Developing a strategic approach to sustainable activities on park lands, along with strong partnerships and promotions, will make sure our parks maintain their appeal to existing and new visitors.

We're seeing outstanding results in the delivery of high quality visitor experiences to encourage more people to come and see what’s on offer. The Parks Eco Pass program was launched in July, providing a more structured system for the licensing of commercial tour operators.

In key destinations around the State, visitor facilities have seen dramatic improvements through upgrades and enhancements. The Wentworth Falls Lookout and visitor day use area in the Blue Mountains National Park have both had a facelift, and new visitor infrastructure and facilities are now available in Kosciuszko National Park. A sensitive refurbishment of the historic beach cottages at Cape Byron State Conservation Area has also been completed along with new camping areas in Yanga National Park.

Partnerships with government, business and the community have seen the delivery of new and innovative visitor experiences, such as the inaugural Sydney Harbour Island Hopping festival in October and the Sculpture in the Gaol outdoor exhibition at Trial Bay Gaol on the mid north coast. These events provide exciting opportunities to engage new visitors to our parks while giving existing visitors another reason to come.

Encouraging a healthy and active engagement with our natural places is critical to ensuring a healthy, cared for environment into the future. The link is one that will be explored in depth at the inaugural International Healthy Parks Healthy People Congress in Melbourne in 2010, which you can read about in this issue.

It's a privilege to take on the mantle for such a dynamic and diverse portfolio and I look forward to seeing new projects come together and delivering broader community support for our spectacular national parks.

I hope you enjoy this latest issue of Explore.

The Hon. John Robertson MLC
Minister for Climate Change and the Environment
Minister for Energy
Minister for Corrective Services
Minister for Public Sector Reform
Special Minister of State

In an exciting first for a NSW reserve, Blue Mountains National Park received the Gold Award for Ecotourism, while the multi-award winning Lane Cove River Tourist Park picked up the Silver Award in both the Ecotourism and Tourist and Caravan Park categories, and the Bronze Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism.

Popular Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Holiday Accommodation in Myall Lakes National Park collected the Gold Award for New Tourism Development, an outstanding success for the lessee team managing the year-old business, and a credit to NPWS’s sensitive restoration of the heritage cottages.

Jenolan Caves in Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve was awarded Silver in the Tourist Attractions category for its Magic of Jenolan experience, and Bronze in the Adventure Tourism category for its Adventure Underground experience.

Congratulations to NPWS-licensed operators Tri State Safaris for their Gold Award in Adventure Tourism and Silver Award in the Tour and/or Transport Operators category; and to Sydney Seaplanes for winning the Gold Award in the Tour and/or Transport Operators category.

Well done also to TreeTop Adventure Park for their New Tourism Development Bronze Award. The company is opening its second adventure park in the NPWS-managed Blue Gum Hills Regional Park in December. And finally, to Booderee National Park on the south coast. The Commonwealth-managed park received two Gold Awards, winning the Tourist Attractions and Indigenous Business categories.

Presented by the Tourism Industry Council NSW and supported by Tourism NSW, the annual NSW Tourism Awards showcase the state’s finest tourism operators and celebrate creativity, professionalism and innovation within the industry.

Winners will now progress as finalists to the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, to be announced in February 2010.
Click here for the full list of winners and finalists.

Sydney Harbour Island Hopping linked four of the harbour islands on one ferry ticket during the first three weekends of October, with each location offering unique experiences, including intriguing military heritage and dining at Fort Denison, mythical Indigenous and Jurassic creatures at Shark (an entertaining twist on the island's animal quarantine past); traditional Aboriginal dancing, sand painting and hand art with the Tribal Warriors on Clark Island, and fascinating naval history at Garden Island. 

Visitors received an Island Hopping Passport that could be stamped on arrival at each island and which provided information on Sydney Harbour National Park and other park experiences.  

The popularity of Island Hopping was evident in the large number of tickets selling out in advance.

In the final week of the event, pretty Rodd Island at Iron Cove proved a charming setting for a rekindling of the romance and sophistication of the early 1900s, as tea dances brought the island's outstanding dance hall to life to the tune of a seven-piece orchestra.

Clark Island's promise of stunning views, games, prizes and live music at the Perfect Picnic on Sunday October 25 also proved a winning formula, with tickets selling out. The weather became a show-stopper however when storms and heavy rains forced a last-minute cancellation of the much-anticipated event.     

