Wet, wild school holidays adventures at Yanga

Media release: 31 March 2015

The water is flowing, the birds are breeding and the wetlands of Yanga National Park have sprung to life.

It’s the place to be these school holidays with tours taking visitors into the far reaches of this dynamic ecosystem.

Environmental water has created ideal conditions for bird breeding and bird-watching.

Flows managed by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage have prompted a number of nesting sites within the park.

Senior Environmental Water Manager James Maguire said it was the perfect opportunity to catch a glimpse of several internationally recognised species of waterbirds all in one place.

“We have seen groups of great egrets feeding in flocks of 50 or 60 across the park,” Mr Maguire said.

“They’re nesting in nearby trees and feeding on small aquatic life triggered by environmental flows.

“Visitors also have a chance to see cormorants, sea eagles, black swans, pelicans and many species of ducks,” he said.

As well as birds, the vegetation response as a result of environmental water has been impressive with phragmites, rushes, lilies and water ribbons all prolific.

Visitors to Yanga National Park can join one of three tag-along tours hosted by the National Parks and Wildlife Service on Wednesday 8 April, Friday 10 April or Thursday 16 April.

These all-day tours begin at 9.30am with a cost of $20 per vehicle and take in areas of the park not normally accessible to the public.

There’s also a range of other school holiday activities on offer, check them out here: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/Whats-On/regions/western

Bookings can be made through the park office on (03) 5020 1764.

Contact: Jacki Roberts