public on 24th October 2003 and by April 2004 it had attracted its 100,000th visitor. Otway Fly Pty Ltd have stated that they anticipate 500,000 visitors by year five of their operation.
Triplet Falls is less than 3.5 kilometres along Phillips Track from the Otway Fly site. Flow on visitation from the Otway Fly to Triplet Falls and surrounding areas needs to be planned for to optimise potential benefits and to avoid diminishing the visitor experience and generating unacceptable environmental, social and economic impacts. These needs resulted in the decision to prepare a visitor management plan for the Triplet Falls area of the Otway Ranges.
Other initiatives are also likely to increase the focus on the Triplet Falls area and result in increased visitation. In late 2002, the State Government's Forest and National Parks Policy Statement committed $14 million over four years to fund the voluntary reduction of sawlog licences in the native forests of the Otways and investment in public land nature based tourism in the Hinterland. To guide the allocation of the nature-based tourism funding, DSE commissioned a Tourism Plan for Public Land in the Otway Hinterland. This draft plan highlights the Triplet Falls/ Otway Fly area as a key destination in the hinterland.
In February 2003 the State Government requested the Victorian Environment Assessment Council (VEAC) to undertake the Angahook-Otway Investigation, to determine the boundaries of a single national park in the Otway Ranges between Anglesea and Lorne and the boundaries of any other conservation reserves. Whilst the land status of Triplet Falls is currently State forest, the VEAC draft proposals released in May 2003, recommend that Triplet Falls become part of the proposed Otway Ranges National Park.
______4 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
1.2 Aim and objectives of this Plan
This Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls area of the Otway aims to identify and address how the environmental and social issues arising from a projected increase in visitation can be managed. The Plan focuses on issues related to access, and visitor facilities such as infrastructure and on-site interpretation, as well as desirable physical and infrastructure linkages with the Otway Fly proposal.
The objectives of the Plan are to identify options for visitor management and infrastructure development in the Triplet Falls area that:
enhance the visitor experience at Triplet Falls;
identify and provide options to resolve any crowding or safety issues;
minimise environmental and cultural impacts;
demonstrate best practice techniques in the provision of visitor infrastructure;
have regard to the Otway Fly canopy walk development;
minimise any on-going operating costs associated with visitor management including facility maintenance, staff presence and increased site and visitor monitoring;
provide opportunities for interpretation about the natural environment;
consider the potential for cost-recovery;
are feasible based on preliminary geotechnical data.
1.3 The study area
The study area covers the:
Otways region, to establish a regional context based on similar short walks (for this plan, short walks are less than one hour, through forest to waterfalls) within two hours drive of Triplet Falls, as shown in Figure 1.1;
local area surrounding Triplet Falls, to investigate the opportunities and constraints of connecting access routes (particularly Phillips Track, the northern section of Youngs Creek Road and the eastern section of Browntown Track) and neighbouring sites (particularly the Otway Fly and VicTree sites, and Little Aire Falls), as shown in Figure 1.2; and
site specific elements of the Triplet Falls site, to analyse and plan for access, parking, walks and supporting infrastructure and services.
______5 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Figure 1.1 Regional study area for this Plan
Otway waterfalls and rainforest short walks included in regional assessment: 2. Marriners Falls 4. Mait’s Rest 6. Melba Gully 7. Triplet Falls 8. Beauchamp Falls 9. Hopetoun Falls 10. Stevenson Falls 12. Carisbrook Falls
Not numbered: Little Aire Falls (between 7 & 9) Sabine Falls (north of Tanybryn) Otway Fly (north of 7)
Note: Sabine Falls, Little Aire Falls, Stevenson Falls (10) and Otway Fly were included in the regional assessment but were not visited during the site assessments for this Plan.
______6 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Figure 1.2 Local study area for this Plan
1.4 The process
DSE commissioned a draft visitor management plan for Triplet Falls in October 2002. This was prepared by Missing Link Tourism Consultants. Following release of the draft plan in January 2003, a series of presentations was made by DSE to regional community and industry groups to obtain feedback on the draft plan. In addition, ten written submissions were received.
Between March 2003 and May 2004, further consultation occurred to determine an appropriate response and rehabilitation plan in relation to the vandalism at the site. In addition, consideration was given to issues raised with the completion of the Draft Tourism Plan for Public Land in the Otway Hinterland and the release of the VEAC Draft Proposals Paper. Finalisation of this plan by DSE occurred in May 2004.
______7 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
2. Existing situation
2.1 Regional positioning and marketing
Regional positioning
The Otway region provides an unusually large number of short 1-2 hour walks into tall forest, rainforest or waterfalls. For example, within a 25km radius of Triplet Falls there are approximately 10 waterfall-rainforest based short walks, and approximately 20 within the region. Each site can create duplication, competition or complementary experiences, depending on how it is developed and marketed. By identifying what makes each site a distinctive experience (known as its point of difference) it is possible to understand the regional position that Triplet Falls has, then the position that it could or should have in the future.
Some eight sites within the local area were visited to assess their: arrival experience; setting; features; walking trail, interpretation and key point of difference. The results of this assessment can be found in Appendix A.
Table 2.1 proposes the respective point of difference for the key hinterland sites. Two sites stand out strongly as having a rich mix of strong points of difference - Melba Gully and Triplet Falls. What positions Triplet Falls differently to all of the other sites assessed are:
the superior arrival experience, most representative of the Otways and most able to build anticipation;
several waterfall features within the one site;
cultural heritage relics with interpretation that adds mystique; and
a moderate degree of walking difficulty that provides a manageable challenge (for a short walk).
Figure 2.1 suggests that at present the collection of sites can be positioned in one of the three clusters:
easy grade and high wow-factor;
easy to medium grade and medium wow-factor; and
hard grade with a medium to high wow-factor.
Triplet Falls stands out in this cluster positioning, as it does not have an obvious fit and therefore provides a greater potential for attracting growth.
______8 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Figure 2.1 Clusters of waterfall and rainforest short walks in the Otway region
Wow- Factor Triplet Falls ?
High Triplet Falls
Otway Fly Hopetoun Falls Hopetoun Viewing Platform Carisbrook Falls Melba Gully Beauchamp Falls
Little Aire Falls Medium Stevenson Falls Sabine Falls Marriners Falls
Mait’s Rest
Low
Easy Medium Hard Grade
Table 2.1 Assessment of 11 similar attractions (forest walks of approx one hour) found within the local area
Local sites Length and degree of Key point of difference of the site, experience or facilities difficulty
Triplet Falls 20 minutes - 450m The arrival experience features picturesque pasture land and tall healthy 40 minutes - 900 m forest that represents the essence of the region and builds expectation along 60,000 visitors p.a the drive Moderate due to steep steps Combination of several waterfall features, including the triple-divided Triplet Falls, several cascades downstream and a chute upstream Remains of a former sawmill site and associated trestle railway add interest Loop track Little Aire Falls 90 minutes from Triplet Wilderness experience due to limited access and no infrastructure Falls 20 visitors p.a. (estimate) Difficult due to rough terrain and no track Otway Fly 50 minutes (2.5 km) Ground walk builds expectation to raised boardwalk (Projected) Easy walk to and along 600m raised steel structure through tree canopy with additional tower and 500,000 visitors canopy walk structure cantilever for interest p.a in Year 5 Steep return to visitor Infrastructure will provide partial access for those using wheelchairs centre End view over tree fern gully and Youngs Creek Experience different to others in the region and the State Hopetoun Falls 30 minutes Viewing platform at the start of the walk provides views of the Falls from above and is wheelchair accessible 30,000 visitors Difficult due to p.a. (estimate) steepness Classic horseshoe shaped rocky amphitheatre with a 30 metre drop
______9 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Beauchamps 1 hour (1.5kms) Walk follows the Deppeler Creek downstream then to the base of the Falls Falls Difficult due to steep Classical cool temperate rainforest with little ground-based understorey 35,000 visitors decline to falls p.a. (estimate) Stevensons Falls 1hour Rustic recreational experience including a camping ground Easy due to flat track Wide waterfall face, viewed from the base Temporarily closed Sabine Falls 2 hours Rugged recreational experience 2,000 visitors p.a. Moderate due to (estimate) distance Melba Gully 30 minutes Ancient looking rainforest creates a mystical atmosphere 80,000 visitors Highly varied grade from Very large messmate tree provides a major photo opportunity p.a. (estimate) easy to difficult Glow worms provide a reason for visiting at night Fully developed picnic and BBQ area includes access for the disabled Maits Rest 30 minutes Highly accessible to the large touring market because of its location being within the heartland of the Otway forests yet directly off the Great Ocean Road 165,000 visitors Easy due to flat wide p.a. (estimate) track Ease of access along well formed and flat tracks and duckboard sections Marriners Falls 45 minutes (3 km) Progressive arrival experience up the Barham Valley (from sea level to the foot of the Falls) builds anticipation 15,000 visitors Easy due to flat wide p.a. (estimate) track (except creek Easy flat walk crossings) Novel use of large flat boulders to cross Barham River five times Carisbrook Falls 15 minutes (600m) One of the largest falls (cascades) in the region (40m) viewed from a high point across the valley 50,000 visitors Moderate due to steep p.a. (estimate) track Impressive ocean views on return walk
Regional marketing
Ten of the most common tourism marketing publications were collected from three regional Visitor Information Centres located in Colac, Apollo Bay and Geelong. These were analysed for their coverage of short walks to waterfalls in the Otway region. Table 2.2 identifies the number of times that the various waterfall walks are promoted in the marketing material. The analysis confirmed that Triplet Falls:
is promoted widely as a superior waterfall short walk experience in the Otways region;
is consistently described as the most beautiful waterfall within the Otways; and
is described as a walking experience more often than any other waterfall or short walk.
It was previously promoted as a key stopping point on the Otways Rainforest and Waterfalls touring route.
Some of the other main findings from the analysis of the regional marketing materials include:
Hopetoun Falls are the most often identified waterfalls in the marketing materials (just ahead of Triplet Falls) and are represented with the most number of photos and mentions compared to any other waterfall in the Otways;
Mait's Rest, Beauchamp Falls, Melba Gully and Marriners Falls receive the next most coverage (after Hopetoun and Triplet Falls) followed by Stevensons Falls and Carrisbrook Falls;
Melba Gully, Beauchamp, Carisbrook and Little Aire Falls are not represented through photos in any of the marketing materials;
______10 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
none of the marketing material regionally positions each waterfall walk in context with each other, resulting in them all sounding similar, and making it difficult for visitors to match the experience to their needs; and
the marketing material uses an overly simplistic grade of difficulty that is driven by time rather than a mix of elements such as grade, surface and number of steps.
Table 2.2 Analysis of regional marketing materials for coverage of short walks featuring waterfalls
Marketing materials Falls Falls Falls Falls Falls Falls Little Aire Hopetoun Marriner's Mait's Rest Carisbrook Triplet Falls Stevensons Melba Gully Beauchamp
Tourism Victoria Great Ocean DD, PDD D Road Brochure
Tourism Victoria Great Ocean MM, PMMPMM Road brochure (Geelong/12A)
Otways Tourism MapM, D, PMMMMMM, PM, PM
Great Southern Touring Map P P M M
Get into the Otways country D, P D, P D D M M M brochure
Waterfalls & Short walks D DDDDDDD leaflet
Otways National Park Vistor MM D Guide
Melba State Park Visitor MMMD Guide
Triplet Falls brochure D, P M M M M
Shipwreck Coast Tourism MMMMMM Map
Off-Peak Packages leaflet P
Total M = mentions 516525542
Total D = walk descriptions 5 - 3332221
Total P = Photographs 3 - 5 - 1 - 2 1 -
Total M+D+P 13 1 14 867973
Key: M = mentioned, either identified on a map or referred to by name only as another walk in the area D = described, as a walking experience including features and points of difference P = photograph
The brochure produced by DSE specifically on the Triplet Falls Heritage Trail is widely distributed through the Visitor Information Centres and other local attractions, and recent visitor research by DSE suggests that it is being used by at least 19% of Triplet Falls visitors (see Section 2.5).
______11 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
2.2 The existing environment at Triplet Falls
Landscape
Triplet Falls is located approximately 3km down Phillips Track from the State forest/private property boundary. The altitude of the Triplet Falls site varies from 335m at the existing car park down to 300m at the lowest part of the walk to Triplet Falls. The area is an old landscape, and consists of well formed drainage lines. The terrain is deeply dissected, resulting in rugged terrain that forms a steep gorge. The area is prone to land slips, particularly on steep slopes with frequently saturated clay subsoils. Sheet erosion, the removal of surface layers of soil by water, is also common due to the area's high rainfall and moderate permeability. Boreholes drilled at the site encountered relatively uniform sub- surface conditions consistent with the reported geology (Black Geotechnical Pty Ltd 2002). The sub-surface is characterised by a shallow stratum of medium plasticity clay to depths of 0.45 to 3m depth (average of 1m depth) over medium dense to sandy silt / silty sand. The silt / sand stratum is an in-situ weathering product of the underlying sedimentary rock, which is exposed at the base of Triplet Falls.