"Island Hopping is the result of a stong collaboration for the delivery of a unique experience celebrating Sydney's fascinating colonial and cultural history and the magnificent natural beauty of the harbour," said Head of NSW Parks and Wildlife Sally Barnes.

"Sydneysiders and visitors have had a special opportunity to get out and enjoy the harbour in a new and engaging way and we've been bowled over by the positive response and demand for the events to take place again in the future.

"I'd like to take the opportunity to thank our staff and partners for their effort and commitment in delivering this exciting new experience, while carefully managing the conservation values of the islands."

NPWS's Sydney Harbour Island Hopping partners include Events NSW, Cambridge Events, Captain Cook Cruises, Ticketmaster, the Royal Australian Navy, Tribal Warrior, TE Catering, Carriageworks and Erth theatre group, and numerous other transport and event suppliers.

For more information on Sydney Harbour Island Hopping, visit www.harbourislandhopping.com or www.cravesydney.com

NPWS supported the famil with on-the-ground expertise and park tours. Tourism NSW, Blue Mountains Tourism, Central NSW Tourism, the New England North West Regional Tourism Organisation and the Taronga Conservation Society were also closely involved with the visit.

CEO of Quadrant Australia Peter Lloyd said the famil was an outstanding success that highlighted the excellent potential for NSW to tap into the US birdwatching market through dedicated tour products and experiences.

Mr Lloyd said positive outcomes were already in the pipeline, with at least two members of the famil planning to have Australian birding programs on their books within the year and another releasing expressions of interest to the US market for an Australian tour.

It is anticipated that the US birding programs developed for Australia will be endorsed by the American Birding Association, which is also developing ties with Australia's peak birding organisation, Birds Australia.

Birdwatching tourism is a high yield, special interest market that generates more than $12 billion in revenue in the US each year, with between 40 and 60 million Americans involved in birding programs.

Since the website went live on 25 July, thousands of people have visited to view documents, make comments and discuss issues in the forums.

A series of community sessions on management of the park have also been held in recent months, including a community day on Clark Island, a youth forum on Goat Island, and workshops for lessees, tourism operators and locals.

"Sydney Harbour National Park is a world-renowned attraction and the green heart of our city. Through this process, we want to ensure that as many people as possible have the chance to have their say in the drafting of the plan, as well as in the formal consultation period," said Project Manager Margaret Bailey.

"It's been an exciting process and one which will continue until the draft plan is adopted by the Minister. We hope to keep communications going after the plan is finished as well so that we can continue our relationship with the people that use Sydney Harbour National Park."

Sydney Harbour National Park contains some of the last bushland remnants of Sydney's original ecosystem, spread across the north and south of the harbour and its five islands. It includes more than 70 Aboriginal sites, 200 historic buildings, numerous beaches and sites of important military and early settlement heritage.

The draft Plan of Management is expected to be completed for public exhibition by early 2010 and will look at conservation of native vegetation, and protection of threatened plant and animal species as well as world class recreational facilities that can be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Visitors can also go to the site to view and have their say on the draft Goat Island Conservation Management Plan.

For more information, visit www.sydneyharbourpom.net.au

Far West Regional Manager Steve Millington said the Agreement sets out principles and guidelines for the co-operative management of the park.

"Shared management ensures that Aboriginal people have the opportunity to participate in planning and decision making, while maintaining access to parks for everyone.

"Representative members from NPWS, the Paakantji and Ngiyampaa tribes, neighbours and the shire will form an advisory committee to discuss and plan park management.

"The cultural association of the Mutthi Mutthi tribe and their contribution to the achievements of co-management were also acknowledged in the Agreement."

The second Mungo Youth Festival also took place in September, bringing together 100 Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students from northern Victoria and south-west NSW to participate in activities around bush foods and medicines, mega fauna, traditional law and initiation, traditional trading and climate change, led by Paakantji and Ngiyampaa elders, scientists, pastoralists and NPWS staff.

Mungo National Park is renowned for its remarkable landscape and its important Aboriginal culture, which includes priceless archaeological finds such as the 40,000+ year-old Mungo man and Mungo woman, some of the oldest remains of modern humans on earth.

This year marks 30 years since Mungo was gazetted as a national park following its purchase by the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife.

Participants in the program progress through initial accredited training towards recognised TAFE NSW qualifications in tourism, with the opportunity to define cultural product on their own Country and trial tours under the umbrella of the NPWS Aboriginal Discovery program. To date, more than 190 Aboriginal people from 13 communities around the State have completed the training.

