Wilf Allen Walk reopens built back even better following flooding

Published on 26 September 2025

Singleton residents and visitors can once again enjoy the much-loved Wilf Allen Walk, with the riverside path officially reopened following major restoration works to repair severe flood damage and stabilise the Hunter River bank.

Between 2020 and 2022, Singleton experienced a series of major flood events that caused significant washouts along the Hunter River at Rose Point Park, James Cook Park, and Civic Park. The Wilf Allen Walk was among the most heavily impacted, with large scallops carved into the riverbank, loss of established vegetation, destruction of the popular natural pathway and exposure of underground services.

Singleton Council secured $850,000 in grant funding to deliver erosion control and restoration works to bring the walk back into safe public use and safeguard the area for the future.

Justin Fitzpatrick-Barr, Singleton Council’s General Manager, said the reopening of Wilf Allen Walk means the track is once again available to the community, including Singleton Parkrun, which will resume its weekly Saturday morning events along the Walk from this weekend.

“The Wilf Allen Walk is a much-loved part of our riverfront and has been sorely missed while it was closed,” he said.

“Thanks to the support of grant funding, we’ve not only been able to restore the walk but also deliver long-term erosion controls and new planting that will help protect our riverbank into the future.

“It’s wonderful to welcome back our walkers, runners and Parkrun participants to enjoy this special place – built back even better than before.”

Restoration project works included erosion and sediment control measures, earthworks to stabilise the bank, protection of established trees, planting of flood-resilient native trees, new turfing along the walk and the installation of new signage.

Protective bunting will remain in place for several weeks to allow the new plantings to establish along the riverbank.