Catchment and Falls
Triplet Falls is formed by Youngs Creek, which has a total catchment area of approximately 9km2. The Otway region receives high rainfall of approximately 2,000mm per annum. Triplet Falls is approximately 20m high and 25m wide. Like most Australian rivers, Youngs Creek has highly variable flows, carrying the most flow in winter and spring, and the least in summer. The significant width provides opportunities for rainforest to colonise in the low flow areas, which adds to the scenic value of the Falls. Below Triplet Falls are two sets of cascades. Though these cascades are not high or wide, they are set in a narrower and steeper part of the valley clad in rainforest and tall mountain ash and tree ferns. This setting provides a closed and more luxuriant environment than the main falls.
Vegetation
Immediately adjacent to Youngs Creek (50m either side) is old aged tall forest and remnant cool temperate rainforest. Beyond the rainforest is tall mixed forest. The tall mixed forest was last logged in 1932 and there are remains of the historic sawmill from this era. The dominant mountain ash trees are of varying size and age, and the sub-dominant myrtle beech trees have a dense understorey of soft treeferns. Myrtle wilt is present in some trees and there are signs of track-side trampling and compaction, particularly between the walking track and Youngs Creek.
Wildlife
The Otways State Forest is home to a number of significant species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and freshwater fish. Significant mammals include the tiger quoll, smoky mouse and southern brown bandicoot. Significant bird species include the beautiful firetail, large forest owl, powerful owl, and yellow bellied glider. Reptiles found in the area include several species of snake, particularly the tiger snake. Freshwater fish found in Young's Creek include the brook trout, and the creek is also home to platypus. Invertebrates found in the area include the Otway black snail, which is a vulnerable species known to be found at Triplet Falls.
Cultural heritage
The cultural environment compromises indigenous and non-indigenous values. There is very limited information about indigenous values and sites, and there are no studies that specifically investigated Triplet Falls. However, the Otways Region Archaeological Study (1990) revealed that:
______12 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
the Otways Region in the vicinity of Triplet Falls contains land associated with the Gadabanud tribe;
the Otway Ranges contain seven sites (all located on ridges) made up of five artefact scatters and two isolated artefacts; and
more artefact scatters and isolated artefacts are likely to be found on ridge lines and gently sloping areas leading down spurs from ridges.
There is no record of any land rights claims for the Triplet Falls area. Native Title notification is required for any proposal on crown land, where native title may be extinguished by significant development.
The most evident form of cultural heritage across the sites is that associated with former logging activity in the early 1900’s. The area contains former logging tracks (demonstrated by cuttings of 0.5m to 1m high) and stumps with board holes (demonstrating early approaches to tree falling). Triplet Falls contains a rich collection of forestry heritage, associated with the former Knotts No 1 Mill and narrow gauge railway (Beech Forest-Crowes Railway).
2.3 The existing visitor experience at Triplet Falls
Waterfalls are considered one of the most alluring and popular natural attractions in the world. People seek out waterfall experiences to feel peace and reinvigoration. Three critical elements meet this need and thus shape the visitor experience at Triplet Falls:
an arrival experience that progressively descends into a natural world and transforms visitors into a more relaxed and receptive state;
immersion into a 'lost world' of waterfalls and rainforest; and
the opportunity to quickly escape or prolong the immersion and peace.
The arrival experience
The arrival experience is almost as important as seeing Triplet Falls, and without it, much of the falls experience would be less intimate. The arrival experience begins with the freedom of country driving along narrow meandering roads that pass through green pastures. Upon entering State forest, visitors move onto an unsealed winding road that is forested to its edge by huge trees and luxuriant rainforest understorey. The final stretch of road to the carpark remains relatively natural and undeveloped.
The three elements that stage the arrival experience are equally important, but an alternative approach through a similar set of environments could still provide a similar benefit. For example, the forested road approach could be exchanged with a forested walk, but the natural and uncrowded parking area could not be exchanged with a sealed, larger version.
Immersion into a lost world
Coming into close contact with the waterfall and its environment is the most important part of the experience. The walk to the falls is quick and uneventful, but anticipation does build in the final 50m with the steep drop in the landscape and the sound of the waterfall. The view of Triplet Falls is grand yet intimate, with the viewing platform sufficiently understated not to compete with the view. Of equal value to the falls is the steep valley clad in cool temperate rainforest. This setting
______13 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004 provides a kind of lost world that is at the idyllic heart of any waterfall experience. Critical to this experience is the opportunity to find a moment of peace to soak up the tranquillity and reflect.
The choice for more or to escape
The third part of the experience, following tranquillity and reflection, is choice. The choice is for a quick return to the carpark or a longer walk back via the Heritage Trail. The value of the choice is to give visitors a sense of discovery straight after their peaceful and relaxing time by the falls. The shorter walk offers visitors with limited time to quickly return to their cars. The longer walk offers the chance to prolong the positive feelings generated at the falls by continuing to pass through rainforest, with the added dimension of the decaying historic relics. The longer walk perpetuates the benefits established by the time spent at the waterfall.
Despite these three strong elements, the overall experience is weakened in its early stage by the walk to the falls. The walk down to the falls lacks features and creative track design needed to continue the anticipatory progression of the arrival experience through to Triplet Falls. As a result, there is a 'flat spot' in the experience, and there is a missed opportunity for visitors to gain a more powerful impact from viewing Triplet Falls.
2.4 Supporting infrastructure and services at Triplet Falls
Roads and carparks
Triplet Falls can be accessed by vehicle from Colac in the north (40 minutes drive) or from Apollo Bay in the south (45 minutes drive via Lavers Hill or Beech Forest). Road access is via a sealed system, but the final 3km of Phillips Track to the Triplet Falls carpark is narrow, winding and unsealed.
The existing carpark, picnic area and toilets are located on the crown of a hill. The existing 100m2 gravel carpark has a capacity for approximately 25 vehicles. The carpark provides informal access for coaches, but quickly becomes dysfunctional with any more than 10-15 parked cars. If the carpark was full, the approach side of Phillips Track back to Browntown Track could informally park an additional 15 cars.
Picnic area and toilet facilities
At the head of the carpark is a small picnic area for up to 20 people, made up of five timber picnic tables that each seat 5-6 persons. A toilet facility is made up of two composting toilets and wash basin, with a limited water supply from a weir located on a tributary some distance upstream of Triplet Falls. The composting toilet is not operating efficiently because of low temperatures and the nature and intensity of use. The two storage containers are emptied every six months or so.
Walking tracks
There are two interconnected walks at Triplet Falls – the Falls Track and The Heritage Trail. The Falls Track is a steep, stepped track, surfaced with brown scoria. The walking track alignment follows an old logging track that allows people to get to Triplet Falls and back very quickly. The Falls Track is approximately 450m long and takes 20 minutes return. The mid-point and highlight of the walk is a timber viewing platform that provides expansive views of Triplet Falls, and is capable of holding approximately 15 people. The design of the existing platform creates congestion at its end point, if more than two groups are on it at any one time. It also creates a feeling that when a second group arrives it is time for the first group to move on. The Falls Track then ascends alongside the falls to their summit, via two smaller viewing platforms. Above the top of the Falls is a chute where water is channelled into a tight geological formation before rushing
______14 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004 over the Falls. After the chute, visitors briefly pass alongside Youngs Creek through an attractive grove of tree ferns that show signs of having been trampled and heavily compacted. At this point visitors can elect to quickly return back to the carpark or continue along the Heritage Walk.
The Heritage Walk extends off the falls walk through Blackwood forest and the former sawmill site. The combination of the Falls Walk and Heritage Walk is approximately 900m long and takes 40 minutes return. A series of boardwalk sections provide a flatter and smoother walk back than the steep and shorter Falls Track. The Heritage relics of the former sawmill site include a boiler, wooden rail track with small timber carrying carriages, and a huge sawdust mound that demonstrates the scale of the operation.
Interpretation at Triplet Falls is based on a single introductory sign at the carpark, giving times and distances for walk options and a background to the area. Half way along the descent to the viewing platform, a small sign interprets the forest type. The Heritage Trail features several signs that present and interpret remnants of the forestry-based cultural heritage associated with the former Knotts No 1 Mill and narrow gauge railway (Beech Forest-Crowes Railway).
2.5 Existing visitation and visitor profile at Triplet Falls
Visitation
Anecdotal evidence from local DSE staff suggests that prior to the site's closure there were 60,000 visitors to Triplet Falls per annum, with no coaches have been reported using Phillips Track to access Triplet Falls. A vehicle counter was installed in 2002 to verify this estimate, and the first few months of data confirmed that it was likely to be a valid estimate. Anecdotal evidence from local DSE staff also suggests that this figure was slowly increasing by up to 5% per annum.
Between August and November 2002, DSE surveyed over 120 visitors to Triplet Falls, and spent 14 days observing visitation and visitor activity. This is the only visitor research undertaken at Triplet Falls and it informs the visitation and visitor profile information in the following sections. While DSE recognises the limitations of a sample of this size, the data is nevertheless useful in providing an indication of use and perceptions.
Observations suggest that Triplet Falls receives a steady but small to modest flow of visitors, rather than short intense periods. For most of the year, visitation is spread between 11am and 4pm, though during summer this increases to 10am to 7pm. Table 2.2 estimates the typical maximum number of cars and visitors during peak periods of use. Table 2.2 indicates that the intensity of use (maximum number of visitors at any one time) is relatively low, and that there is no crowding issues within the arrival carpark area. Table 2.2 also estimates the typical distance between walking groups during current intense periods of use. Visitor management research literature indicates that the ideal minimum distance between groups on a short walk is 15m, with the larger spacing generating a lower sense of crowding and higher quality experience. (Lee 1977, Stankey 1971; Roggenbuck and Joseph 1987; Hall and McArthur 1998). Table 2.2 indicates that even during peak periods, there is no crowding issue along the walking track network.
Frequency of visits
By far the majority of visitors to Triplet Falls are visiting for the first time (88%). The small proportion of returning visitors have visited more than twice and are predominantly from the local area.
______15 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Table 2.2 Current peak visitation characteristics at Triplet Falls
Visitation characteristics Estimate
Peak daily visitors (during school holiday summer period) 181 Typical maximum number of cars parked at Triplet Falls at any one time 15 Typical maximum number of visitors on site at any one time 41 Typical distance between groups walking the short Falls loop during 30m peak periods Typical distance between groups walking the longer Falls-Heritage loop 60m during peak periods
Origin
Table 2.3 presents the origin of visitors to Triplet Falls and shows that the majority of visitors come from Melbourne and interstate (62.5%) and that there are more international than local visitors. Table 2.3 also shows that school holiday periods generate an increase in the proportion of visitors coming from Melbourne and country Victoria, and a decrease in the proportion of visitors from all other origins.
Table 2.3 Origin of visitors to Triplet Falls during school holidays and the remainder of the year
Origin Most of year During school holidays
Colac / Otway Shire 10.5% 8%
Country Victoria 8% 19%
Melbourne 23% 42%
Interstate 39.5% 23%
International 19% 8%
Demographics
The group size visiting Triplet Falls is relatively small. Half of all groups visiting Triplet Falls are two people, 34% represent groups of 3 to 5 people and just 7% represent groups larger than 7 people. Table 2.4 presents the group structure of visitors to Triplet Falls. Table 2.4 shows that most groups visiting Triplet Falls do not have children (85%), and even during the school holidays only one third of groups contained children (31.5%). The majority of visitors to Triplet Falls (63.5%) are aged between 18 to 44, and only 20% are aged over 55 years. Slightly more males visit Triplet Falls than females (59% versus 41% respectively).
Table 2.4 Group structure of visitors to Triplet Falls during school holidays and the remainder of the year
Group structure Most of year During school holidays
Young single, no children 10.4% 9.5% Young couple, no children 31.3% 20.5% Middle aged couple, no children 23% 8% Older aged couple, no children 16.6% 23% Parents with children 14.6% 31.5%
______16 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Information sources
The most influential source of information that results in people visiting Triplet Falls are regional Visitor Information Centres (26% of visitors). Supporting methods were the Triplet Falls brochure (19%) and recommendations from friends and relatives (13%). Escorted visits are not significant (6%), but local maps and signage is relatively significant (18%).
General perceptions of changes to Triplet Falls
Approximately half of the current visitors (54%) do not want to see any site changes to Triplet Falls, even if the site becomes crowded and receives ongoing cumulative visitor impacts. The existing visitors wanting no change are largely young couples with no children, driven by the desire for quick independent access to and from Triplet Falls. The desire for no site change is particularly entrenched with the arrival area and any removing of forest for the establishment of further formalised car parks.
If crowding became more prevalent and DSE felt compelled to change visitor management:
Most existing visitors (63%) would support road closure (rather than car park construction at Triplet Falls), and most of these people would prefer walking into the site than taking a shuttle. Support for road closure was evenly distributed among groups with and without children. However, if Phillips Track was closed and a form of transport access was provided 62% of existing visitors would be prepared to pay for the service.
