Thomson Hay Project

Dharnya Trails Masterplan ​- Barmah National Park

Client

Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation

Collaboration

Our role was to prepare a plan of the Dharnya trails network including proposed seating areas, exclusion areas for revegetation / land management, fencing of middens, and to develop concepts of a bird hide / deck and a picnic area with shelter and seating.

Our design was informed by walking each trail with Elders of the Yorta Yorta Nation and mapping the trail alignment and key features using a hand-held GIS device. This collaborative process put the First Nations people in charge of the design outcomes.   


Outcomes of the masterplan included:

  • Path alignment to create accessible areas, showcase views and park features and protect areas of cultural significance
  • Siting rest notes with seating at regular intervals with good views
  • Including wayfinding signage such as trail heads and wayfinding bollards
  • Interpretive signage outlining key stories to be told in place
  • A day area to be used by visitors and tour groups
  • A future bird hide overlooking the lake
  • A staged approach to construction with methods suitable for the National Park setting and construction by the Yorta Yorta construction team.