National Parks and Wildlife Service - Explore NSW - Vol 3 August 08
newsletter low-down

Welcome to Explore - the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service's (NPWS) tourism & partnerships newsletter. Explore showcases NPWS's sustainable tourism activities, profiles successful tourism products and partnerships, communicates happenings and events, tourism and visitor trends and general visitor news.

As a recipient of Explore, you join stakeholders in the NSW tourism, conservation, hospitality, property, transport, visitation and recreation industries, the NSW Government as well as staff of the Department of Environment and Climate Change - as NPWS is part of the larger Department.

Walls of China

in this issue
In this issue, we report on our recent Tourism and Partnerships Conference and congratulate the winners of the inaugural Tourism and Partnerships Awards, look at our involvement in some big celebrations, profile a few of the exciting new stays, tours and experiences operating in our national parks, and tell you how you can win a copy of the latest issue of Australian Geographic. Keep an eye out for the next edition of Explore in late October.
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contents
parks prove a hit with pilgrims
demand study to provide new insights
cottages in spotlight for lighthouse weekend
smooth operators
tourism + partnerships conference and awards = a bright idea
'respect our culture' certification program = a new system
looking for a special getaway?
did you know?
npws + tourism nsw = a natural partnership
new lease on life for rainforest café
npws celebrates NAIDOC
woolgoolga creek back on track
harbour garrison goes gourmet
concert rocks the warrumbungles
parks in the press
congratulations to...
the last word
about NPWS

parks prove a hit with pilgrims

It's the biggest youth event in the world and with more than 220,000 registered pilgrims - including 110,000 from 170 nations - it was also the largest event ever hosted in Australia.

World Youth Day came to Sydney over 15 - 20 July, providing NPWS with a unique opportunity to highlight to thousands of domestic and international visitors the spectacular national parks on Sydney's doorstep and beyond.

World youth day pilgrims

NPWS staff and volunteers brought parks to the pilgrims with a week-long showcase of our natural, cultural and historic heritage outside Cadman's Cottage in Circular Quay - a thriving hub for WYD activities.

Visitors to the outdoor exhibition were able to participate in demonstrations of Aboriginal crafts, bush foods and music with Aboriginal Discovery Rangers, find out where to go and what to do in national parks around Sydney and the state, and interact with native flora and fauna displays in one of our mobile Discovery interps trailers.

NPWS Discovery mascot, Wanda the Wombat made several appearances at the exhibition during the week, each time proving a huge hit with visitors of all ages.

Discovery mascot Wanda the Wombat...was a huge hit with visitors”

Fort Denison, one of Sydney Harbour's most significant historic sites, also played host to journalists and photographers from the Vatican Press Office. NPWS guides explained the history of the island's iconic Martello Tower while TE Catering served up a great lunch at the island café.

National parks proved a highly popular destination for pilgrims throughout the period, with bus loads of WYD visitors arriving at parks around the state for sightseeing, bushwalking and Discovery activities.

Pilgrims visited parks as far north as Byron Bay - where a large international group participated in NAIDOC celebrations, whale watching and a lighthouse visit, to Bournda National Park in the state's far south - where a group of pilgrims from Samoa, Papua New Guinea and East Timor participated in a bushwalk and Aboriginal Discovery activities. Pilgrims also visited Outback NSW, with Kinchega National Park hosting a group of young French pilgrims for a Discovery experience.

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demand study to provide new insights

NPWS will shortly commence an in-depth study on nature-based outdoor recreation experiences.

It will investigate what experiences people are seeking, their motivations and preferences and the barriers to their participation. This information will help us to improve the quality and promotion of nature-based experiences available in NSW's national parks.

Cyclists on beach

Understanding demand for nature-based outdoor recreation will also assist us to plan for sustainable visitation while identifying and prioritising new opportunities to increase the diversity of experiences available.

NPWS has called for tender applications from interested parties to conduct the research. For more information on this tender opportunity contact Narelle King on 02 9585 6538 or email: narelle.king@environment.nsw.gov.au. Tender submissions must be received by 9:30am on Monday, 8 September 2008.

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cottages in spotlight for lighthouse weekend

Visitors got a sneak peek inside the exciting new holiday cottages at Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse during an open day celebrating International Lighthouse Weekend in August.

