A native garden on the grandest scale - Opens this weekend
Media release: 8 August 2012
Open to the public for just six weekends each year, Muogamarra Nature Reserve in Sydney’s north is a hidden treasure with over 900 species of native plants that spring to life in a sea of colour during winter.
National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) Metropolitan North East Regional Manager, Gary Dunnett said Muogamarra becomes a kaleidoscope of colour during winter but that plant life was just part of the joy of visiting the 2500 hectare reserve.
“Muogamarra has an amazing variety of relatively undisturbed plant and animal life but is also home to a large amount of Aboriginal and European history, as well as having breathtaking views of the Hawkesbury,” Mr Dunnett said.
“This place is a nature-lovers paradise and among the sea of colours already in bloom are flowers such as the white heaths, yellow peas, purple boronia, native orchids, towering Gymea lilies and the pink eriostemon.
“Those wanting to see Muogamarra should come early though – it’s an absolute picture right now and it gets very busy towards the final weeks.
“The mangrove and rainforest areas are also magnificent at the moment due to the good rainfall we have had this year.
“It is normally reserved for scientific and educational purposes, so it remains relatively undisturbed and a treasure trove of rarely seen native plants.
“Of course, there is a number of other things people love to see including outstanding views of the Hawkesbury out across Brooklyn, as well as Aboriginal rock engravings and convict-built roads,” he said.
Mr Dunnett said that the best time to come was in the first few weeks which were traditionally not as busy and he strongly recommends taking one of the guided tours to discover many of the sites secrets you may miss on your own.
“The sights of Muogamarra are accessible to visitors via several walking tracks that range from an easy 1 kilometre to 10 kilometres for the more energetic,” Mr Dunnett said.
“Visitors may walk these tracks at their own leisure or join one of the free guided tours run by Discovery volunteers, but bookings for these are essential and fill up fast.
In 2012 Muogamarra Nature Reserve will be open on six weekends from Saturday 11 August to Sunday 16 September..
The Discovery Fee to Muogamarra is $10 per adult, $5 per child. National Park Passes and Concession cards do not apply for this event. Payment is by cash only - credit cards are not accepted at the gate
Gates open at 9.00am and will be shut at 4.30pm.
The entry gate is on the western side of the Pacific Highway, 3.5km north of Cowan. Then follow a 3km narrow dirt road. Parking is limited.
Visit our website www.wildwildworld.com.au for bookings and information or contact the NPWS Visitor and Information Centre on ph 02 9253 0888.
Some of the featured walks include Bird Gully Walk and Lloyd Trig Walk. Details found here:
http://www.wildwildworld.com.au/Events/Get-Active/Bird-Gully-Walk
http://www.wildwildworld.com.au/Events/Get-Active/Lloyd-Trig-Walk
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkTours.aspx?id=N0456
Contact: G Last
Page last updated: 08 August 2012
