Over the past three decades the Foundation has acquired more than 350,000 hectares of land.
Places of natural beauty, cultural significance or habitat for threatened species became protected and created 17 new National Parks and Nature Reserves. Discover one Foundation Park in each PAWS issue. (See previous issues for reports on Bouddi NP, Willandra NP and World Heritage listed Mungo NP in Western NSW.
For this issue John le Coque visited Cathedral Rock National Park in the New England Tablelands. Foundation funds enabled the acquisition of this park, protecting its spectacular sculptured rock formations and habitat for many threatened species.
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This
9000 hectare sanctuary was established with Foundation funds in
1978 and offers a unique range of natural beauty to delight the
photographer and every lover of the outdoors. It is the perfect
place for a short day visit or extended camping holidays. A variety
of well signposted and structured walking tracks weave their way
through the park from the campsites, providing superb trails along
which to explore and enjoy the area. Photo: Peter Krinks |
Cathedral
Rock National Park
John le Coque
High on the New England Tablelands, near the village of Ebor 60 kilometres west of Dorrigo, lies a gem - Cathedral Rock National Park, which guards some of Australia's most rugged, remote mountain wilderness.
The Park is famous for its spectacular granite outcrops, all part of the New England Batholith. The majestic Cathedral and Woolpack Rock formations are dominant features, beautifully set in a varied landscape of dry Sclerophyll Forest, sub-alpine heathlands and wetland. The terrain supports a great diversity of native trees and shrubs, flowering plants and mosses, and abounds in Xanthorrhea (grass trees) and Banksias. It has the southern-most occurrence of the New England mallee, and native orchids can be found around the Native Dog Creek Rest Area in spring and summer.
The park is home to wildlife including the Eastern Grey kangaroo, the endangered Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby and the Red-necked wallaby. The bird life is prolific, with many species attracted to nectar producing plants. On a good day you may see wedge-tailed eagles, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos, brightly coloured Rosellas, and small woodland birds such as Rose Robins, Flycatchers, Pardalotes, Tree Creepers and Red Robins.
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Walks
There are walks to cater for every taste, from short strolls around the
campsites to the 10½ km traverse of the park or a vigorous scramble
up Cathedral Rock.
A classic walk is
the 6 km circuit walk from Barokee Rest Area across wetland and around
Cathedral Rock, taking about 2½ hours to complete. Climbing the
Rock itself on a nice day is an experience not to be missed. A well marked
side-track leads from the main trail to the windswept summit, which at
1584 metres, is the highest point in this region. The excursion involves
some rock-hopping, with one strategically placed chain to assist in clambering.
At the top, the climber is rewarded with spectacular 360 degree views.
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The
rock formations of this park are a delight for photographers. Photo:
Haig Hawkins |
The easy Warrigal Track provides a 1km circuit stroll from the Native Dog Creek Rest Area through dry woodland and granite boulders.
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Campsites
Camping
is available all year round, but winter nights can be very cold in this
part of NSW.
Campsites at both Barokee and Native Dog are well set out, spacious and offer basic but clean and well presented picnic and toilet facilities. Fees at both rest areas are $3 per adult and $2 per child per night. No bookings are required.
Access
Cathedral Rock National Park is an hour’s drive (70 km) east from
Armidale, or two hours coming west from Coffs Harbour. The Park has two
main entry points, both suitable for standard drive vehicles. Access to
Barokee Rest Area is off the main Armidale-Grafton road via the 8 km unsealed
Round Mountain Road. The Native Dog Creek Rest Area to the north is easily
reached off the Ebor to Guyra Road.
Information
For more information, contact the NPWS North Coast Region, Dorrigo Plateau
Office, PO Box 170, Dorrigo NSW 2453. Ph: 02 66572 309.
Two good websites with more information and pictures are:
http://www.nsw.com.au/npa/cathedralrock.html
http://www.cliffguy.com.au/html/photo_journal/cathedral_rocks/cathedral.html
In
future issues read about:
Crowdy Bay National Park
Maroota Historic Site (Devil's Rock)
Mallee Cliffs National Park
Mutawintji National Park
Morton National Park
Myall Lakes National Park
Sturt National Park
Warrabah National Park
Yuraygir National Park
Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve
Coturaundee Nature Reserve
Little Llangothlin Nature Reserve
Yathong Nature Reserve
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