Your Journey Into World Heritage Your Journey Into World Heritage  
 

Dunns Swamp(Wollemi National Park)

This unique area centres on a peaceful impoundment formed by the Cudgegong River trapped behind Kandos Weir, constructed in the 1920s to supply water to Kandos cement works. Surrounded by 'pagoda' rock formations, Dunns Swamp is perhaps the best place to experience this unique terrain made famous by the Gardens of Stone National Park. Enjoy the walking tracks, swim, or just relax. Bring your own canoe to explore the waterways or hire one on-site on weekends and holidays. Guided tours on a small boat are also available at times. Children and adults alike love to scramble (with care) around the pagodas and the area is rich in Aboriginal heritage and wildlife. The Wiradjuri people used the rock shelters and the great range of foods provided by the varied habitats for thousands of generations.

Ferntree Gully Environmental Reserve

This beautiful area set amongst stately inland scribbly gums and black cypress pines is managed by a local trust. Although not part of the world heritage area, the reserve is an excellent place to see similar environments to those in the nearby but less accessible Wollemi National Park. The turnoff is 36 km south of Bylong (general store) or 18 km north of Rylstone. An unsealed 2WD track leads 2.5 km in to the picnic area and walking tracks.

Goulburn River National Park

Area: 70649 hectares

Although not part of the World Heritage Area, Goulburn River National Park adjoins Wollemi National Park to the south and takes in similar country. The triangular Mount Dangar stands like a sentinel at the eastern end of the park, while to the west, the Goulburn River meanders through a long sandstone gorge. Along the Mogo Road from Wollar, you can camp or picnic on flats by the river at Spring Gully (2WD access) and Big River (4WD recommended). About 20 km from Bylong, the Ringwood Road climbs onto the escarpment at Lees Pinch. From the parking and picnic area, a short walking track reveals spectacular views over much of the park.

Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve

Area: 5934 hectares

This very special reserve takes in sandstone pagoda country similar to that found in the western part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, with rich Aboriginal heritage and 164 species of bird. It lies south of Goulburn River National Park 35 km north-east of Mudgee on the Wollar Road. Picnic facilities and a walking track assist exploration of the reserve, which is a favourite haunt of birdwatchers. Rare species you might see here include the regent honeyeater and glossy black-cockatoo.