Sealers Cove boardwalk rebuild

Project status

Last updated: December 2025

Construction to replace the walking track started in December 2025.
Works to prepare the track continue to take place.
Envirotechniques has been awarded the contract to rebuild the walking track.
Final permits and approvals were granted in late November 2025.
Weather permitting, the track is expected to be completed and open to the public in autumn 2026.

The project

We are replacing the Sealers Cove Boardwalk and reopening the track.

Sealers Cove is a highlight at the Wilsons Promontory National Park. With surrounding hiking trails, campground and stunning beach, the cove is popular with visitors to the park.

During 2021, successive storms and floods hit the Prom and caused significant and widespread damage. This included to the Sealers Cove Boardwalk, which provides a connection to the Tidal River visitor hub across an otherwise impassable swamp.

The boardwalk was over 40 years old; and although sections were repaired after the flooding in 2011, the damage caused during 2021 is beyond repair.

A subsequent engineering assessment found that the entire two kilometres of the Sealers Cove Boardwalk needed to be replaced.

In late 2023, funding was announced to rebuild the boardwalk.

This is a major and complex project. It replaces two kilometres of boardwalk over sensitive terrain while carefully managing the landscape.

Assessments completed for the project cover:

Coastal hazards
Aboriculture
Hydrology
Ecology
Acid sulphate soils
Geotechnical
Cultural heritage.

Above: Park Rangers assessing flood damage on the Sealers Cove boardwalk.

Project timeline

We started works in December 2025. We expect to reopen the trail in late autumn 2026, pending weather conditions during construction.

The below infographic shows the process related to delivery of this project.

A timeline of the process to rebuilt Sealers Cove boardwalk

Environment and cultural heritage management

Wilsons Promontory National Park is a place of outstanding conservation, recreation and wilderness values.

The Prom is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape where Traditional Owners retain deep connections to Country – both material and intangible.

Parks Victoria undertakes assessment and studies, and obtains necessary permits and approvals, before delivering projects at the Prom.

Access changes

There is currently no public access to the boardwalk.

Access to Sealers Cove is still possible but via a 25km hike from Telegraph Saddle.

Before visiting any park, people are advised to always check the park page on the Parks Victoria website for any changed conditions, or to call the Parks Victoria Information Centre: 13 1963.

FAQs

Why is the Sealers Cove walking track being rebuilt?
The track has suffered severe storm and flood damage. The rebuild will restore the track to a safer and more resilient standard so visitors can enjoy this iconic walk again.

What will the boardwalk be like?
The new Sealers Cove Boardwalk will use Reinforced Plastic (FRP). This creates a sturdy walking experience, with fewer maintenance requirements. This material has been successfully used at both Lily Pilly Gully and to Waterloo Bay. The designs include a boardwalk that will be slightly wider, higher above ground and water, and will be constructed using materials that will be more appropriate to aquatic and marine environment.

Who are constructing the boardwalk?
After a competitive tender, Parks Victoria has awarded Environtechniques the contract to rebuild the boardwalk.

Envirotechniques are a Victorian environmental construction company, with expertise in ecology, horticulture and ecosystem care. For over 30 years they have built trails, constructed boardwalks and installed bridges throughout Victoria, including many in the Grampians (Gariwerd) and Wilsons Promontory National Parks.

When did construction start?
Construction is now underway following extensive planning, environmental assessments, and preparatory works.

How long will the rebuild take?
Track works will continue through the first half of 2026, with the project expected to be completed in late autumn.

Is the Sealers Cove track open during construction?
No. The track remains closed for safety reasons while construction is underway.

What improvements are being made?
The project includes:
- Upgraded track surfaces
- Increasing the height of the boardwalk to withstand heavy rainfall and coastal flooding

These upgrades will make the track safer, more durable, and more sustainable long-term.

Will construction impact wildlife or the surrounding environment?
Construction crews are operating under strict environmental protections to ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife and sensitive habitats.

Why has it taken time to begin the rebuild?
The damage was extensive and required detailed planning, engineering assessments, environmental approvals, and coordination to ensure the new track will be resilient to future weather impacts.

Can visitors access Sealers Cove in any other way during construction?
No. The Sealers Cove track is a construction site. There is no access along the walking track until works are complete. Alternative hikes within Wilsons Promontory National Park remain open.

Where can I find updates on the project?
Progress updates will be shared on the Parks Victoria website as works continue.

Staying updated

Information about this project will be maintained on this page.

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