The park area since colonisation
Exploration of the Central Coast area began soon after the arrival of the first fleet. In 1788-1789 Brisbane Water, Mullet Creek and Mooney Mooney Creek were explored. Settlement along the Hawkesbury River began in 1794.
The plateau land was easily settled. The area originally reserved as national park was limited to a remnant area of Crown Land on the plateau in the catchments of Mooney Mooney, Patonga and Mullet creeks. Because of its ruggedness the lower and middle reaches of Mooney Mooney Creek remain relatively unsettled.
History of the park
Brisbane Water National Park is one of the oldest national parks in NSW. The initial dedication was made in 1959 as a Reserve for Public Recreation. It's also one of the original 12 areas dedicated as national park by the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1967.