Most (81%) of existing visitors would support some form of upgrading of the walking track to enhance the experience and minimise ongoing visitor impacts. Support for track upgrading was evenly distributed among groups with and without children. The most popular form of track upgrade (48%) was for a new route with major boardwalk sections that pass the lower cascades and connect to the existing falls lookout.
Further interpretation of this research is provided in Section 4.
Tour operator use
An analysis of the tour operator permit system administered by Parks Victoria identified 13 tourism operators with current permits to access the Otways State Forest. However, only one tourism operator has been identified to have accessed the Otways State Forest during the 2001-2002 permit period (Scenic Tours) and the level is recorded as very low (91 visitors) per annum. There may be additional activity for which no use data has been submitted.
2.6 Existing visitor management at Triplet Falls
DSE rationale for servicing Triplet Falls
DSE provide a visitor experience at Triplet Falls to demonstrate that catchment conservation, recreation and tourism form a natural part of multiple use forest management. The interpretation of a historic logging operation helps to reinforce the integration of forestry with other land uses. Beyond this, DSE are prepared to further invest in Triplet Falls to contribute to the dispersal of tourism activity within the Great Ocean Road hinterland and to create economic benefits for hinterland communities. This is consistent with the Great Ocean Road Region Strategy (in prep.) and the Draft Tourism Plan for Public Land in the Otway Hinterland.
______17 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Ongoing maintenance
The current maintenance regime at Triplet Falls involves a weekly site maintenance visit by a DSE staff member on Fridays and also following long weekends, public holidays, school holidays (especially during summer). During the weekly visits the composting toilets are checked for cleanliness and functionality and the walking track is checked.
The composting toilets are currently operating near functional capacity, however on peak days the capacity is exceeded. The composting system operates on a slow composting cycle due to the low temperatures and lack of sunlight especially during winter. The eight composting bins are rotated and two bins are removed and emptied about every six months
Maintenance of the walking track usually occurs on an annual basis and particularly on the section between the car park and the Falls viewing platform due to the steepness of the track. Additional maintenance is occasionally required during the year to remove fallen trees and repair the track surface. Vandalism appears to be low, possibly due to the steady visitation to the site. The current boardwalks and infrastructure are anticipated to last another 5 – 7 years and would then require replacement.
The 3km unsealed section of Phillips Track to the Triplet Falls car park requires re-gravelling and grading every two to three years, which represents the largest cost item for Triplet Falls management at approximately $15,000.
The total annual budget spent on Triplet Falls maintenance and facilities range from $25,000 - $30,000 (including Forest Management Officer’s time and road works).
2.7 Recent visitor management planning and assessment
Triplet Falls has been the subject of several visitor management related planning and assessments that have been recognised in this plan. Table 2.5 presents the key findings from these documents.
Table 2.5 Key findings from recent visitor management planning at Triplet Falls
Planning initiative Key findings relevant to this plan
Examination of Victoria’s potential Develop an icon attraction and upgrade key sites within the Otway hinterland public land sites for a canopy walk (Connell Wagner 2001) Develop the Triplet Falls / Little Aire Falls area into a drawcard tourist destination, using a world class nature based experience that is presently unavailable in Victoria
Feasibility assessment for the Identified Triplet Falls as having the strongest ‘wow factor’ of any local natural attraction, establishment of a canopy walk that warrants a more elaborate waterfall walk (Missing Link Tourism Consultants 2002) Identified lack of space for significant parking expansion at Triplet Falls, and identified significant natural and social impacts associated with expansion.
Recommended shifting the infrastructure base out of the forest and into a nearby cleared area, and then progressively creating a network of trails from this base.
Triplet Falls proposed circuit walk Identified a means to expand the Triplet Falls walk by crossing Youngs Creek just below (Hughes and Schmid 2002) the follow on cascade, accessing a tall stand of myrtle beech, climbing up the opposite side of Youngs Creek and crossing back above Triplet Falls.
Identified an alternative section of the Heritage Trail that avoids the Mill site.
Triplet Falls proposed barrier free Identified an alternative route from the carpark to the existing Triplet Falls lookout that access track (Hughes and Schmid could be claimed barrier free (assisted wheelchair accessible), involving three 2002) switchbacks on a gradient of 3.4-4.5.
______18 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Table 2.5 continued
Planning initiative Key findings relevant to this plan
Little Aire Falls proposed walking Identified a one way walking track route from Triplet Falls carpark to a viewing platform track alignment (Hughes and overlooking Little Aire Falls, to a T2/T3 standard. Distance of just over 2km requires Schmid 2002) 1,250m of new track.
Regional walk connections for Construct walking track linkages from the Otway Fly to the VicTree site (within Triplet Falls (Otway Fly Pty Ltd pastureland) and to Triplet Falls (alongside Youngs Creek) 2002) Construct new walking tracks from VicTree to Triplet Falls, from VicTree to Little Aire Falls, and from Triplet Falls to Little Aire Falls
Draft Tourism Plan for Public Focus on delivering experiences which will meet the demands of target markets Land in the Otway Hinterland (Missing Link, 2003) Deliver quality of experience rather than quantity of visitor facilities
Increase business viability by providing more visitor spend points, encouraging people to stay longer, developing links with other businesses and offering under supplied experiences
Triplet Falls/ Otway Fly is a key node for the region, linking also with the Victree site and Little Aire Falls
Angahook-Otway Draft Proposals An Otway Ranges National Park covering 98,205 ha should be established linking the Paper (VEAC, 2004) existing Otway National Park and Angahook-Lorne, Carlisle and Melba Gully state parks and many state forest areas and smaller reserves. Triplet Falls would be part of this park.
3. Visitor management issues
3.1 Introduction to issues
Seven key issues have been identified for this Plan:
Dysfunctional descent to Triplet Falls;
Increased intensity of use;
Increased expectation to function as a nodal tourist attraction;
Limited site capacity for upgrading;
Unknown visitation to the Otway Fly;
Distance between Otway Fly / VicTree and Triplet Falls (leading to a two stop experience and a longer walk);
Ongoing impacts of site vandalism.
Each of these issues is further explained in the following sections.
3.2 Dysfunctional descent to Triplet Falls
One of the key points of difference for Triplet Falls is the collection of waterfall experiences within the one site. However, the current walking track only features the main waterfall, and under presents or misses entirely:
the two lower cascades, which are very attractive and provide a strong sense of anticipation in the build up to the main falls;
______19 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
the platform above the main falls, which provides an attractive view of the main falls and surrounding environment, but which is not designed to function as a feature stop; and
the chute, which is an unusual and photogenic attraction that deserves a platform to highlight it.
The second part of this issue relates to the rushed short and direct track descent from the carpark to the first view of Triplet Falls. This section of the track not only diminishes the considerable benefits created by the picturesque drive- based arrival experience (described in Section 2.3), it under-delivers the peak experience of the viewing platform. The result can be equated to a fine meal, where the:
hor d’oeurves are served (arrival experience);
the soup and entree is missed (two cascades);
the meal proceeds straight to main course (main falls);
the dessert is served on the table rather than on a plate (the chute); and
coffee and chocolates are offered but not always taken up due to limited time (Heritage Walk).
The underlying issue is that a key point of difference for the site is not being optimised, and that the significant investment in the existing track is being under realised.
3.3 Increased intensity of use
Current visitation is modest
Triplet Falls receives good coverage in available promotional materials. Most of the visitation is evenly dispersed and crowding is rare. Parking infrastructure has therefore remained low key, allowing the natural values of the site to remain the focus of the experience. Nonetheless, the Youngs Creek environment is particularly fragile, and visitors have, over time, trampled and compacted several areas, particularly the area just above Triplet Falls.
Additional visitation to Triplet Falls
As identified in Section 1.1, the Otway Fly has been developed near Triplet Falls and is already attracting significant visitation. In its planning stages its developers (Otway Fly Pty Ltd) projected annual visitation commencing at 300,000 and reaching to between 450,000 and 500,000 by Year 5. Between its opening in October 2003 and Easter 2004, the attraction received 100,000 visitors.
Achieving a first year visitation of 300,000 from a zero base may be overly optimistic. However it is reasonable to assume that given the proximity of Triplet Falls, the lack of other attractions in the immediate area, and the fact that it is a free attraction, between 20-30% of visitors to the Otway fly will visit Triplet Falls, in addition to the existing 60,000 visitors. This estimation assumes that there is some form of ongoing vehicle access to the Triplet Falls. It is also based on past experience where the addition of a new attraction creates renewed promotion of neighbouring attractions, as marketers seek to promote the area as sufficiently diverse to warrant a longer stay than just the one new attraction.
______20 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
The flow-on visitation will come from Otway fly visitors:
accessing promotional material about Triplet Falls;
seeing signs to Triplet Falls; or
hearing recommendations to visit Triplet Falls.
The estimation of a 30% flow-on effect is consistent with that generated by the Tahune Airwalk on other nearby walks in Tasmania (Graham Angel, Forestry Tasmania pers. comm. 2002). However because of the potential barriers to visitation created by a two stop experience a 20% scenario is also considered and an adaptive management approach as outlined in Section 5 is proposed.
Figure 3.1 presents the Otway Fly Pty Ltd forecast visitation to the Otway fly, and the Missing Link forecast visitation to Triplet Falls with 20% and 30% flow on from the Otway Fly. The forecast increase in visitation to Triplet Falls in Year 1 is more conservative than the Otway fly, in recognition of the start-up period and delay in creating demand, as well as the impact of site closure following the vandalism at Triplet Falls. Nonetheless, Figure 3.1 suggests that when the Otway fly is built and professionally operated and marketed, annual visitation to Triplet Falls will potentially triple within four years (to over 180,000 visits).
Figure 3.1 Annual visitation forecast for Triplet Falls relative to the Otway fly forecast based on 20% and 30% flow on (Otway fly forecast supplied by Otway Fly Pty Ltd in 2002 and revised to reflect opening date)
500000
450000
400000
350000
300000
250000 nnual visitation nnual
Annual visitation 200000 A
150000
100000
50000
0
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Year
Annual forecast to Otway Fly Annual forecast to Triplet Falls (based on 30% flow on from Otway Fly forecast) Annual forecast to Triplet Falls (based on 20% flow on from Otway Fly forecast).
Note: Visitation to Triplet Falls in 2003 drops significantly because the site was closed for most of the year 2003.
______21 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Increased visitation at any one time
Contemporary visitor management suggests that a more significant issue relating to increased visitation is the likely increase in the number of people visiting Triplet Falls at any one time (Stankey 1971; Roggenbuck and Joseph 1987; Hall and McArthur 1998). To gain a more specific understanding of this issue with respect to Triplet Falls, it is useful to examine one of the sites where a canopy walk was introduced. The Tahune Forest Reserve in Tasmania is similar to Triplet Falls in being located in tall forest with a water feature edged by cool temperate rainforest. Tahune is also like Triplet Falls in that it provided a semi-developed loop walk with interpretation, picnic and toilet facilities. Tahune is different to Triplet in that as part of the introduction of a canopy walk (Tahune Airwalk) came the full sealing of the road (road sealing to Triplet Falls is no longer part of the Government's intention). The introduction of the Tahune Airwalk changed the historically even flow of visitors to a visitation pattern characterised by:
more visitors on the site at any one time;
unpredictable peaks and troughs; and
shorter rest periods for the site between intense periods of use (Graham Angel, Forestry Tasmania pers. comm. 2002).
Otway Fly Pty Ltd have stated that they anticipate that 50% of daily visitors to the Otway fly are likely to visit the site between the hours of 11.00 am, and 2.00pm, with 25% before this time and 25% after. This pattern is a far more intense pattern of use to the existing situation at Triplet Falls.
A more intense use of Triplet Falls at any one time is likely to result in:
increased pressure on infrastructure (roads, parking, tracks and toilets);
increased potential for trampling and compaction off the edge of tracks and establishment of informal tracks to nearby attractive areas;
increased perception of crowding of the arrival experience; and
reduced ability for visitors to have their waterfall experience needs met (as described in Section 2.3).
Increased intensity of use at the Triplet Falls carpark
The two areas most sensitive to crowding and an increased intensity of use at Triplet Falls are the arrival area and the Triplet Falls viewing platform, because these two sites are central to the Triplet Falls experience. These sites are therefore the most useful at establishing the ideal maximum number of visitors on site at any one time. This Plan has chosen the current capacity of the existing carpark to form the ideal number of cars (25) or visitors (135) on site at any one time. The ideal number of cars is seen as a more sensitive and easily measured benchmark than the number of visitors. These benchmarks are presented in Figures 3.2 and 3.3.
Figure 3.2 forecasts the intensity of use of the Triplet Falls carpark arrival area, against a maximum carpark capacity of 25 vehicles (as described in Section 2.4). The forecast takes into account the opening date of the Otway and the closure of Triplet Falls for most of 2003. For full details of the raw data used in this forecast see Appendix B. The forecast does not include any flow on from the 8 coaches and 8 buses that the Otway fly will have the capacity to park, and which may be interested in visiting Triplet Falls.