Following extensive restoration by NPWS, the historic lighthouse keeper's cottages were officially opened for business, offering guests a unique holiday stay in a spectacular location overlooking the coastline of Seal Rocks on the mid-north coast.

Lighthouse on Clifftop

NPWS Hunter Region Manager Robert Quirk said that "Since the Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse was added to Myall Lakes National Park in 2003 considerable restoration works have been completed to maintain the historical integrity of the buildings and prepare the lighthouse keeper's cottages for re-use as holiday accommodation."

"Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse with its keeper's cottages was first opened in December 1875 and, although de-staffed in 1995 after the lighthouse was automated, it remains an important operational lighthouse."

“great emphasis on relaxation and comfort”

Accommodation Manager Carol Richards said that the cottages retain their original charm and recall times of ocean trade, shipwrecks, pioneer families and past timber and fishing communities.

"People can choose to stay in either the head keeper's cottage or one of two assistant keeper's cottages, and while the cottages provide an opportunity to reflect on life as an early century light keeper, there is also great emphasis on relaxation and comfort," Carol said.

International Lighthouse Weekend, this year held on 16 & 17 August, is celebrated around the world to raise awareness of the role of lighthouses, and to highlight the history of light keeping.

Celebrations and community activities took place at several NPWS-managed lighthouses up and down the coast, including Cape Byron, Smoky Cape, South Solitary Island, Sugarloaf Point, Montague Island, Barrenjoey and Green Cape.

Activities over the weekend ranged from guided tours of lighthouses and their surrounds to heritage displays and demonstrations by amateur radio operators contacting other lighthouses around Australia and the world.

On the mid-north coast, visitors experienced an exhilarating helicopter ride to South Solitary Island, part of Solitary Islands Marine Park, where they joined a National Parks Discovery Ranger for a guided tour of the island and the lighthouse.

NPWS manages ten lighthouses in NSW, with lighthouse keeper's cottages offering unique holiday stays at Cape Byron, Smoky Cape, Green Cape and now Sugarloaf Point.

For info + to book a stay at Sugarloaf Point, visit www.sealrockslighthouseaccommodation.com.au

For info on NPWS's lighthouses, visit
www.environment.nsw.gov.au/nswcultureheritage/TakeATourOfTheLighthouses.htm

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smooth operators

The tour operators and experience providers in our national parks play a significant role in helping people to access, learn about and enjoy our natural environment.

In each issue we'll be profiling a commercial tour operator doing a great job in bringing NSW national parks alive for visitors and, through their efforts, helping us to grow community support for the conservation of our unique natural and cultural heritage.

Person on lookout

Tread Lightly Eco Tours - Blue Mountains

“Ecotourism is ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.”

Who: Tread Lightly Eco Tours was founded twelve years ago by Tim Tranter in response to the inclusion of the Greater Blue Mountains Area on the UNESCO World Heritage list and the limited opportunities for guided exploration of the area.

Tread Lightly’s philosophy is to offer a high level interpretive experience with minimal ecological and environmental impact. It has recently been acclaimed as the best ecotourism company in NSW by the University of Newcastle.

Product: The company operates Advanced Ecotourism Accredited interpretive guided bush tours in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, providing fully guided bush walks and 4WD eco-tours to small groups, accessing remote wilderness and exploring the ecology, fauna and flora of the region.

Tim and his colleagues are specialists in the environmental and cultural aspects of the area, and have spent much time researching the way fauna interact with the environment, the design of carbon neutral offices and vehicles with the smallest ecological footprint.

“a high level interpretive experience with minimal ecological and environmental impact”

All guides are trained outdoor leaders and specialists in particular subject areas, including geology, biology, astronomy and Aboriginal culture.

A strong Indigenous focus is maintained in the tours through close relationships with the Gundungarra and Darug communities.

Participants: 80% of Tread Lightly’s clients are international tourists seeking an Australian bush experience; amongst them are American students from 20 universities experiencing their first taste of Australia.

Favourite Place: Tim says “As an operator - Wentworth Falls because it has a range of varying trails and lots of attributes which make it an interesting place for clients. As a national park user – has to be Kanangra.”

For more info on Tread Lightly and its tours, visit www.treadlightly.com.au

For more info on Blue Mountains National Park, visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au

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tourism + partnerships conference and awards = a bright idea

Dynamic speakers, innovative practices and bright ideas were on show at the inaugural NPWS Tourism and Partnerships Conference in July.

