Nature


NATURE

Surrounded by the Yengo National Park and Watagans, the Wollombi Valley is the perfect location for bird-watching, bushwalking or observing local fauna. Even if you don’t take advantage of the many bushwalks, the valleys around the local roads attract hundred of wallabies in the evenings, and water birds congregate around the many dams and water holes.

Autumn brings crisp days and the changing colours of the many deciduous trees. As Winter advances, the valleys are shrouded by morning mist, providing great photographic opportunities. Spring brings another colour change, as the wattles bloom with their bright yellow flowers. Finally, Summer heralds long days and cool nights, and the best time for observing the many nocturnal species that call Wollombi home!

Anzac Reserve

Set in a landscaped setting is a large Memorial Rock, with an insert plaque commemorating those who fought and died in various theatres of war. A second stone remembers those who served in H.M.A.S Ships. A dawn service is held here each year on Anzac Day, followed by breakfast in the Tavern. Throughout the year, Anzac Reserve is perfect for a picnic or bird-watching

Bird Watching

Lyrebirds, bower birds, mountain lowrys, grass parrots, wedge tailed eagles, glossy black and sulphur crested cockatoos, kookaburras – the list goes on. The valley is a birdwatchers paradise! Don’t forget your binoculars and bird field guide.

 

 

Fauna

Wombats, large grey and black wallaroos and wallabies are among the most easily observed of our local inhabitants, especially grazing at dusk. Wombats are best spotted at night with a torch. Platypus, bushy-tailed and ring-tailed possums, marsupial mice, koalas and species of bats abound in the valley.

 

 

Watagans

The Watagans is the name given to the forested mountain range separating the Hunter River catchment and the Tuggerah Lakes system, which comprises both State Forest and national park.

The area offers many walks, from short strolls to the 200km+ Great North Walk which crosses Watagan Creek Road about 18km from Laguna. The area is also popular with day-trippers, campers, mountain bike riders, four-wheel-drives, photographers and others who enjoy time in the great outdoors.

Access via Martinsville Road from Cooranbong, Watagan Road from Quorrobolong or Watagan Creek Road from Laguna.

Waterbirds

The Wollombi Brook, dams and swamps are alive with swamp hens, black swans, wood ducks, brilliant blue kingfishers, herons and more. The Ellalong wetlands and the Millpond also are also sanctuaries for waterbirds.

 

 

Yengo National Park

Stretching over 70km from Wisemans Ferry to the Hunter Valley, Yengo National Park is a wild area of steep gorges and rocky ridges, forming part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area. Mt Yengo is of cultural significance to local Aboriginal communities and the historic Old Great North Road, an intact example of early 19th century convict road-building, follows the south-east boundary of the park. Many 4WD tracks cross the park, and 2WD vehicles can access Finchley Trig, which offers a 360ยบ viewing platform and interpretation board, with an aboriginal engraving site nearby.

To access the Park, Ttn off Great North Road near Laguna into Yengo Creek Rd and then into Upper Yengo Creek Rd. Follow National Park signs to Finchley Trig.