______22 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Figure 3.2 Forecast maximum number of cars in the Triplet Falls car park at any one time vs. carpark capacity
100 90 80 70 60 50 40 Cars in carpark 30 20 10 0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Scenario 1 assumingYear 20% flow-on from Otway Fly Scenario 2 assuming 30 % flow-on from Otway Fly Physical capacity of carpark at Triplet Falls
Figure 3.2 suggests that scenarios 1 (20% flow on from the Otway fly) and scenario 2 (30% flow on from the Otway fly) would result in the Triplet Falls carpark arrival area being saturated during peak periods within the second year of the Otway fly operation commencing. The increase in intensity of use would severely diminish the current arrival experience, with cars dominating the final road approach and carpark, and with turning within the carpark challenging and potentially dangerous for pedestrians.
Figure 3.3 presents the ideal maximum number of visitors on the site at any one time against the maximum number of visitors expected during peak periods, under the same 20% and 30% flow on growth scenarios applied to the parking area. Figure 3.3 suggests that under the 20% flow on scenario, the site will operate within capacity for the next three years, but will then receive more than this ideal between years 2005 and 2007. If flow on growth of 30% occurs, the crossing of this ideal capacity will occur in the second year of the Otway fly operation, and will go significantly beyond it over the following few years.
Figure 3.3 Forecast maximum number of visitors at the Triplet Falls site at any one time vs. Ideal number of visitors
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Years
Maximum no. of visitors at any one time, senario 1 assuming 20% flow-on from Otway Fly Maximum no. of visitors at any one time, scenario 2 assuming 30 % flow-on from Otway Fly Ideal maximum no. of visitors at any one time
______23 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
The most sensitive indicator of crowding during peak periods will be the number of visitors on the short Triplet Falls loop walk and particularly the number on the main viewing platform overlooking Triplet Falls. Figure 3.4 contrasts the ideal maximum distance between walking groups of 15m with the forecast distance under the 20% and 30% flow on growth scenarios. Figure 3.4 suggests that both scenarios will result in the walking experience becoming crowded during peak periods, with groups being spaced 14m apart under the 20% scenario and just 9m under the 30% scenario in 2004, reducing to 7m and 5m respectively by year 2007. This densely spaced visitation would mean that groups would be continually within sight and earshot of each other, which would severely diminish the walking and viewing platform experience. The main viewing platform overlooking Triplet Falls would probably average 20 to 25 visitors at any one time, which would create an environment of continual movement and conversation - a private and quiet experience would not occur during these times. This problem will occur because the walk is too short to spread the peak loads apart from each other, particularly in the short descent to Triplet Falls.
Figure 3.4 Forecast minimum distance between groups of visitors on the short Triplets Falls loop walk (updated to reflect the delayed opening of the Otway fly and the closure of Triplet Falls for most of 2003)
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Years
Minimum distance between walking groups on the 450 m loop (meters) Scenario 1 Minimum distance between walking groups on the 450 m loop (meters) Scenario 2 Ideal minimum distance between walking groups
Underlying issue from increased intensity of use
The underlying visitor management issue stemming from a more intense use of the site, is how to change the site in a way that manages the intense periods, but avoids over-development, unacceptable environmental, visual and social impacts, and a diminished experience during quieter periods.
______24 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
3.4 Ongoing expectations for development
Change in visitor origin
Section 2.5 outlined the existing visitor profile at Triplet Falls. Like similar natural attractions that have had neighbouring sites significantly upgraded, the establishment of the Otway Fly is likely to attract more day visitors and bring a larger proportion of visitors from further afield to Triplet Falls. Figure 3.4 contrasts the current Triplet Falls visitor origins with a forecast distribution after five years. Figure 3.5 is based on the assumption that the already high proportion of visitors from Melbourne and interstate will grow and that the proportion from local areas and country Victoria will diminish. The proportion of visitors from international origins is likely to be higher than the proportion from local and country Victoria combined.
Figure 3.5 Current and forecast Triplet Falls visitor origins, after five years
60
50
40
30
20 Percentage % of total visitors of total % Percentage 10
0 Local visitors Victorian country Melbourne Interstate International
2002 current 2007 forecast V is ito r o rig in
Change in expectations
The change in visitor origin together with the repositioning of Triplet Falls as the premier waterfall experience within the Great Ocean Road Hinterland will bring a broadening of visitor expectations that will confront the site managers. Existing markets already have paradoxical expectations, such as the need for improved infrastructure with minimal change to the experience and minimal impact on the environment. As visitor expectations further diversify and increasingly conflict with each other, site-based solutions, such as infrastructure upgrading, will have less and less success. Indeed, continual upgrading will reduce the quality of experience for visitors currently coming for an experience with simple infrastructure.
A good example of this issue is upgrading for wheelchair access. The topography between the carpark and Triplet Falls is so steep that establishing a grade suitable for wheelchairs requires extensive switchbacks. These switchbacks not only create a walk far longer than other visitors wish to take, they also create major impacts on the environment through extensive clearing and hardening of the walking surface.
Pressure to transform the site with additional facilities
As Triplet Falls is increasingly promoted and visited by a widening range of people, it will be transformed into a fully- fledged tourist attraction. With this transformation will come an expectation for it to provide a greater range and quality of services and facilities. This will particularly occur if:
Triplet Falls is connected to other destinations by new walking tracks; or
______25 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
if Phillips Track is sealed beyond the public land boundary and / or the Triplet Falls carpark are expanded.
Appendix C provides a brief analysis of new walking tracks that have been proposed and the implications of them being developed.
If the road to Triplet Falls is sealed, the site will be forever linked to recreational succession, which is the progressive shift in the type of visitors coming from environmentally sensitive explorers to less sensitive mass tourists (Hall and McArthur 1998). Mass tourists require more facilities and services, which change the character of the site and accelerate recreational succession.
Underlying issue with a change in visitor profile
There is the potential for Triplet Falls to be forever linked to recreational succession, and subsequent reactive site upgrading and hardening, both of which have been proven to significantly diminish a site’s existing values and visitor experience (Hall and McArthur 1998).
The transformation of Triplet Falls to a fully-fledged tourist attraction needs visitor management to go beyond the conventional site and track management expertise. Visitor management will need to adopt regional planning and marketing, so that different sites become focussed on delivering different experiences based on their points of difference, target markets and core experience. This is a cultural shift from the existing situation.
3.5 Limited site capacity for upgrading
Significant vehicle access limitations
Road access to Triplet Falls along the unsealed Phillips Track is narrow and winding, preventing safe use by bus and coach traffic. Upgrading the road to accommodate these vehicles, by straightening bends and perhaps widening the road, will create significant environmental impacts, and will also diminish the arrival experience; a fundamental part of visiting Triplet Falls.
There is very limited space for increasing formalised parking areas. Clearing forest and undertaking cut and fill to construct further carparks will create significant environmental impacts, and will reduce the quality of the arrival experience.
Recent visitor research confirmed that visitors highly value the natural state of the entrance road and parking area, and would rather face occasional vehicle crowding or use a visitor shuttle.
Significant water and waste management limitations
The Triplet Falls site has major limitations on water supply and the treatment of waste water (Missing Link 2002). These limitations imply that expansion of toilet facilities, picnic and barbecue facilities or the introduction of food and beverage or accommodation would be extremely difficult to service and are likely to create significant environmental, social and cultural impacts. Additionally track expansion will have to be carefully managed.
Significant track expansion limitations
The topography at Triplet Falls is too steep to be able to establish a cost effective network of walking tracks or complementary experiences. Every direction beyond the carpark involves steep declines, ridges and highly sensitive
______26 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004 riverine environments. Expansion of tracks will create significant environmental, social and economic impacts that are difficult to justify unless they:
add significant value to the waterfall experience;
directly connect to a major service site; and
are confined to the existing developed side of Youngs Creek (so that all visitors look onto the waterfalls backed by a natural environment).
Underlying issue related to site capacity
Triplet Falls should not become the hub for visitor activity within the local area because it does not have the expansion capacity. This issue implies that further development of Triplet Falls needs to be limited to the walking experience and that this should be accompanied by further servicing outside the forested area.
3.6 Uncertainty about future visitation to the Otway Fly and Triplet Falls
As previously detailed, there are forecasts for visitation to the Otway Fly and estimates of the flow on visitation to Triplet Falls. (Section 3.3). However as with any tourism projections, the figures are based on best available information only and have built in assumptions. They are therefore uncertain.
Underlying issue with uncertainty about future visitation
The underlying issue derived from this uncertainty is how to design solutions to the above issues while:
enhancing a cooperative relationship between the land managers and Otway Fly Pty Ltd;
creating regional solutions that fit supply of short walk experience with demand from different market segments; and
offer independent, proactive and flexible responses that permit medium to long term opportunities to integrate the opportunities and strengths of the VicTree site with those of Triplet Falls.
3.7 Distance between sites
Nature based tourism markets are seeking short to medium length walks of easy to modest challenge (Victorian Trails Coordinating Committee 2002; Pathfinder Marketing and Mary Maddock Consulting 2002). Visitors are prepared to walk a little longer and face a little more physical challenge, if the experience provides sufficient reward (Missing Link Tourism Consultants 2002). There is an issue of how to integrate access between the Otway Fly and Triplet Falls sites.
There are two potential ways to physically link the two sites by walking trail:
Otway Fly to Triplet Falls down alongside Youngs Creek; or
Otway Fly to Triplet Falls via the VicTree site, the preferred route option identified by Missing Link (2002).
______27 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
While a track along Youngs Creek would offer a gentle gradient through rainforest, several issues have been identified with the Youngs Creek option. These include potential environmental impacts, and issues with visitor flow and the visitor experience (see Appendix C).
Walking from the Otway Fly to the VicTree site is also not recommended on the basis that it interrupts the forest-based experience and presents a significant time addition with minimal reward (in terms of views and attractions along the way).
Underlying issue resulting from distance between sites
The location of the two sites necessitates a two-stop experience. The two stop experience means that visitors require road access between the Otway Fly and VicTree or Triplet Falls, and subsequent use of their own vehicle or some kind of shuttle service.
Further discussion is required to identify and facilitate appropriate options for connecting Otway Fly and Triplet Falls by walking or cycling trail.
3.8 Ongoing impacts of site vandalism
Two zones of damage were mapped following the vandalism at Triplet Falls, one along the main walking track from the carpark to the waterfall and the second along the short return loop to the carpark. See Figure 3.6 illustrates the extent of the damage in these zones.
Consequently the appearance of the site following the removal of the damaged trees has greatly impacted on the visitor experience. While every effort has been made to protect remaining vegetation and to sensitively place remnant vegetative material the visual scar will be quite apparent in the short-term, and will take many years to fully recover.
Some interpretive material has been provided to inform visitors about the vandalism and the rehabilitation operation that was undertaken. Future interpretation could highlight the dynamic nature of forests by discussing the forest regeneration that occurs.
Other ongoing impacts of the site vandalism may include:
• Potential for spread of Myrtle Wilt (a fungal disease caused by the pathogenic fungus Chalara australis) which is a significant threat to the health of the Myrtle beech trees in the area. This may be due to physical damage to trees or changes in microclimate;
• Potential for weed establishment and growth as a result of the gap being opened in the canopy, changes in microclimate, removal of ground cover and soil disturbance;
• Slow regeneration of Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans), which typically regenerate from seedfall after wildfire.
Underlying issue resulting from impacts of the vandalism Any management plan must minimise any further disturbance to the site while improving the visitor experience.
______28 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Figure 3.6 Zones of damage at Triplet Falls
______29 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
3.9 Summary of key issues
How to avoid recreation succession at Triplet Falls specifically, how to shift the existing parking and amenities to a site with greater site capacity and a link to Triplet Falls via an equally rewarding experience.
How to shift the final stage of the arrival experience from driving to walking, and specifically how to create a walk capable of spreading increased use out (avoiding crowding) and providing an experience that rewards the extra effort.
How to provide some form of escorted vehicle access to Triplet Falls that is neatly integrated into the experience and cost effectively operated.
How to upgrade the existing Falls walk to increase access to the Falls, and specifically, how to introduce walk infrastructure that significantly increases access without creating unacceptable environmental, visual and social impacts.
How to adopt regional visitor management and marketing, so that different sites (including Triplet Falls) become focussed on delivering different experiences based on their points of difference, target markets and core experience.
4. Visitor management objectives
4.1 Core experience for Triplet Falls
Regional positioning
Triplet Falls should be positioned as the premier waterfall experience within the Great Ocean Road hinterland, and should be further positioned as a contrasting, complementary walk to the Otway Fly.
Essence of experience
The essence of a visit to Triplet Falls should be based on two fundamental elements:
An arrival experience based on driving to the abutment of two of the symbolic environments of the Otways; pasture and tall forest. The arrival experience is dependent on conserving as much of the narrow and meandering road system as possible, and introducing a walk rather than vehicle access to the final part of the arrival experience.
Progressive immersion into a waterfall environment, beginning with a walk that features the steep valley and tall trees, then comes in close contact with a series of cascades, waterfalls and chutes, and finishes with a meander through rainforest. The progressive immersion is dependent on a boardwalk designed to provide a soft adventure experience, and viewing platforms designed to provide each group with an undisturbed moment of quiet and reflection close to one of the water features.
