Discover, explore, experience …
WOLLEMI NP ♦ MUNHORN GAP NR ♦ GOULBURN RIVER NP ♦ COOLAH TOPS NP ♦ FROG ROCK ♦ WINDAMERE DAM ♦ THE DRIP ♦ HANDS ON ROCK
The Mudgee Region boasts a number of magnificent National Parks and Nature Reserves with spectacular scenery and World Heritage listed bushland.
Wollemi National Park: Contains the largest wilderness area in NSW and safeguards a rich variety of wildlife and spectacular scenery. The park forms part of the Greater Blue Mountains World 
Heritage Area and is a mecca for sightseeing, bushwalking, camping and wilderness adventure. Dunns Swamp camping and picnic area, east of Rylstone, is set amongst stunniing sandstone pagoda rock formations. Canoeing, swimming and walking make this a popular spot. Camping fees apply.
Dunns Swamp: Part of the Greater Blue Mountains World heritage area, and on the Cudgegong River 25km east of Kandos and Rylstone. Dunns Swamp is an outstanding area for biodiversity of plant and animal communities The area’s vegrtation is dominated by Australia’s unique eucalypts (100 species) and other ancient relic species including the Wollemi Pine. A total of 107 bird species have been identified in Dunns Swamp, seven of which have been confirmed breeding. A full copy of the biodiversity of the area can be obained from the National Parks office in Mudgee. This includes an updated list of breeding birds..
Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve: An easy half hour’s drive north-east of Mudgee on the Wollar Rd. Munghorn Nature Reserve is a renowned bird watching area where 160 bird species have been recorded. Species include lyrebirds, bowerbirds, emus as well as the endangered Regent Honey Eater. Walkers can meander along the Castle Rocks track (8km round trip) or enjoy a picnic or BBQ at Moolarben Picnic Area. The reserve covers 6,800ha, borders the Goulburn River National Park and is botanically unique as it forms part of a transition zone between the SE and NM parts of the state.
Goulburn River National Park: Winding along a 90km stretch of rugged sandstone country bordering the Goulburn River, the park conserves a unique mix of western and eastern fauna and flora. Pitch your tent on the river bank at Spring Gully or Big River campsites, accessed by Mogo Road north of Wollar village, or get a bird’s eye view of the area at Lees Pinch lookout, off the Ringwood Road between Wollar and Merriwa.
Coolah Tops National Park: 30km east of Coolah, the park is set amidst the stately eucalipt forest at an altitude of more than 1200m. Visit magnificent waterfalls, view dazzling vistas of the Liverpool plains or choose from a number of sites for a great camping experience. A selection of walking tracks can lead to encounters with giant Snow Gums, ancient Grass Trees, and the local wildlife!
When visiting our National Parks, please help to preserve the natural environment:
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Take your rubbish with you.
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Leave pets at home.
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Observe all fire bans.
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Leave all plants, animals, Aboriginal sites and rock formations as you find them.
For further information please contact the NPWS Mudgee Office:
27 Inglis St, Mudgee NSW 2850
(02) 6370 9000
Or visit the National Parks website www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
OTHER NATURAL SITES
Frog Rock
19km from Mudgee, 24km from Gulgong. A natural rock formation by the side of the road in the shape of a crouching frog. Situated on the Cassilis Road.
Windamere Dam
24km from Mudgee on the Sydney Road. Situated on the Cudgegong River and set amongst rolling green hills, the Dam is a popular spot for fishing, sailing, swimming, canoeing and boating. Camping is permitted at the Cudgegong Waters Park and there are picnic and Barbecue facilities and a lookout near the Dam wall.
The Drip
The Drip’ Gorge Goulburn River: is a special place with a cathedral-like atmosphere. Experence a wonder-filled walk into The Drip Gorge through a lush riverside forest, past sculptured sandstone caves, honeycombed rocks and archways. ‘The drip’ or ‘Gret Dripping Wall’ is a towering sandstone cliff-facedripping clear spring water into the clear pools of the rocky river bed. The Goulburn River National Park starts immediately down-river. A 1km walk along the river bed rock, sand and peat, past weeping ferns and bottlebrush adorning the rocky cliff crevices, brings to you the ‘Corner Gorge’. Travel 50km (30mins) north of Mudgee along the Ulan-Cassilis Road (37km from Gulgong) and 10km north of Ulan Mine. Turn right 50m past the small cement bridge over the Goulburn river at ‘The drip’ Picnic Area sign. Follow the walking track from the picnic table downriver for 1.5km. The bush track can be rough in places and involves some rock hopping. The return journey takes 45 to 60 min. The local Aboriginal community regards the river corridor and surrounding escarpments as a significant culural landscape. This area should be treated with great care and respect.
Hands on the Rock
Hands On Rock; is aboriginal art in the form of antient hand prints which adorn the face of a sandstone cave. Following the walking track for 500m through natural bushland past grass trees and banksias to the board-walk and heritage cave. The unique atmosphere of this site imparts a sense of place and respect for the traditional people and their land. Travel 52km (35minutes) north of Mudgee along the Ulan Road and turn hard left at Bobadeen Road(2.3km north of The drip car park and 37km from Gulgong). Follow the gravel road 100m and turn left into the parking area beside pagoda rock formations. The track is well formed with some steep steps into the cave.