NPWS staff from around the state came together for the two-day conference, held at the iconic Q Station at North Head in Sydney Harbour National Park. The location provided delegates with an excellent opportunity to experience the outstanding adaptation of this significant historic site by Mawland Quarantine Station Pty Limited, who lease the site from NPWS.

Conference and Awards

The conference program included presentations from leaders in the tourism industry and nature-based product development, partnerships, marketing and volunteering. Grant Hunt of Tourism Australia, Simon McArthur of Mawland Quarantine Station, Evan Hall of the Tourism and Transport Forum, Geoff Parmenter of Events NSW, Lyndel Gray of Tourism NSW, and Gerry Morvell of Conservation Volunteers Australia were just some of the presenters who generously gave of their time.

Staff also had the opportunity to showcase some of the innovative tourism and visitation programs and opportunities across the state, from precinct planning and major on-park events to new ideas for visitor experiences.

The Tourism and Partnerships Awards Dinner was a highlight of the conference. The awards, established this year to acknowledge and reward achievement and innovative thinking in tourism, visitation and partnerships, were judged in categories including accommodation, natural/cultural heritage experience, partnerships and a'bright ideas' category, which provides winners with access to a special development fund to scope and, where possible, implement their concept.

Category winners went into the running for an overall prize - attendance at the 4th IUCN World Conservation Congress in Barcelona in October.

Head of National Parks, Sally Barnes said, "The tourism and partnerships awards are a chance for our staff to showcase the excellent programs, products, partnerships and clever ideas that will help us to achieve success in sustainable tourism. I'd like to congratulate everyone who entered."

The category winners are:

  • Outstanding Natural/Cultural Heritage Experience
    National Pass, Blue Mountains – Ben Correy
  • Outstanding Accommodation
    Lane Cove River Tourist Park – Chris McIntosh
  • Outstanding Partnership in Tourism
    Greater Blue Mountains Drive – Steve Alton
  • Bright ideas
    • NSW Iconic Walks – To investigate a possible new three-day iconic walk in Blue Mountains National Park – Shaun Elwood and Bryan Ries.
    • Sydney Harbour Guided Tour Operations Audit – Looking at what tours are available and what may be needed to support nature and cultural tourism in Sydney Harbour National Park – David Costello
    • Commercial Operator Walk, Yarrunga Creek Valley – Proposal to look at the feasibility of a range of walk and adventure options using the old track and other areas of the Yarrunga Creek valley – Phil Hahn and Pam Lunnon

The major Tourism and Partnerships Award went to Shaun Elwood, who was presented with the overall prize for the Blue Mountains Iconic Walks and his significant contribution as the driving force behind the Blue Mountains Walking Tracks project.

Well done to everyone who entered this year’s awards. Stay tuned for updates on our winners and bright ideas.

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'respect our culture' certification program = a new system

Aboriginal Tourism Australia (ATA) and Ecotourism Australia recently announced major changes to the Respect Our Culture Certification Program (ROC) after the planned closure of ATA on 31 July 2008. ROC will now be housed by Ecotourism Australia within their Eco Certification Programs.

All existing ROC programs will be transferred into Ecotourism Australia's Eco Certification Programs and renamed. Those businesses that have a 'natural area focus' will transfer in to the Eco Certification Program at the Nature Tourism Level. From here they will be encouraged to upgrade to the Ecotourism and Advanced Ecotourism standards.

ECO tourism Australia

All other ROC certified businesses will have their accreditation administered by Ecotourism Australia and will be granted membership of Ecotourism Australia to ensure they continue to have involvement in a national tourism organisation.

Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive, Stephen Pahl, said "the new joint arrangement will draw from the long established commitment of Ecotourism Australia to Indigenous tourism development and Indigenous culture to maximise the presence and level of best practice of this important tourism industry sector."

Further information on Ecotourism Australia's certification programs can be found at www.ecotourism.org.au

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looking for a special getaway?

Relax. Rejuvenate. Be inspired. Escape for a day or stay for a few nights. Experience the invigorating, restorative beauty of the Australian bush and the salty sea air. Feel history's power at the immersion theatre production, Defiance. Then dine on the edge of Sydney Harbour at the Boilerhouse Restaurant. And do it all just five minutes from Manly and 30 minutes from the heart of Sydney.