Triplet Falls must retain its sense of place and provide a quality experience. Other recreational experiences should be kept totally separate from the forested part of the arrival experience and particularly from the waterfall environment. The management of independent access will be essential to avoid crowding, which would reduce the value of the core experience.
______30 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
4.2 Target visitation
Maximum number of visitors at any one time
To minimise crowding, visitation will be managed based on the number of visitors on the site at any one time. As long as independent car access to Triplet Falls remains, management should work to the following maximum quotas:
No more than 50 vehicles at any one time travelling on the unsealed section of or parked along Phillips Track or within the Triplet Falls carpark;
No more than 150 visitors on the Triplet Falls track system at any one time;
No less than 15m between groups walking the Triplet Falls Track system walk2.
This approach to managing visitor numbers so as not to detract from the visitor experience is consistent with the focus of marketing bodies in the region that aim to increase yield and length of stay particularly in the off-season.
Other visitation targets
Seasonal visitation should be slightly flatter than that to the Great Ocean Road, because the experience is less weather dependent than the coast. The existing seasonal visitation to the Great Ocean Road indicates the peak period as being the first four months of the year, with the peak month of January representing by far the greatest visitation.
By year five onwards, repeat visitation should constitute approximately 10-12% of total visitation, stimulated by continually high satisfaction levels and a continually evolving visitor experience.
4.3 Target markets
Use of market-driven approach
Visitor management at Triplet Falls should use a market-driven approach, which identifies target markets, designs the experience to meet the motivations and needs of the target markets, then designs marketing to attract the target markets. In contrast, the conventional supply-driven approach designs infrastructure (rather than experience) and marketing to appeal a little to everyone. The market-driven approach is considered more realistic and proactive, and will avoid Triplet Falls becoming homogenised.
Domestic – international proportion
It is proposed to attract and satisfy visitors from Australia and international origins. Approximately 80% of visitors would originate from the domestic market and 20% from international markets. Table 4.1 identifies the potential break-up of domestic and international markets for Triplet Falls.
2 Calculated by dividing total visitors by 2.7 (to gain number of groups) and then by the distance of the walking track (to gain the distance between groups)
______31 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Table 4.1 Triplet Falls target market break-up from domestic and international origins
Target markets Distribution % Break-up Domestic 80% 70-80% of its visitors from the overnight domestic market; 20-30% from the day trip market. International 20% 14% from the United Kingdom; 10% from Germany; 25% from other parts of western, southern and northern Europe; and 17% from Singapore; 44% from other countries.
Domestic target markets
Domestic target markets from several sources were considered. These target markets come from the Roy Morgan Value Segments, developed in conjunction with Colin Benjamin – The Horizons Networks (Tourism Victoria 2002). Table 4.2 presents the characteristics of the four domestic target markets (in order of priority) for Triplet Falls. These markets travel independently, touring the Great Ocean Road and generating high yield.
Table 4.2 Characteristics of the domestic target markets for the canopy walk (Source: Connell Wagner 2001)
Target markets Characteristics Share/value Essentials
1. Visible 35-49 yrs 22% of GOR visitors Quality Achievement Success and career driven 20% interstate spending ($) Good family 19% intrastate spending ($) 2. Socially Aware 35-49 yrs 18% of GOR visitors Integrity Professionals 20% interstate spending ($) Flexibility Social issues 18% intrastate spending ($) 3. Traditional Family Retired middle Australia 13% of GOR visitors Value for money Life Family focussed 16% interstate spending ($) Consistency 18% intrastate spending ($) 4. Young Optimist 18-24 yrs 11% of GOR visitors Fixed budget Seek new and different things 9% interstate spending ($) Money to enjoy at destination 9% intrastate spending ($)
International target markets
In 2001 approximately 125,000 international visitors came to the Great Ocean Road Region. Visitors from the identified international target markets would be free independent travellers, using hire car or hired campervan and staying in the Great Ocean Road Region on average for 5.9 nights. These markets have been chosen because they are existing target markets for the Great Ocean Road region, are interested in nature tourism experiences and generate high yield.
______32 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
5. Adaptive management strategies
5.1 Adaptive management system
Background to adaptive management
This Plan has been prepared in the midst of the VEAC Angahook-Otway investigation into an expanded Otway National Park. There is also uncertainty about the level of future visitation to the Otway Fly and what the flow-on effects to Triplet Falls may be. To function in this uncertain environment, this Plan uses an adaptive management approach rather than fixed strategies and actions. Adaptive management forecasts a collection of the most likely scenarios that will face Triplet Falls, and allocates potential response strategies that are triggered if these scenarios actually occur.
Section 5.8 provides some potential actions for a future scenario – the opportunity of a new tourism development within the Triplet Falls local area, such as an ecolodge.
The actions are based on the following principles:
• Improve the current experience consistent with site and regional positioning;
• Provide improvements where there is a demonstrated management need and/ or visitor demand
• Encourage linkages with other attractions
• Encourage the development of a critical mass of attractions in a defined area to allow more efficient use of resources and to encourage greater economic benefit.
Intensity of use triggers
The adaptive management system should be triggered by intensity of use triggers. The triggers represent the subsequent demand on Triplet Falls infrastructure and level of crowding being experienced during peak periods. The three triggers proposed are:
Trigger 1: when there are at least two occasions within one month where there are 25 cars parked at the Triplet Falls carpark or when walking groups average 30m apart.3
Trigger 2: when there are at least two occasions within one month where there are 35 cars parked at the Triplet Falls carpark or when walking groups average 20m apart.
Trigger 3: when there are at least two occasions within one month where there are 50 cars parked at the Triplet Falls carpark or when walking groups average 15m apart.
These triggers will require a visitor monitoring system to be put into place. The two monitoring methods recommended are:
1. A vehicle counter capable of monitoring two way vehicle counts against the day and time of day (so that the number of cars in the carpark can be calculated)
3 Calculated by dividing total visitors by 2.7 (to gain number of groups) and then by the distance of the walking track (to gain the distance between groups)
______33 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
2. Observations during the peak visitation periods of two days per month (calculated using the vehicle counter) to validate the vehicle counter carpark estimates and determine the number of walking groups on the track system.
(With closure of the site following the vandalism visitor numbers are distorted for the current period. However Trigger 1 works should proceed to ameliorate the impacts of the vandalism.)
The system
Table 5.1 presents the adaptive management system for infrastructure development using the three triggers explained above. Details on each action are provided in Sections 5.2 to 5.7.
Table 5.1 Adaptive management system for Triplet Falls (T1: Trigger 1, T2: Trigger 2, T3: Trigger 3)
Visitor Trigger 1 Trigger 2 Trigger 3 management (2 times per month with 25 cars or (2 times per month with 35 cars or (2 times per month with 50 cars or tools groups 30m apart) groups 20m apart) groups 15m apart) Road access Formalise Triplet carpark to 25 Investigate transport options to Transfer major visitor services/ and parking spaces Triplet from Otway Fly or VicTree, parking to Otway Fly and/or VicTree and need for VicTree carpark or site: other site to supplement Otway Fly carpark OR Construct new carpark (and amenities) at VicTree site if required Define 25 car spaces on Phillips Track Close Phillips Track to Triplet Falls Implement preferred transport option Walking track Construct a new descent track from Construct VicTree to Triplet Falls Upgrade Heritage Trail walk system carpark to Triplet Falls lookout, and track close / rehabilitate old descent track Investigate linkages with Otway Fly Construct new platforms at first cascade, chute and Youngs Creek, and replacement platforms at Falls lookout and upper lookout Construct boardwalk track from upper Falls to return track junction Conduct detailed planning and assessment for new track from VicTree to Triplet Falls Interpretation Install new orientation sign at walk Research and collect interpretive Install new Heritage Trail signs entrance material for Heritage Trail Install new entrance orientation sign Install waterfall themed signs on at the start of the new track from viewing platforms and remove Victree to Triplet Falls. forest signs Toilets Monitor use against capacity/ refine Install seasonal backup system Transfer main facility to the Otway technology to reduce maintenance Fly or VicTree site and downgrade liability Investigate options/ feasibility to role of Triplet facility transfer main facility to the Otway Fly or VicTree site. Remove seasonal backup system Marketing and Prepare Regional Short Track Establish cooperative marketing Conduct visitor research at Triplet further Strategy between Triplet Falls and the Otway Falls (and related sites on public product Fly land) development Revise Triplet Falls brochure and DSE website to focus on new Conduct visitor research at Triplet Investigate the potential to introduce positioning and revised walking Falls an access fee to use the new experience walking track from VicTree or a visitor shuttle to Triplet Update material in main promotional material to new positioning and walk
______34 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
5.2 Road access and parking
T1 - Formalising Triplet Falls carpark
To retain the arrival experience and the reversibility of road access and parking, both Phillips Track and the Triplet Falls carpark should remain unsealed. The carpark will nonetheless be formalised to the extent that it defines up to 25 spaces, using a landscaped bollard system. Figure 5.1 illustrates the proposed car park layout for Triplet Falls.
T2 - Phillips Track roadside parking
Up to 25 car spaces will be defined alongside both sides of Phillips Track, up to the existing carpark site. Definition should be subtle enough not to compete with the natural landscape when the facility is not in use, but clear enough for visitors to identify when the carpark is full.
T3 - Transfer of services and carparking to the Otway Fly
The existing small scale visitor services at Triplet Falls could be transferred to and further expanded at the Otway Fly by:
Closing a gate on Phillips Track, at its junction with Brown Town Track
Installing a sign on the gate and at the turn off to the Otway Fly carpark, stating the road closure and the means of accessing Triplet Falls;
Permitting walker access on Phillips Track to Triplet Falls;
Experimenting with a contracted small and medium sized shuttle from the Otway Fly to Triplet Falls and back; and
Advising of the changed access requirements in leading tourism promotional material that feature Triplet Falls.
Recent market research confirmed the acceptability of road closure and alternative access via a walking track and / or shuttle bus from the VicTree site to Triplet Falls (Missing Link 2002). The same research identified price sensitivity and packaging options likely to increase the attractiveness and accessibility of this option.
OR: T3 - Transfer of the visitor services and carparking to VicTree site
Part of the existing small scale visitor services at Triplet Falls could be transferred and further expanded to the VicTree site by:
Re-routing Phillips Track into the VicTree site, and installing gates prior to the re-route and within the re-route and at the junction of Phillips Track and Youngs Creek Road, effectively closing Phillips Track;
Installing a sign on the gates stating the road closure and the means of accessing Triplet Falls;
Permitting walker access on Phillips Track to Triplet Falls;
Experimenting with a contracted small and medium sized shuttle from the VicTree site to Triplet Falls (and possibly including the Otway Fly); and
Advising of the changed access requirements in leading tourism promotional material that feature Triplet Falls.
Recent geotechnical reports support the capacity for the landscape at the VicTree site to sustain the development of a carpark and connecting road system.
______35 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Figure 5.1 Triplet Falls proposed car park and track network
______36 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
5.3 Track system
T1 - Triplet Falls Loop
Figure 5.1 illustrates the proposed track system for Triplet Falls. An alternative track descent from the carpark to the Triplet Falls viewing platform will be constructed, and the former descent closed and rehabilitated. The 500m route requires a detailed survey, but will follow the ridge, then switchbacks along lower river valley and escarpment, winding through stands of particularly mature Eucalyptus regnans and fern glades to a viewing platform overlooking the first cascade. This first viewing platform provides spectacular views up the valley towards the lower cascade, through mature eucalypts and myrtle beech forest. The platform will be offset to the Youngs Creek side of the boardwalk and will include a wooden bench seat and sufficient space for up to 10 people to congregate and view the cascade and interpretation signage. The waterfall is glimpsed approximately 80 metres away, and gives a sense of anticipation and excitement as visitors approach Triplet Falls.
At this 400m point, the gravel track will revert to low boardwalk, to control visitor meandering and avoid erosion on the steep embankment. The next 100m section of boardwalk will then follow the embankment into the moist valley alongside the lower cascades, providing an intimate view of ferns, mosses, and spectacular views over the natural cascades.
The boardwalk will then descend to a section close to the lower cascades via a creatively designed spiral staircase, with integrated lookout points to provide access into and out of the ‘cascade walk’. This section of the boardwalk will require a major engineering design to safely support a structure that is 15-20m above the ground and constructed in a way that minimises visual and environmental impacts. A second spiral staircase then takes visitors up into the re-designed main Triplet Falls viewing platform. The main viewing platform will be re-designed as a walk through flowing design, to avoid end of lookout congestion. This will be further enhanced with careful design of the walkway shape, providing spectacular panoramic views of Triplet Falls, and design features such as integrated seating, leaning rails, detailing and signage.
