The Skywalk project, which involved the construction of two walkways extending over the edge of the Murchison River Gorge, has opened in Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia.
The cantilevered steel structures, which are anchored deep into the sandstone, allow visitors to look down into the gorge through steel mesh.
Skywalk project officer with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Rory Chapple said the 100-metre drop is not as big as that at the Grand Canyon, but the Kalbarri project does rival its United States' namesake in size.
"[The bigger walkway] extends 25 metres out over the gorge edge, which is further than the Grand Canyon Skywalk in America, so it is really quite spectacular," Mr Chapple said.
"More than 1,000 tonnes of sandstone was excavated out of the top of the gorge to put the concrete beams in and they have been anchored deep down into the sandstone at the back and that holds the whole structure into place.
"So, it is quite complex engineering."
In a statement, WA Environment Minister Stephen Dawson said the $24 million project would boost local tourism which had been hit hard by travel shutdowns during the coronavirus pandemic.
"The Kalbarri Skywalk is projected to inject up to $73 million in additional expenditure over the next decade into the local economy and create jobs for tourism businesses, accommodation providers and associated service industries," Mr Dawson said.
"There has never been a better time to get out and explore all that Western Australia has to offer."
Art by the local Indigenous Nanda people is incorporated in the design of the project including play areas and the walkway leading to the platforms.
The Skywalk platforms are accessible for people using wheelchairs.
