After 95 years service, the National Pass track was tired and fraying badly in places.

So the National Parks and Wildlife Service closed it in 2002 to start a $1.5 million restoration project.

Helicopters deposited many tons of sandstone blocks and timber sleeper steps along the trail as a carefully chosen team set to work.

Of major concern was the Grand Stairway, Australia's tallest outdoor staircase.
Its 173 stone-cut steps zig-zag up the face of a 90 metre cliff.

Heritage stonemasons perched on the cliff face to set sandstone 'inserts' into steps eroded over the years and 'dished' by walkers' feet.

After several years of painstaking reconstruction, visitors were astounded at the result – a much safer and stronger walking trail than the pioneer track builders could ever have achieved.

Heritage Conservation Awards

In 2008 the project won major heritage conservation awards from UNESCO and the National Trust of Australia.

On these firm foundations, the National Pass entered its second century of service for the enjoyment of discerning walkers from Australia and abroad.