The ascent / return to the carpark will also be upgraded to further highlight the views of Triplet Falls and upper chute. The smaller viewing platform half-way up the stairs will be removed as it is not required from a visitor perspective and impacts adversely on tree health. The larger viewing platform over the gully will be replaced with a gently outward curving platform and lookout, providing an attractive side view of Triplet Falls to comfortably accommodate 10 people. The platform will include integrated seating and an interpretation sign. At the top of Triplet Falls, the existing gravel track will revert to a timber boardwalk, which will quickly connect to a new viewing platform over the river chute. The boardwalk will weave alongside and upstream of Youngs Creek. The boardwalk will then continue a short distance onto the Falls return track and the Heritage return track. A handrail and cable fence that prevents meandering will frame the boardwalk and platform.
A geotechnical analysis of the route has been undertaken and indicates that while steep, the route, soil profile, infiltration and drainage are not prohibitive (Black Geotechnical Pty Ltd 2002). The analysis specifically found that a load bearing system is possible, and recommended the use of pole foundations stabilised with cables. A detailed site survey that integrates landscape, engineering and visitor management expertise is required to finalise the track route and design, and ensure that the walk does not create unacceptable environmental or social impacts.
A preliminary Design and Layout Plan is attached as Appendix E.
______37 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
T2 - VicTree to Triplet Falls connection
The construction of a track from VicTree to Triplet Falls will be undertaken to transfer the visitor services function from Triplet Falls to VicTree, provide a longer walk not currently available in the local area, and reduce crowding on the Triplet Falls Walk. The track would be constructed to a similar degree of difficulty as the Triplet Falls network (mild but not vigorous) and would span approximately 1.9km in length and take approximately 50 minutes to walk. The track will follow a similar route and construction to the VicTree-Triplet Falls Canopy Walk option (Missing Link 2002). Further site investigation since the feasibility study was prepared has located a former snig track that follows the descending ridgeline and provides a well drained, cost effective route for construction. This initial and ideal route descends to connect with the beginning of the proposed Triplet Falls Loop (outlined above).
An alternative and cheaper route has been identified that diverts from the proposed route towards onto the Old Phillips Track to complete the final descent along the current Phillips Track into the Triplet Falls carpark. This alternative would present a significant compromise to the visitor experience (interrupting the walking experience by taking people onto the road) and reinforces the ongoing need to integrate landscape, engineering and visitor management expertise in the final track location and design.
A geotechnical analysis of the initial and ideal route from VicTree to Triplet Falls has found that this preferred route is feasible (Black Geotechnical Pty Ltd 2002). The analysis found that most of the route could follow an existing snig track, which has a gentle grade and excellent drainage. The analysis also found that while the route approaching Triplet Falls is steep and soil structure is of moderate strength, the route is feasible and definitely not prohibitive. A detailed site survey that integrates landscape, engineering and visitor management expertise is required to finalise the track route and design, and ensure that the walk does not create unacceptable environmental or social impacts.
Figure 5.2 illustrated the potential connections between the Victree site and Triplet Falls.
T2 - Investigate linkages between Triplet Falls and the Otway Fly
Further work will be done to identify the feasibility of linking Triplet Falls and the Otway Fly with walking or cycling trails.
T3 - Heritage Trail return
Minor upgrading of the Heritage Trail around the Old Mill site would greatly assist to interpret the former scale and location of the operation. This work requires a plan of the former mill to be interpreted into the location and design of the Trail. For example, the trail could include:
relocating a small section of trail over a known rail route or around the site of a major building;
constructing a small viewing platform overlooking the relics and using the Mill plan to interpret the former layout of the facility (possibly including a spiral staircase to link the design with the Falls section); and
constructing symbolic elements that represent the supporting infrastructure around the remaining relics.
______38 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Figure 5.2 Potential connections between Triplet Falls and other sites
______39 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
5.4 Interpretation
T1 – Orientation and waterfall signage
Triplet Falls is in a Rainforest Site of National Significance4. This importance has been further acknowledged in the VEAC Draft Proposals paper5. While rainforest values are important to interpret across the region, the interpretation at Triplet Falls should avoid addressing the ecological perspective of cool temperate rainforest (particularly plants and animals of the rainforest and recycling), because it has already been widely covered throughout the other Otways short walks, such as at Melba Gully and Maits Rest. The interpretation on the walk to Triplet Falls should be based on the alternate values and impressions of waterfalls, leaving visitors with a clearer idea of why they appreciate them and enjoy visiting them so much. Interpretation signs along this walk should:
Begin with a major orientation sign at the walk entrance that introduces the Falls Loop and optional Heritage Trail extension with a map and text about the attractions, interpretation and walking difficulty (duration, grade, surface, steps and rest points);
Introduce a regional context to the Otways’ waterfalls with a sign on the side of the first viewing platform, visually presenting a map of the myriad of Falls throughout the Otways and highlighting why there are so many Falls within the Otways;
Focus the waterfall story on Triplet Falls with a sign on the side of the Triplet Falls platform (not in front of the main Falls), visually interpreting the evolution of the Falls system over time and the slow rate of change, and then pondering what they might look like in the future;
Create an ethereal interpretation of the waterfall environment with a sign on the side of the upper Triplet Falls platform, assisting visitors to share the sense of a lost world, then understand the important touchstone role that such places play in contemporary society; and
Finish the waterfall story with a sign on the side of a boardwalk above the Falls after the chute (which is interpretation free) and alongside Youngs Creek, which links the sentimentality to waterfalls with that of rainforest. Demonstrate this through a visual collection of postcards, calendars, posters and books that feature these two environments.
Each interpretation sign should include a small map in its corner showing where the stop is in relation to the track. The track junction where walkers decide whether to quickly return or take the Heritage Return should be clearly signed to the carpark with respective walk times.
In the short to medium term consideration should also be given to interpretation about the forest recovery following the vandalism as discussed in section 3.8.
4 Rainforests Sites of Significance were set up as a part of the 1987 State Conservation Strategy which sought to locate rainforest areas across the State and determine their significance with the aim of recommending appropriate management and protection strategies.
5 Victorian Environment Assessment Council (2004) Angahook-Otway Draft Proposals Paper.
______40 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
T3 – Heritage Trail signage
The interpretation of historic logging should be limited to the vicinity of the old sawmill site, where there is an obvious demonstration of past activity, and not compete with the waterfall walk. The interpretation of this site should:
Introduce the former sawmill operation in its broad sense before the first relic is reached, including a map of the former operation and the wooden rail network;
feature each relic individually with a more thorough explanation of the item’s role and images of its former operational appearance; and
provide a more personal dimension of the lifestyle and people that worked there, using storytelling, quotations and pictorial evidence (such as the photographs used at Beech Forest Information Booth).
T3 – Victree signage
An entrance orientation sign should be produced for the entrance to the new track from VicTree to Triplet Falls, in addition to the one already installed at the start of the Triplet Falls Loop. The sign should form a part of the construction phase of the new track from VicTree to Triplet Falls.
5.5 Toilets
T1 – Monitoring use
While recent geotechnical assessments at Triplet Falls carpark area suggests that the toilets could be upgraded to a simple sewage system (Black Geotechnical Pty Ltd 2002), any upgrading of the toilets at Triplet Falls will consolidate the visitor services function, and should therefore be avoided. Instead, the use and capacity of the toilets should be monitored to identify peak use periods and the capacity of the system to manage use.
T2 – Seasonal backup
If the toilet system proves to reach capacity for short periods (up to three months per annum), it may be worth closing and resting one of the systems and installing a back up system for the peak period. Management should also investigate new technology that could reduce current maintenance liability and avoid toilet upgrading.
T2 – Investigate options for transfer of main facility
The feasibility and practicality of transferring the main facility to the Otway Fly or VicTree site should be re-examined at this point in conjunction with investigations regarding access and car parking.
Visitation patterns, target markets, visitors preferences and management/ operational considerations will be clearer by then but may still need to be verified with further market research and/or business modelling.
T3 – Transfer of main facility
The transfer of the main toilet facility to the Otway Fly or VicTree site (if developed to this status) should also involve the downgrading of the toilets at Triplet Falls to that of a backup system. At this point the toilets at Triplet Falls should not be promoted, but merely signposted from the Triplet Falls Track.
______41 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
5.6 Marketing and further product development
T1 - Regional strategy for short walks
Triplet Falls must be managed as part of a network of short and medium walks that each provide alternative experiences and each are marketed differently. The establishment of a network will require the development of a regional strategy for short walks. The strategy should focus on walks under a hour duration within the Great Ocean Road coast and hinterland. It should feature:
a restructured walk grade system, (that avoids the nebulous easy, moderate and hard categories, or the construction based T1-T4 categories) and provides a short walk experiential grade system (covering elements such as scenic diversity, length, grade, surface and steps);
an inventory (similar to that provided in Appendix A);
an evaluation of supply and demand that results in a clear management objective for each walk, based on either: closure; consolidation or upgrading; and
promoting each walk according to an agreed category system that varies the level and nature of promotion to vary the number and type of visitors.
The strategy should be an inter-departmental initiative that links to the Draft Victorian Trails Strategy and results in an ongoing interdepartmental group that coordinates track upgrades and marketing across the region.
T1 - Update promotion to new positioning
Update the promotional material about Triplet Falls to reflect the new positioning and walk experience, and to promote use during low season and less visited times of the day. This should begin with a re-written Triplet Falls brochure that provides a slicker production more akin to a major tourist attraction. Key tourism channels include the Great Ocean Road Hinterland brochure and the Southern Touring Route.
Revise the A4 notesheet ‘Waterfalls and Short Walks’ (Great Ocean Road Visitor Centre 2001) to feature walks of less than one hour and provide more consistent profiling across each walk, as suggested in the Regional Short Walking Track Strategy (see Section 5.6).
T2 – Cooperative marketing
Once Trigger 1 works have been completed, cooperative marketing initiatives should be considered with the Otway Fly, in order to promote the two walks as a contrasting and complementary combination of experiences worthy of a special trip into the region.
The marketing of Triplet Falls is a critical part of visitor management for the site. It will be critical to reposition Triplet Falls as has been proposed, so that visitors have a clear expectation and make the most of their visit. Co-operative marketing should take place on a number of levels:
as an inter-departmental initiative linked to the regional strategy for short walks;
as part of an agreed marketing strategy between the government agencies and the Otway Fly;
______42 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
in collaboration with the marketing and promotion undertaken by the Geelong Otway Tourism, the Great Ocean Road Campaign Committee, Colac Otway Tourism Board and other relevant tourism organisations; and
through information distributed by the local and regional visitor information centres.
Cooperative marketing of the Otway Fly and Triplet Falls involves the development of a package that includes walking the Otway Fly, a lunch and shuttle to Triplet Falls. The more commercial development that occurs in the region, the easier it will be to create these packages. The promotion of the special packages will most easily be delivered at point of sale, at the Otway Fly and through Visitor Information Centres within the Great Ocean Road region.
The potential to package with other product in the region such as accommodation, tour operations and the Great Ocean Walk should also be investigated.
T3 – Visitor research
Visitor research should be conducted to review visitor origin, perception of crowding and satisfaction. Data and insights from this study should be used to revise the Visitor Management Plan, including the target market, triggers and revised adaptive management system.
T3 – Fees and charges
There is no merit in applying an access fee to Triplet Falls in its current form, or for as long as independent vehicle access to the carpark is available. Price (1981) found that access fees were not only expensive to administer and police, but generated flow on visitation to other destinations that often did not have suitable infrastructure. Nonetheless, the limited access to Triplet Falls does provide the opportunity to collect a fee for reinvestment into the visitor experience.
As part of the road access measures (closing the unsealed section of Phillips Track), an investigation should be conducted into the potential to introduce an access fee to use the new walking track from VicTree or a visitor shuttle to Triplet Falls. The investigation should avoid charging for straight access or the use of a parking area, and instead focus on charging for the use of a major new access, such as:
a walking track from the VicTree site; or
a shuttle bus from the Otway Fly or VicTree site.
The VicTree to Triplet Falls walking track fee should ideally be packaged with the Otway Fly, as a pre-booked package or an on-site sale, as well as individual sales from the Otway Fly on-site ticket office. Any shuttle service cost would ideally also be administered at the Otway Fly on-site ticket office. An alternative operator and administrator would create unnecessary duplication and competition that would diminish both businesses.
5.7 The Future
The implementation of the adaptive management measures will achieve the following scenarios:
retention of the arrival experience;
improved waterfall walk;
______43 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
uncrowded waterfall walk;
cooperative marketing of Triplet Falls and the Otway Fly;
regional positioning of the region’s short walks
Retained arrival experience
A minimalist change to the first section (sealed Phillips Track to VicTree).
An alternative second stage via either a shuttle service along the unsealed Phillips Track or a walk from VicTree
An improved third stage for shuttle access (no vehicles in the carpark) and walking access (directly onto the Falls Loop with no sight of the carpark)
Improved Waterfall walk
Greater access to a wider range of waterfall views
Stimulating interpretation about waterfalls
Uncrowded Waterfall walk
Walking groups should average less than 20m apart and there should not be more than two occasions per month when they decrease to less than 15m apart.
Cooperative marketing of Triplet Falls and the Otway Fly
The Triplet Falls and Otway Fly experiences are being jointly promoted and access is being jointly packaged.