Q Station is a contemporary take on the former North Head Quarantine Station, part of Sydney Harbour National Park. Originally occupied by the Garigal people, North Head was a meeting place with strong spiritual significance. In the 1830s a quarantine station was established there for migrants suspected of carrying contagious disease, operating until 1984.

View from Q station over north head

The site today comprises 30 hectares of national park, 65 buildings and spectacular vantage points for viewing Sydney Harbour. Now leased by NPWS and in the care of Mawland Quarantine Station Pty Limited, the site has been transformed into a place for powerful, rejuvenating experiences to explore the future by connecting the past to the present.

Q Station's accommodation options offer privacy, contemporary comfort and a truly unique setting. Choose from rooms with views of Sydney Harbour, the national park or the historic buildings of Q Station.

For more info + to book a stay or an experience, visit www.qstation.com.au or phone 02 9976 6220.

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did you know?

Sydney's coastline is one of the most beautiful and environmentally diverse attractions in the world, featuring stunning cliffs, beaches and inlets that are unique to the region.

The Walking Coastal Sydney project is a partnership venture between the Sydney Coastal Councils Group, the Walking Volunteers, and local, state and federal government agencies and authorities to create a continuous walking track.

View over Sydney Harbour

The project aims to increase public access to Sydney's coastline, while increasing appreciation and recreational enjoyment of the coastline and estuary environments.

A series of brochures have been produced that provide maps of a walkable route from Pittwater in the north to Sutherland in the south, linking with existing walks such as the Great North Walk and paths in Royal National Park.

The route winds through much of Sydney's magnificent national parks, from Ku-ring-gai Chase in the north, through Sydney Harbour National Park and south to Botany Bay National Park.

In its entirety, Sydney's Great Coastal Walk can be traversed in seven days, or broken into distances and times to suit.

For more info, visit www.walkingcoastalsydney.com.au

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npws + tourism nsw = a natural partnership

Staff from NPWS's Tourism & Partnerships Branch and Tourism NSW joined forces at a workshop in August to map the key priorities for collaboration between the two agencies.

Held in The Armoury at NPWS's superbly-located conference and events venue, the Gap Bluff Centre at Watson's Bay, the harbour and city skyline formed an inspiring - and fitting - backdrop to explore opportunities for optimising the contribution of national parks to NSW tourism.

View over beach side setting

Both agencies outlined their current programs, future directions and priorities for maximising the partnership between the agencies. The renewed energy by both agencies will strengthen the positioning of national parks in the NSW tourism offer, particularly in the areas of marketing, research, product development and destination management.

The workshop established a platform for a regular exchange of ideas and collaboration between the teams on sustainable nature-based tourism.

To book your next conference or event at the Gap Bluff Centre, phone 02 9337 2333 or email: Gap.Bluff@environment.nsw.gov.au

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new lease on life for rainforest café

Visitors to Dorrigo National Park can take their visit to new heights with a culinary experience at the newly leased Canopy Café.

Superbly located at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre overlooking the World Heritage forest canopy, the café has re-opened under the new management of award-winning operators Catherine McDonald and Chef Wolfgang Zichy.

Rainforest bridge walk

Catherine and Wolfgang recently won Awards for Excellence from the NSW Restaurant & Catering Association for their two restaurants on the Mid North Coast. They bring their international skills and knowledge to the new Canopy Café, offering a delicious menu of food sourced from the ocean, nearby farms and paddocks or specially grown or prepared for the café.

Dorrigo Rainforest Centre Manager Kathryn Wood said she was pleased to welcome Catherine & Wolfgang to the team behind the spectacular Dorrigo Rainforest Centre.

"With an inviting seating arrangement on the sunny terrace, the Canopy Café has become a distinctive meeting place for national and international travellers and locals alike."

Staff at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre worked closely with the Business Projects Unit in the NPWS Tourism & Partnerships Branch on the leasing of the café, which will be officially re-opened on 11 September.

The Canopy Café is open daily. For more info, phone 02 6657 2309.

For more info on Dorrigo National Park, visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au

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npws celebrates NAIDOC

NPWS celebrated this year's National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Celebration (NAIDOC) with a wide range of staff and community activities around the state.

Held over 6-13 July, NAIDOC is an annual event that celebrates Indigenous culture and its contribution to modern Australia.