The NSW Training Awards recognise and celebrate excellence within the NSW vocational education and training system.

For information, email NPWS Aboriginal Education Officer Jody Orcher or phone 02 9585 6883.

The company: Ecoline Pty Ltd trading as TreeTop Adventure Park

The experience: TreeTop Adventure Park offers unique, eco-friendly adventure for families, students, sports lovers and corporate groups. More than 80 challenges await high above the forest floor, including 18 flying foxes, suspension bridges and many other exciting activities. Participants move at their own pace through courses designed at varying levels of difficulty, from a children's course for kids over three right through to experiences for the adventure lover.

The philosophy: The Park aims to give people a unique experience and a fresh perspective on the bush. The key focus for the business is sustainable nature tourism - the trees are the real stars and their health and integrity is paramount. The company operates strict environmental guidelines, including designing structures that allow unrestricted tree growth and safe wildlife passage, no cutting or drilling of trees, no noise pollution, 100% solar energy, complete waste management, colour integration of materials into the natural surrounds, and interpretive signage to encourage a better understanding and awareness of the forest.

The location: TreeTop Adventure Park is in Blue Gum Hills Regional Park, Minmi, 14 kilometres from Newcastle and 3 minutes from the F3 Freeway.

The details:
W: www.treetopadventurepark.com.au
T: 02 4026 7617
E: bluegumhills@ttap.com.au

Visit the NPWS website to find licensed operators offering great experiences in NSW national parks.

The Congress is expected to attract more than 1000 delegates from around the world and a wide range of sectors including ecology and park management, recreation and tourism, community development, urban planning and health. 

Visit www.healthyparkshealthypeoplecongress.org for more information.

 

Ms Waters said she was first attracted to drawing as a child and always carried her sketchbook in her school bag.

"I was raised on a sheep and cattle property in the New England tablelands and knew from a young age that I wanted to work with plants or animals.

"So when I found the Natural History Illustration degree program at a careers market I was really excited - plants, animals and drawings, all in one degree," she said.

The University of Newcastle's Bachelor of Natural History Illustration is unique to Australia.

Ms Waters, whose winning illustrations of a gecko, insect and possum were described by judges as 'demonstrating a confident understanding of the subject', said she enjoyed exploring the effect of light on a subject.

"I see the raw beauty in subjects when they are lit and the challenge is to retain the beauty and the essence of subjects in my illustrations."

The bequest has helped more than 25 students progress their careers in wildlife illustration. Entrants are judged on the quality of their artwork, research and an interview.

Ongoing improvements to interpretation and upgrades to the extensive walking track system promise to further enhance the visitor experience at the popular complex.

Minnamurra, with its enchanting rainforest and waterfalls, has been a major destination for more than 100 years. The Centre is open seven days a week from 9:00am to 5:00pm. For more information, phone 02 4236 0469.

 

 

 

The first of what will become an annual event, Sculpture in the Gaol attracted the support of many local businesses and drew thousands of locals and tourists over the period, including more than 800 visitors during a family weekend in October.

Visitors were able to cast a vote for their favourite sculpture, with the People's Choice prize, sponsored by NAB, announced at the closing party on October 18.

Trial Bay Gaol is located in Arakoon State Conservation Area and hosts a number of events throughout the year. For more information, phone 02 6566 6168.

 

NPWS Area Manager Mark Fosdick said the concert provided a unique opportunity for visitors to experience and appreciate the beauty of the park, while careful planning ensured a minimal impact on the park's regular inhabitants.

This year's line-up also included exciting country rock duo The Harmonators, country pop rock act Jonah's Road, and the Western Plains Big Band.

Crooked Mountain Concert was started in 2005 in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Warrumbungle National Park. It is held on the second Saturday of November each year.

