Science week spotlight on the national park in our backyard

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Dharawal National Park Minerva pool waterfall
Wild, pristine, spectacular: Dharawal National Park Minerva pool waterfall

Dharawal National Park is Campbelltown and Macarthur’s pride and joy.

An incredible national park right in our backyard.

No wonder it will be in the spotlight during this year’s National Science Week.

A special, guided walking tour of Dharawal National Park will give participants the chance to learn about the science behind managing the rugged and beautiful bushland of the pristine park.

National Science Week – August 12 to 20 – is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology and the contributions of the nation’s scientists.

To celebrate the week, geomorphologist, Dr Rowena Morris, who is a ranger at Dharawal National Park, will lead a special tour of its rugged bushland that’s less than an hour from the Sydney CBD but just a few minutes of we locals.

Dr Morris – an expert in the study of the way landscapes look, their history, formation and determining their future – will guide the tour to the serene Minerva Pool.

During the easy, 90-minute walk, guests will learn about the diverse local environment, the science behind hazard reduction burning, the environmental process of installing viewing platforms and managing the different uses of the reserve while maintaining the environmental values.

Protecting rugged bushland in the Macarthur region, which doubles as Sydney’s south western urban fringe, Dharawal National Park boasts dramatic sandstone gorges, waterfalls, spectacular lookouts, waterholes and rock shelters featuring indigenous heritage.

It was declared a national park in 2012.

Seventy years of restricted public access has kept the area largely undisturbed, allowing visitors to see pristine surroundings.

“Dharawal’’ refers to the language group of the local indigenous people who have continued their relationship with the area for more than 15,000 years.

Beginning at 2pm, on Saturday, August, 12, the insightful tour will cost $10.

Walkers are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat and bring a bottle of water.

Advance bookings are essential.

♦ More information and bookings are available online here.

Viewing platform at Dharawal National Park.
Viewing platform at Dharawal National Park.

 

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