Activities ranged from a community day at Mungo National Park, a touch footy game and expo at Gosford and a concert and BBQ in the Hawkesbury area through to Indigenous games, music and dance at Kurnell, an Aboriginal short films night in Byron Bay, and an Aboriginal Discovery stall at Echo Point in the Blue Mountains.

Koori Dreaming

Sea Acres Rainforest Centre in Port Macquarie hosted an art exhibition during NAIDOC Week, showcasing works by Aboriginal artists from Wauchope TAFE, including the work'Koori Dreaming' by Lisa Travers, shown above.

World Youth Day pilgrims also participated in the celebrations as part of their national park visits. At Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon State Conservation Area, over 100 pilgrims watched the Dunghutti Dancers perform before entertaining the crowd with their favourite spiritual songs.

Many other activities, both coordinated and supported by NPWS, gave staff and locals an opportunity to get into their park or local community and celebrate Aboriginal culture and connection to country.

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woolgoolga creek back on track

Local residents and visitors can once again enjoy the natural beauty of Woolgoolga Creek Picnic Area in Sherwood Nature Reserve on the mid north coast, thanks to a successful partnership between NPWS and the community.

The Woolgoolga Creek Landcare Group, NPWS staff, community groups including the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Lions, the Visitor Information Centre, the local Aboriginal community and volunteers have worked together to upgrade the rainforest walkway, construct a bridge over slippery areas and a viewing platform at the waterfall. They also carried out extensive bush regeneration and weed control.

The picnic area includes barbeques and a large and colourful information display, which highlights some of the native plants and animals visitors may see in the area. Visitors can also take a gentle 3km return walk along the creek to the waterfall.

The Woolgoolga Creek rainforest is one of the few remaining coastal subtropical rainforests on the north coast of NSW. Located north-west of Coffs Harbour, a short 3km drive from the Pacific Highway, the area is now protected as an Endangered Ecological Community under the Threatened Species Conservation Act. Further regeneration and restoration of the area will ensure that this special place is maintained for future visitors.

For more info on Sherwood Nature Reserve, visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au

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harbour garrison goes gourmet

Sydney Harbour's iconic Fort Denison will go from garrison to gourmet in September, with cheese and wine tasting courses taking place within its 150 year old sandstone walls.

In association with NPWS, cheesemongers McIntosh & Bowman and Fort Denison caterers TE Catering have teamed up to host The Fort Denison Australian Cheese & Wine Experience, a short course showcasing the best of Australia's cheese-making talents, alongside some great Australian wines.

Fort Denison

Cheese maker, judge and course presenter Claudia McIntosh said the Australian Cheese & Wine Experience on Fort Denison is an excellent introduction to the local cheese industry.

"It's the perfect way to learn about Australia's growing boutique cheese industry, at the same time bringing farmhouse Australian cheese back to Sydney Harbour to reflect on how our local dairy industry has progressed over 220 years."

Sydney Harbour has a rich history in Australia's dairy industry, with Bennelong Point the location of the very first cattle drop when the First Fleet offloaded their ships in 1788. Then called Cattle Point, the animals were held in makeshift enclosures on the site now dominated by the Sydney Opera House.

Courses will run on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 17 September until the end of the year. Check the website for exact dates and look out for the special introductory offer for the month of September.

For more info + bookings, visit www.mcintoshandbowman.com/Events.aspx or phone 0422 728 505.

For more info on Fort Denison, visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au

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concert rocks the warrumbungles

The stunning mountain setting of Warrumbungle National Park will host this year's annual Crooked Mountain Concert on 15 November, 2008.

This increasingly popular outdoor concert was created to showcase the beauty of Warrumbungle National Park, thank local residents for their support, and to commemorate the Warrumbungles' 50th anniversary as a national park.

Warrumbungle landmark

Local partnerships are key to the concert's ongoing success. The support and sponsorship provided by Warrumbungle Shire Council, the Coonabarabran Arts Council, Coona Food Suppliers and Country Energy amongst others, are invaluable in making the concert a must-do on the Central West's events calendar.

The evening will begin with a Gamilaroi Welcome to Country, followed by a performance by the winners of the Western Region Battle of the Bands.

The 2008 line up includes headline act James Reyne, Felicity Urquhart and Adam Rennie.

It's a night of entertainment for the whole family - clowns and stilt walkers will entertain children, parents can enjoy a glass of local wine, and picnic blankets and comfy chairs are welcome.

The Warrumbungle Crooked Mountain Concert is a hot ticket - book now to avoid missing out as tickets are selling fast!