Regional positioning of the region’s short walks
All of the short walks within the Great Ocean Road coast and hinterland have their own individual positioning description.
Some of the short walks within the Great Ocean Road coast and hinterland have been dedicated for upgrading, some for maintenance and some for closure.
Local Tourism Information Centres are promoting the short walks based on their positioning and dedicated future use.
The region's short walks, particularly Triplet Falls, are models of sustainable tourism practice in their design, management and operation.
5.8 Further development scenario
A further development scenario is the opportunity of a new development in the local area, such as an ecolodge. The implication of this scenario is further promotion of Triplet Falls, and operator expectations for more nature based
______44 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
experiences in the local area to attract and occupy their customers. This scenario is not integrated into the formal part of the adaptive management system. Nonetheless, the following actions could be further considered:
a soft adventure guided experience adjunct to the VicTree site based high in the canopy (such as the use of ladders and suspended bridges to small viewing platforms attached to tall trees);
a new track to Little Aire Falls from the VicTree-Triplet Falls track; and / or
a day drive that logically links a set of short walks together in a way that provides a coherent theme.
The construction of a track to Little Aire Falls may be warranted once the track between VicTree and Triplet Falls is constructed and use is consolidated, and, once the new tourism development is completed. This new track should be deliberately constructed and marketed to provide a more challenging walk that is clearly differentiated from the VicTree- Triplet Falls route. The 300m east-west route should connect to the VicTree-Triplet Falls track at around the 350m contour, so that most of the track is level until the final short ridge into the Aire Valley. A small viewing platform will need to be constructed to provide a view of the falls from the steep valley.
______45 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
6. References
Black Geotechnical Pty Ltd, (2002) Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation V615R, unpublished report for Victorian Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
Otway Fly Pty Ltd (2002) Regional walk connections for Triplet Falls, unpublished map.
Connell Wagner (2001) An examination of strategic public land, recreation and tourism priorities in the Otway region, Department of Natural Resources and Environment; Melbourne.
Great Ocean Road Visitor Centre (2001) ‘Waterfalls and Short Walks’ (A4 notesheet).
Hall, C.M. and McArthur, S. (1998) Integrated Heritage Management, Stationary Press, United Kingdom.
Hughes, J. and Schmid, T. (2002a) Triplet Falls proposed barrier free access track, Draft Report, Department of Natural Resources and Environment Victoria, Melbourne.
Hughes, J. and Schmid, T. (2002b) Little Aire Falls proposed walking track alignment, Draft Report, Department of Natural Resources and Environment Victoria, Melbourne.
Lee, R.G. (1977) ‘Alone with others: the paradox of privacy in wilderness’ in Leisure Sciences, Vol 1, Crane, Russack and Company
Missing Link Tourism Consultants (2002) Feasibility Study of four potential sites for a canopy walk in Victoria’s Otway Ranges, Final Report, Department of Natural Resources and Environment Victoria, Melbourne.
Missing Link Tourism Consultants (2003) Draft Tourism Plan for Public Land in the Otway Hinterland. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne.
Pathfinder Marketing and Mary Maddock Consulting (2002) Colac Otway Shire Five Year Nature Based Tourism Strategy 2002-2006 – Report Summary; Colac Otway Shire.
Price, C. (1981) ‘Charging versus exclusion: choice between recreation management tools’ in Environmental Management Vol 5, (2).
Roggenbusck, W. and Joseph, W. (1987) ‘Wilderness use and user characteristics: a state of knowledge review’ in Proceedings of National Wilderness Research Conference: issues, state of knowledge, future directions, Inter-mountain Research Station, United States of America.
Stankey, G. (1971) ‘Myths in wilderness decision making’ in Journal of soil and water conservation, Vol 26 (5).
Tourism Victoria (2002) Roy Morgan Value Segments developed in conjunction with Colin Benjamin – The Horizons Networks.
Victorian Environment Assessment Council (2004) Angahook-Otway Investigation Draft Proposals Paper.
Victorian Trails Coordinating Committee (2002) Draft Victorian Trails Strategy 2002-2005, Unpublished Report for Parks Victoria; Melbourne.
______46 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Appendix A – Analysis of short forest and waterfall walks in the local area
1. Triplet Falls (DSE)
Distance: - 450 metres short loop - 900 metres long loop including the heritage walk
Time: - 20 minutes short loop - 40 minutes long loop
Grade: moderate
Points of difference to other short walks in the region
The arrival experience features picturesque pasture land and tall healthy forest that represents the essence of the region and builds expectation along the drive
Combination of several waterfall features, including the triple-divided Triplet Falls, several cascades downstream and a chute upstream
Remains of a former sawmill site and associated trestle railway adds mystique and charm
Arrival Experience
Scenic drive through classic Otways pasture resembling English country laneway with a sudden transition into tall eucalypt forest
Last 3 kms unsealed winding road into tall mixed forest of high quality, providing a strong contrast to the pasture land
Car park area sufficiently developed to give assurance that it is an attraction site, but still personable in its size surrounded by high quality forest
Car park area provides 25 car spaces, 5 picnic tables and access to 2 composting toilets, which are hidden away in the forest
Arrival experience is a major part of the build-up to the waterfall experience
Setting
Mature tall eucalypt forest with cool temperate rainforest patches along Young's Creek and the base of Triplet Falls
Walking track
Two loops, one of 450 metres and one of 900 metres
Well formed and drained track with steep slopes and steps descending to the major viewing platform at the Falls
Steep steps ascending from viewing platform to two smaller viewing platforms
______47 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
First half of the track is fenced off by hand-rails and then opens to flat walking track with no boundaries
Short loop return track to car park is fairly flat and straight
Long loop along the heritage trail is on a well formed fairly flat track
Waterfall and /or other features
Triplet Falls features a unique triple-divided cascade of a 15 - 20 metre drop into a spectacular valley of tree ferns
A chute created by Young's Creek above the Falls and a patch of tree ferns along the track above the Falls provide a popular additional photo opportunity
The railway and sawmill relics along the heritage trail provide an unusual aspect to a waterfall walk
Interpretation
An orientation sign provides information about the track, distance, time and interpretation about the narrow gauge railway that used to operate to the sawmill
4 standard signs interprets the forest regeneration after historic forestry in the early 1900s, saw mill relics and the forest reclaiming the mill site.
2. Beauchamp Falls (Parks Victoria)
Distance: 3.0 kms return
Time: 2 hours
Grade: Hard
Points of difference to other short walks in the region
Walk follows the Deppeler Creek downstream then to the base fo the Falls
Classical cool temperate rainforest with little ground-based understorey
Arrival Experience
Drive through clear-felled highly degraded logging coupes and pine plantation
7 kms of unsealed road
No interpretation of current forestry activity
Lacks build-up and anticipation
Picnic area is dilapidated
Car park provides space for approximately 10 - 15 cars
______48 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Setting
Initial setting shares pine forests and logged plantation coupes on one side with rainforest on other side
Mature cool temperate rainforest, myrtle beech and soft treeferns dominate the majority of the walk
Walking Track
Return track of 3kms
The surface of the first third of the walking track is well formed
First third is a steady decline
Second third is quite level and follows a tributary of the Aire River
Last third is steep and narrow, stepped, poorly formed and drained
Lacks arrival facility at the Falls (such as viewing platform or sign)
Waterfall and /or other features
20 metre sheer drop
one water channel
pool at the base
good spray
difficult viewing and photography points
Interpretation
Lacks orientation information about the grade of the walk and attractions along the way
4-5 standard signs about the rainforest elements (not site specific)
a quote from a local Colac resident brings in human dimension, which could be enhanced
no recognition of creek that becomes Beauchamp Falls
Include in a regional assessment of short walks and waterfall walks (under one hour) along the Great Ocean Road.
______49 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
3. Hopetoun Falls (Parks Victoria)
Distance: - to platform 10 metres - to base of Falls 1 km return
Time: 30 minutes
Grade: Hard
Points of difference to other short walks in the region
Viewing platform at the start of the walk provides views of the Falls from above (wheelchair accessible)
Classic horseshoe shaped rocky amphitheatre with a 30 metre drop
Arrival Experience
Drive through clear-felled highly degraded logging coupes and pine plantation at first
Later through patchy regenerating forest
Signage to car park is poor and easily missed
5 kms of unsealed road
last section of the unsealed road to the falls car park is in poor condition with deep potholes
Car park provides space for a maximum of 3 - 4 cars, other parking would have to occur along the road
Setting
Regenerating immature rainforest in a steep gorge
Near waterfall, the forest is mainly made up of Blackwood, younger myrtle trees with treeferns underneath
Walking track
Return walking track of 1 km (not possible to turn into a loop)
Viewing platform at the start of the walking track (10 metres from carpark) with spectacular views of the waterfalls
Viewing platform is wheelchair accessible, but is small for a maximum of 4 -5 people
Walking track is mostly made up of steps which are well drained and surfaced
Duckboard section along the river to a view of the Falls
Waterfall and/or other features
30 metre drop
large volume of water
______50 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
plunge pool at the base
water falls into a steep gorge shaped like an amphitheatre
solid rock cliffs provide a classic waterfall experience
Interpretation
4 standard signs that are site specific
Good interpretation that relates to human activity of the area and historic discovery and naming of the Falls
Lacks orientation sign with information about the walk, its grade and the experience it provides
4. Melba Gully State Park (Parks Victoria)
Distance: 2.4 kms return
Time: 1 hour
Grade: Medium
Points of difference to other short walks in the region
Ancient looking rainforest creates a mystical atmosphere
Very large messmate tree provides a major photo opportunity
Glow worms provide a reason for visiting at night
Fully developed picnic and BBQ area includes access for the wheelchairs
Arrival Experience
Relatively developed along sealed road, dairy pasture, houses and patches of forest
Patches of quaint country living with a B & B and English gardens along access road to car park
Carpark is very developed, sealed surface, catering for 3 buses and 20 cars
Carpark area is degraded
Very develop track network leading from the carpark to the toilets and picnic area to provide wheelchair access
Arrival into picnic area is confusing to find the start of the walking track
Set up as tourist destination close to the township of Lavers Hill, which provides an easily accessible rainforest short walk
Lack of lighting for safety of night-time visitors that come to see the glow-worms
______51 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Setting
Cool temperate rainforest nestled in a gully
Dense understorey of ferns
Very mature myrtles with mosses, lichen and bracket fungi
Walking Track
Loop track of 12.4 kms
Highly varied track grade through three stages of the walking track
Wheelchair access only up until the picnic area and does not include any part of the walking track
Generally well drained and well surfaced
First third of the walking track is an even grade, wide and well bridged
First third to Anna's Casades is very accessible and easy walking
Bridge designs fit in well with the environment
Second third, to the "big tree" is well constructed and medium ascent but all stepped
Last third contains very steep declines with no steps and potential for slippery surface in wet weather
Waterfall and/or other features
Anne's cascades are a water feature of approximately 5 metres lengths over a gentle drop of 2 metres
The cascades are set in a nice, intimate gully providing a romantic setting with viewing platform and seat
"Big tree" messmate of 300 years, with viewing platform provides a big wow-factor
Interpretation
7 small and one large sign
Orientation signage was confusing and hard to see due to the faint colours
Interpretation is based on rainforest as a system but mainly on rainforest flora and little on fauna
Good finish with a strong conservation message on the last sign
Only walk that visitors can do at night time due to glow worms
______52 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
5. Mait's Rest (Parks Victoria)
Distance: 1.8 km loop
Time: 30 minutes
Grade: Easy
Points of difference to other short walks in the region
Highly accessible to large tourism market because of its location being within the hearltand of the Otway forests yet directly off the Great Ocean Road
Ease of access along well formed and flat tracks and duckboard sections
Arrival Experience
Set in forest directly accessible from the Great Ocean Road
Direction signage gives enough time before turn-off
Sealed car park with 25 car spaces
Arrival feels compressed as there is no sequence or build-up after turn-off from main road into car park
Setting
Mix of cool temperate rainforest with Eucalypt forest of mixed age, with the older ones having lost their crowns
Small creek
Many of the myrtle trees are covered in burls giving the impression of old forest
Dense undergrowth full of ferns and shrubs
Walking Track
1.8 km loop
Well drained and surfaced track along the entire track
The first 15 metres of the walking track and several other short sections are quite steep, with the remainder of the track providing an easy and flat walk
Well designed boardwalk and duckboard sections
One viewing platform and 5-6 short timber bridges
Waterfall and /or other features
No waterfall or other major features in comparison to Melba Gully or other waterfall walks
______53 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
One myrtle root stock of several hundred years provides a photo opportunity
Collection of striking trees due to their unusual formation and structure (particularly root structures)
Aerial roots and hollow tree trunks
Interpretation
Mix of standard and more complex artistic signs
Most of the interpretation focuses on the two types of forests and how they relate
Some site specific signs
6. Marriner's Falls (DSE)
Distance: 3 km return
Time: 45 minutes
Grade: Easy
Points of difference to other short walks in the region
Progressive arrival experience up the Barham Valley (from sea level to the foot of the Falls) which builds anticipation
Easy flat walk
Novel use of large flat boulders to cross Barham River five times
Arrival Experience
Scenic drive following the Barham River all the way through picturesque pasture landscape and progressive valley formation into forest
First 7 kms on sealed road from Apollo Bay and last 3 kms on unsurfaced track
Occasional cottages and farmhouses up to car park
Very attractive arrival at car park, with recently upgraded and formalised parking on unsurfaced ground and landscaped surrounds
Car park with 20 car spaces but no toilet facilities
Setting
Set in the Barham creek valley
Disturbed and regenerating mixed forest, due to previous use of the valley as pasture land which leaves major areas as open landscape
______54 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Closer to the waterfall very old tree ferns line the valley
Forest is dominated by blackwoods and old tree-ferns
Walking Track
3 km return track
Easy, flat, well surfaced and drained track, with two short steep sections
Crosses creek five times using big boulders as steps across
Track ends into pool at the base of the waterfall with no formalised viewing platform
Waterfall and/or other features
6-7 metre drop with low flow and pool at the base
attractive horseshoe canyon with sheer rock walls
Very old tree ferns are a special feature along the last third of the walk towards the approach to the waterfall
Interpretation
No orientation sign or interpretation signs along the walk
Only one sign indicating distance of one-way walk.
