A popular pedestrian and cycling bridge on the Fernleigh Track has been forced to close after vandals deliberately set it on fire in a late-night attack, dealing another blow to Lake Macquarie's public infrastructure.
Bridge Destroyed by Deliberate Fire
The wooden bridge, which connects Burwood Road and Whitebridge, had its western side severely damaged by a fire that was lit sometime on Tuesday night, December 30, 2025. Lake Macquarie City Council was alerted to the vandalism on Wednesday and immediately dispatched crews to the scene.
Authorities report that the fire fortunately burned itself out before it could spread to the surrounding bushland. This incident comes just weeks after the same section of the Fernleigh Track, from Redhead to Whitebridge, reopened on December 12 following a six-day closure due to a bushfire.
Detour in Place as Council Assesses Damage
In response to the attack, council workers have closed the compromised bridge and established a temporary detour for track users. A gravel path running alongside the bridge now serves as a low-speed alternative route.
A full structural assessment is required to determine the extent of the damage and the necessary repairs. The council is urging all cyclists and walkers using the Fernleigh Track to exercise caution while the detour is in operation.
A String of Costly Vandalism Hits the Region
This arson attack is the latest in a disturbing series of vandalism incidents plaguing Lake Macquarie City Council in recent weeks.
- Earlier in December, 23 sandstone blocks, each weighing 1.1 tonnes, were stolen from The Esplanade at Speers Point. The theft caused an estimated $10,000 in losses.
- On December 12, two youths, aged 11 and 14, allegedly broke into the Hunter Sports Centre in Glendale. They are accused of causing over $100,000 in damage, which included slashing Olympic-standard gymnastics equipment, cutting data cabling, and spraying fire extinguisher foam throughout the building.
Police are investigating the bridge fire and are appealing to the public for information. Anyone with details about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