For info + bookings, phone 02 6825 4364 or email: Diane.Jackson@environment.nsw.gov.au

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parks in the press

National Landscapes, World Heritage and Iconic Drives have all lately featured as part of NPWS's promotion of our stunning national parks. Check out these articles below.

  • Travelling in Australia - August 2008 - Mungo National Park
    Mungo Marvels: the 100,000 year old Walls of China, the bones of mega-fauna that roamed Gondwana many thousands of years ago and evidence of human occupation that stretches back well over 40,000 years. Read it at www.travellinginaustralia.com.au/cms/
  • Australian Geographic - Jul-Sep 2008 - Green Cauldron
    The caldera: the world’s second largest shield volcano erosion crater, the World Heritage listed Gondwana rainforests and Mt Warning, a plethora of rare flora and fauna and strong cultural significance to local Aboriginal communities. Find out more at www.australiangeographic.com.au
Scenic Lookout

NPWS has recently engaged agency Starr Public Relations to help build the profile of our parks in the travel and tourism media - so keep your eye out for more new stories soon.

Pssst! We're giving away 30 copies of the latest issue of Australian Geographic, including the NPWS-sponsored Sorrel Wilby documentary DVD'Best of Australia: World Heritage Rainforests of Northern NSW', as featured on Channel 9 earlier this year. To enter, email your name and postal address with the subject line Australian Geographic to: npwstourism.newsletter@environment.nsw.gov.au

The first 30 readers to email will receive a copy of Jul-Sept Australian Geographic. Offer ends 26 September 2008.

For more info on Australia's National Landscapes, visit www.tourism.australia.com

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congratulations to...

The Conservation Hut at Wentworth Falls in the spectacular World Heritage Blue Mountains National Park has been awarded Best Tourism Restaurant at the 2008 Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence - Blue Mountains/Central West. The Hut was also a finalist for the second year running in the Blue Mountains Café Restaurant category. Congratulations to Kerry Mulford and team - Kerry manages The Conservation Hut on behalf of lessee Ralph Potter. The Conservation Hut will now enter the State Awards in September - stay tuned! For more info, visit www.conservationhut.com.au

Multi-award winning Lane Cove River Tourist Park has taken out yet another accolade, winning the Award for Excellence in Conservation Eco Tourism at the Hotel, Motel & Accommodation Association (HMAA) Industry Awards in June. The park was recognised for its environmental initiatives that provide Sydney tourists with a unique and low-cost eco-tourism experience. For more info, visit www.lcrtp.com.au

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The last word

the last word

Visitors to Jindabyne's Snowy Region Visitor Centre and the Tumut Visitor Centre can get into the true spirit of the spectacular alps landscape with a new promotional and educational DVD screening at the centres from 22 September. The film,'Spirit of the Snowy Mountains' has been produced by acclaimed filmmaker Sorrel Wilby in collaboration with staff from Kosciuszko National Park. It replaces'Kosciuszko Reflections', which has been entertaining visitors for more than ten years.

about national parks & wildlife service
about national parks & wildlife service
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) sits within the Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW (DECC).
With some 1,500 staff across NSW, NPWS's core business is to conserve, protect and manage more than 780 parks and reserves - including parks in four National Landscapes, four World Heritage Areas and 10 National Heritage List places; and six marine parks, including Lord Howe Island.
NPWS's "patch" ranges from Eden in the south, to Tweed Heads/Byron Bay in the north and from Lord Howe Island in the east to Tibooburra in the far west.
NPWS protects 6.6 million hectares or 8.3 per cent of the state's land mass.
NSW parks currently attract more than 22 million visits per annum.
NPWS administers more than 2,000 leases, licences, easements and contracts with the private sector and local government bodies.
Under the NSW Government's State Plan, launched by NSW Premier Iemma in November 2006, NPWS has a mandate to increase visitation to NSW national parks, reserves and marine parks by 20% by 2016.
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Disclaimer | The information contained in this publication is of a general nature only and is, as far as the Department of Environment and Climate Change is aware, correct at the time of publishing. The Department accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage incurred as a result of reliance on any information contained in this publication. Privacy Policy

For further information please contact Dina Bullivant on
T | 02 9585 6878 or E | npwstourism.newsletter@environment.nsw.gov.au
The electronic version of Explore is also available online at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/explore