7. Carisbrook Falls (Parks Victoria)
Distance: 600 metres return
Time: 15 minutes
Grade: moderate
Points of difference to other short walks in the region
One of the largest cascade falls in the region with a 40 metre cascade, viewed from a high point across the valley
Impressive ocean views on return walk
Arrival Experience
Intense and busy driving along winding section of Great Ocean Road
Gravel car park with approximately 15 spaces immediately off the Great Ocean Road
Sign 300m before turn off when coming from Apollo Bay provides little warning
______55 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Setting
Dry forest dominated by casuarinas with coastal scrub
Walking Track
600 metres return
Steep ascent to viewing platform on compacted clay soils
Uneven surface due to exposed roots
No resting spots along the way nor seating at the top viewing platform
Small viewing platform area that fits a maximum of 5 people
Waterfall and/or other features
Impressive 40 metre cascade over a large rock face
Open area around cascades surrounded by tall eucalypt forest and long rock face to the east
Unique type of waterfall experience within the Otways region
Interpretation
No orientation sign or interpretation signs along the walk
Only one sign indicating distance of one-way walk and pictogram alerting to steep edges off the side of the walking track.
8. Stevensons Falls (Parks Victoria)
Not visited during regional assessment as it was closed due to track work (November 2002).
9. Little Aire Falls (DSE)
Not assessed during regional assessment as it is not a formalised walking track.
10. Sabine Falls (DSE)
Not assessed during regional assessment as it is not classified as a short walk up to one hour. It provides a 2 hour return walk and receives no more than 2000 visitors per year.
______56 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Appendix B – Raw data used to generate visitor forecasts
Visitation forecast for Otway Fly and Triplet Falls Year Annual forecast to Otway Annual forecast to Triplet Falls Annual forecast to Triplet Falls Annual forecast to Triplet Fly (revised to reflect (Otway Fly meets forecast, (Otway Fly meets forecast, Falls (no Otway Fly, 5% opening data) with 30% flow on) with 20% flow on) growth) 2002 0 60,000 60,000 60,000 2003 100,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 2004 225,000 97,500 75,000 30,000 2005 350,000 165,000 130,000 60,000 2006 400,000 183,000 143,000 63,000 2007 450,000 201,150 156,150 66,150
Intensity of use scenario where 20% of peak visitation to the Otway Fly visits Triplet Falls Year Maximum no. of cars Maximum no. of Minimum distance Minimum distance Maximum no of cars at at Triplet Falls visitors on site at any between walking between walking groups Otway Fly at any one carpark at any one one time6 groups7 on the 450 m on the 900 m loop (metres) time8 time loop (metres)
2002 15 41 30 60 0 2003 14 39 32 63 71 2004 32 87 14 28 161 2005 50 135 9 18 250 2006 56 152 8 16 281 2007 63 169 7 14 313
Intensity of use scenario where 30% of peak visitation to the Otway Fly visits Triplet Falls Year Maximum no. of cars Maximum no. of Minimum distance Minimum distance Maximum no of cars at at Triplet Falls visitors on site at any between walking between walking groups Otway Fly at any one carpark at any one one time groups on the 450 m on the 900 m loop (metres) time time loop (metres) 2002 15 41 30 60 0 2003 21 58 21 42 71 2004 48 130 9 19 161 2005 75 203 6 12 250 2006 84 228 5 11 281 2007 94 253 5 10 313
6 Assumes an average of 2.7 people per car
7 Calculated by dividing the number of groups (ie. number of cars) by the distance of the walking track
8 Assuming a base figure of 200 cars and 8 larger commercial buses and 8 medium size commercial buses by Year 3 of the operation being equal to 250 cars. Initial data from Otway Fly Pty Ltd “Application for Planning Permit” submission to Colac Otway Shire in 2002.
______57 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Maximum no. of cars at Triplet Falls carpark at any one time Year Scenario 1 assuming 20% flow-on Scenario 2 assuming 30 % flow-on from Physical capacity of carpark at from Otway Fly Otway Fly Triplet Falls
2002 15 15 25 2003 14 21 25 2004 32 48 25 2005 50 75 25 2006 56 84 25 2007 63 94 25
Maximum and ideal no. of visitors on site at any one time Year Maximum no. of visitors at any one Maximum no. of visitors at any one time, Ideal maximum no. of visitors at time, scenario 1 assuming 20% flow- scenario 2 assuming 30 % flow-on from any one time on from Otway Fly Otway Fly
2002 41 41 135 2003 39 58 135 2004 87 130 135 2005 135 203 135 2006 152 228 135 2007 169 253 135
Minimum distance between walking groups at Triplet Falls Year Minimum distance between walking Minimum distance between walking Ideal minimum distance between groups on the 450 m loop (metres) groups on the 450 m loop (metres) walking groups Scenario 1 (20% flow-on) Scenario 2 (30% flow-on)
2002 30 30 15 2003 32 21 15 2004 14 9 15 2005 9 6 15 2006 8 5 15 2007 7 5 15
______58 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Appendix C – Analysis of new walking tracks proposed
Proposed walking Analysis Recommendation tracks
VicTree to Triplet Provides the opportunity to transfer nodal function from Triplet Falls Develop Falls to VicTree, along with associated parking and amenities infrastructure Triggered by completion of Triplet Falls walk upgrade Provides a longer walk that provides sufficient features to maintain and reaching maximum interest and walking effort on the way down to Triplet Falls intensity of use and coupled with a reduction in vehicle Provides opportunity for growth and reinvigoration of local area access to Triplet Falls carpark
VicTree to Little Aire Duplicates existing walks, and only has value if it consolidates a Consider when the Otway Falls new nodal role for VicTree that avoids a nodal role at Triplet Falls Fly and Triplet Falls are fully functioning and a new visitor If developed, should provide a major contrasting walk experience to activity is needed Triplet Falls and the Otway Fly, and attract a different market need
Triplet Falls to Little May create undesirable pressure on Triplet Falls that will increase Consider as above Aire Falls crowding and pressure for further site upgrades and hardening at Triplet Falls
Otway Fly to Triplet Significant development impact and ongoing visitor impact Do not develop. Consider Falls along Youngs (trampling and compaction) all the way along Youngs Creek alternative connections. Creek rainforest (the most sensitive environment in the local area)
Potentially directs visitors away from the Otway Fly before they have completed the circuit and visited the retail facility.
Very long walk through the same environment, providing a disfunctional experience build-up between the two sites
Replication of similar walks in the region
Some perception of privatisation will be associated with the linkage and may also create an awkward operating environment if either party changes their support for the track at a later stage
Otway Fly to VicTree It interrupts the forest-based experience Do not develop
It presents a significant time addition with minimal reward (in terms of views and attractions along the way).
Barrier free access Large number of switchbacks required create a frustrating and Do not develop from carpark to Triplet subsequent poor quality walking experience Falls platform Large area required by switchbacks reduces visual and natural values and creates significant mass of hardened area
Re-route of Heritage Loss of interpretation of a major value of the site that adds soul to Do not develop Trail to exclude the waterfall and rainforest setting heritage sites
Crossing of Youngs Unnecessary duplication of the existing walking experience Do not develop Creek above and below Triplet Falls Visual impacts from both sides of Youngs Creek will diminish visitor experience of a natural environment, and diminish photography opportunities
Potential spreading of myrtle wilt
Consolidation of Establishment of a disfunctional loop walk requiring road access Do not develop walking track from that is of a lesser quality walking experience Browntown Track Bridge to Heritage Spreading of ongoing trampling and compaction visitor impact loop walk
______59 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Appendix D - Visitor management options for Triplet Falls
Characteristics Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Regional position One of the prettiest waterfalls The premier waterfall experience The premier waterfall experience One of many great short walks in within the Otway region within the Great Ocean Road hinterland the Otways A must see with Melba Gully A complementary walk to the Otway Fly Essence of Informal independent access to Informal independent access to Independent access to the Otway Fly experience site site and / or VicTree site(unsealed section of Phillips Track is closed), Rustic short steep walk to Triplet New longer and gentler descent Falls walk to Triplet Falls via lower with the choice of a shuttle from one or both parking areas, and a walk cascades, offering medium On peak days it is very crowded from VicTree to Triplet Falls distance views from several (difficult parking, walking groups viewing platforms above the New longer and gentler descent walk close together and viewing Youngs Creek escarpment to Triplet Falls via lower cascades, platform always busy) On peak days the carpark is full offering close views from boardwalks and several viewing platforms above and the walk is busy but groups and below the Youngs Creek are spread out by the longer walk and the additional platforms escarpment providing choices to pause and VicTree to Triplet Falls walk includes enjoy a loop return below the VicTree Ridge back to VicTree On peak days the existing Triplet Falls carpark only contains a waiting shuttle bus, and the walk has many visitors spread out across the walk and platforms Parking Formalise existing carpark Formalise existing carpark Closure of unsealed section of Phillips Track Regular overflow parking along 15 extra spaces alongside road roadside and crowding New parking area at the Otway Fly Occasional overflow parking along roadside and / or VicTree site Charge for shuttle Walking track Upgrade Youngs Creek section Construct a new descent track to Construct a new descent track to upgrades above Triplet Falls to fenced Triplet Falls through longer but Triplet Falls through longer but boardwalk ( to minimise visitor slighter decline to cascades slighter decline to cascades through trampling) and extend further through tall forest tall forest along Creek as per Hughes & Construct a new viewing platform Construct two new viewing platforms Schmid (2002a) report that features cascade below that feature cascades below Triplet Triplet Falls Falls, connected by boardwalk that Reconstruct Triplet Falls viewing takes visitors over the escarpment and brings visitors close to first platform to increase view field cascade and individual space Reconstruct Triplet Falls viewing Upgrade Youngs Creek section as per previous option platform to increase view field and individual space Remove small platform above Triplet Falls and reconstruct second platform to increase view field and provide more individual space Construct a new platform to feature the chute above Triplet Falls Upgrade Youngs Creek section as per previous option
______60 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Visitor management options for Triplet Falls (cont)
Characteristics Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Interpretation Remove forest signage on track New orientation sign providing New orientation sign providing more descent and install new more detail on the walking detail on the walking experience and interpretation signs about Triplet experience and difficulty difficulty Falls on the main viewing Remove forest signage on track Remove forest signage on track platform descent descent New waterfall themed New waterfall themed interpretation interpretation signs on viewing signs on viewing platforms platforms New sawmill themed interpretation signs spread more widely along the heritage trail (before, alongside and after the heritage relics) Toilets Modest expansion of composting Upgrade to pump out toilets Minimal change, reliance on visitors toilets using the Otway Fly or new toilets at VicTree parking area Otway Fly Minimal Modest, based on sites assisting Major based on commercial shuttle Partnership each other, though some service, the new walking track attraction competition will occur network and cooperative marketing Marketing Reposition Triplet Falls as a Reposition Triplet Falls as the Reposition Triplet Falls as the moderately difficult walk, as one premier waterfall experience in premier waterfall experience in the of a wide range of other walks in the Otway region, within the Great Ocean Road hinterland the region specific Otway region marketing Promote Triplet Falls strongly within material Promote Melba Gully, Maits Rest Great Ocean Road marketing and the Otway Fly together Promote Triplet Falls with Melba material and the Southern Touring (before Triplet Falls) Gully, Maits Rest together Route Cooperatively market Triplet Falls and the Otway Fly Visitor Minimalist commitment, waiting to Modest commitment to be Solid commitment to strategically management see what happens with the proactive within a regional solve Triplet Falls issues, and create focus / budget Otway Fly context but mostly independent growth potential through an of the Otway Fly alternative visitor hub and regional Low capital and maintenance context Modest capital and maintenance Significant capital and modest maintenance
______61 Visitor Management Plan for the Triplet Falls Area of the Otway Ranges, May 2004
Appendix E - Preliminary Design Layout Plan for Triplet Falls
______62