6 December	Goat Island: Sunset on Sydney Harbour Visit Goat Island for an afternoon including tours and kids Christmas crafts, and enjoy a picnic while the sun sets and the city lights up. Bookings recommended, phone 02 9247 5033 or visit our website for details.
26 December	Boxing Day on Shark Island Enjoy sensational views of one of the world's most famous ocean events as NPWS opens up Shark Island on Sydney Harbour National Park for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. BYO picnic lunch. Kids activities throughout the day. For tickets and information, phone 02 9247 5033.
31 December	New Year's Eve on Sydney Harbour Enjoy front row seats to Sydney's spectacular NYE celebrations on one of the city's harbour islands or foreshore areas. For tickets and more information, phone 02 9247 5033 or visit our website.
Summer 09-10	NSW National Parks Discovery Walks, Talks and Tours Discover your parks this Summer on a guided walk, talk or tour - designed for visitors of all ages, tours run in parks around the State. Visit our website to find a tour in a park near you.
Summer 09-10	Fort Denison Sunset Sessions Throughout Summer, Fort Denison Café and Restaurant will be hosting the Friday Sunset Lounge and Sundays 'til Sunset - an opportunity for visitors to enjoy a relaxing afternoon with music, meals, canapés and cocktails on the harbour. For information, phone 02 9358 1999 or email fortdenison@tecatering.com.au
11 - 16 April	Healthy Parks Healthy People Congress This international event will explore the vital links between nature and society's health and wellbeing. Visit the website for details.

For tours and activities taking place in national parks around the state, visit our website.

Volunteers wrap up a whale of a season

With another whale watching season behind us, NPWS would like to thank the Cape Solander Whale Volunteers - both past and present - who have contributed close to 1500 hours of their time to ensure the success of the Cape Solander Whale Volunteer Program at Kamay Botany Bay National Park.

The volunteers do a magnificent job every year recording whale numbers migrating up the coast.

This season 1,905 Humpback whales, three Southern Right whales and three Minke whales were recorded, a 28 per cent increase on last year. A record-breaking 89 Humpbacks were observed on just one day in early July.

The volunteer program runs each year from 24 May to 31 July. If you'd like to find out more about the Whale Volunteer Program, email Ranger Jason Bishop or phone 02 9668 2000.

Banding together to protect threatened species

NPWS on the Far North Coast is working with Country Energy, the Tweed Osprey Group and a local ecologist to band and monitor Tweed's osprey population as the breeding season gets underway.

A threatened species in NSW, ospreys often nest high up on power poles, creating a risk both for the birds and for the electricity network. To help manage the situation, Country Energy is setting up nesting poles for the birds to use instead, and making available an elevated work platform and operator to enable the banding of chicks in lofty nests.

Volunteers from the Tweed Bird Osprey Group monitor nests along the Tweed Coast each breeding season, keeping tabs on how many chicks successfully fledge.

NPWS Ranger Allan Goodwin said the banding program allowed the team to identify individual birds from a distance, find out where they end up, how far they disperse and often how long they live - important information for the long term conservation of the species.

 

 

 

Sydney Morning Herald, 10 October 2009, 'Shelter in the wild' - From a historic homestead in the State's far west to cosy beach cabins on the south coast, some of the treasures of NSW's national park accommodation go on show.

Daily Telegraph, 10 October 2009, Best Weekends 'Harbour Military History' - Sydney's fascinating military heritage is ready for inspection on this tour of several sites, including Fort Denison and Middle Head in Sydney Harbour National Park and Bare Island in Kamay Botany Bay National Park.

Sydney Morning Herald, 3 October 2009, Spectrum 'Island Hopping' - Sydney Harbour Island Hopping comes to town, for the first time ever showcasing four of Sydney's harbour islands on one ferry ticket over three weekends in October.

Sydney Weekender, 3 October, Channel 7 - Sydney's harbour islands are on show as the team goes Island Hopping.

Australian Traveller, Issue 29 Sept/Oct, 100 Great Australian Holiday Homes - East Kunderang Homestead in Oxley Wild Rivers NP, Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Cottages in Myall Lakes NP, Partridge Cottage in Byron Bay SCA and Green Cape Lighthouse Assistant Keepers Cottages in Ben Boyd NP make the cut as truly great holiday homes in this Australian Traveller special.

Sydney Weekender, 26 September 2009, Channel 7 - Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Holiday Accommodation is on the itinerary when the crew heads to Seal Rocks.

Sydney Morning Herald, 24 September 2009, the(sydney)magazine - Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse and accommodation are in the spotlight as heritage treasure meets unique coastal getaway.

The Age & Sydney Morning Herald, 19 September 2009, Traveller 'Deep in the valley' - East Kunderang Homestead offers up a splendid colonial retreat in the dramatic Oxley Wild Rivers NP.

Guide to the Good Life, 5 September 2009, Channel 7 and Prime - The program that shows you how to get the most out of life heads to extraordinary outback NSW for a visit to the unique Yanga and Mungo National Parks. Click here to find out more and watch the video.

Daily Telegraph, August 2009, 'The Science of the goats' - NPWS offers up a packed program of science from the bush during NSW Science Week.