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The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is proud to announce the start of the Summer Discovery Program on the north coast this week. Discovery activities are a healthy, fun and inexpensive way for families to enjoy national parks, while learning about some of the plants and animals that live around us.

North Coast Region Discovery Coordinator, Andrew Turbill, said that Discovery is the best way to enjoy your local national parks. “From rockpool rambles, bird watching and nature strolls to canoe paddles, spotlight walks and damper nights – NPWS Discovery has something for everyone to enjoy.”

“Discovery is already underway this week with rainforest walks and roving rangers to help visitors explore the World Heritage listed Dorrigo National Park, just one hour’s drive from Coffs Harbour. All activities start from the world-renowned Dorrigo Rainforest Centre (free entry).

“Discovery Rangers will also be conducting night stalks in the rainforests of Ulidarra and Dorrigo National Parks, and at Valla Nature Reserve at Valla Beach. Exploring the forest at night and meeting the nocturnal wildlife is a fantastic experience, so book early for these special tours,” Andrew said.

“You can enjoy an enthralling evening walk at Muttonbird Island, right in the heart of Coffs Harbour at the Jetty, during the full moon on Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 January. Discover the activities of this important Shearwater rookery as the birds busy themselves with raising their young. Local Aboriginal Discovery Ranger Mark Flanders will welcome you to this sacred island and explain its cultural significance to the Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal people.

“On Wednesdays and Saturdays from the tenth of January, Mark will join a Marine Parks Authority scientist to present free mornings of Discovery on Muttonbird Island. Learn about the Solitary Islands Marine Park as well as the diverse natural and Aboriginal values of this special island.

“Yarriabini National Park near Scotts Head hosts a Nature Walk through beautiful rainforest at the Pines picnic area on the morning of Tuesday 9 January. Listen for rare fruit doves, look for lazy pythons and learn about bush tucker on this easy nature stroll that is ideal for kids,” Andrew said.

“Birds of the Coffs Coast on Friday 12 January will take you bird watching through a range of forest types in Sherwood Nature Reserve and Yuraygir National Park, north of Coffs Harbour. Expert ‘birdo’ Discovery Rangers guarantee to improve your practical knowledge of local birds.

“In the Clarence Valley, Discovery activities include ‘Rock Pool Rambles’ at Woody Head near Iluka and Diggers Camp. Or join Discovery Rangers on canoeing adventures at Lake Arragan, near Brooms Head, in Yuraygir National Park, and on the Esk River in Bundjalung National Park.”

Pick up a Discovery brochure from your local Visitor Information Centre or NPWS offices at Coffs Harbour Jetty (ph: 66520 900), Dorrigo Rainforest Centre (ph: 66572 309) and Grafton (ph: 66411 500). Numbers are limited for most activities (booking is essential) and fees apply.

Dorrigo Rainforest Centre – gateway to World Heritage

The World Heritage listed Dorrigo National Park is the highlight of any visit to the North Coast and attracts visitors from throughout the world. Perched on the dramatic edge of the Great Escarpment, just 2km east of Dorrigo off the Waterfall Way, the Park offers spectacular lookouts, lush rainforest and world-class visitor facilities.

The award-winning Dorrigo Rainforest Centre (open 9am to 4:30pm seven days) provides your introduction to Dorrigo National Park. Friendly staff at the information desk can provide personalised itineraries for what to do and see in National Parks across the region. There are plenty of handy reference books and quality gifts in the Rainforest Shop, and the Canopy Café will enhance your outing with great coffee and delicious meals.

Listing on the World Heritage Register means that the rainforests of Dorrigo National Park and nearby New England National Park are recognised as unique and irreplaceable on a global scale. Why not take the time these holidays to explore a little further into the mountains?

Point Lookout, in New England National Park near Ebor, is also an excellent daytrip from the Coffs Coast, especially on those hot summer days. At over 1500 metres above sea level, it is often quite cool and the magical Antarctic Beech rainforest offers shady respite from the sun. The Eagles Nest Track (2.5km circuit) is a great family walk, taking you from Point Lookout past Rainbow Spray to Weeping Rock, returning through the sub-alpine snowgum woodland.

This walk is celebrated on the cover of the 2007 Guide to NSW National Parks, with local Bellingen models Crystal Engel-Jones and Sam Tate photographed by Gethin Coles of Edible Media.

For more information about Dorrigo and New England World Heritage National Parks, or to collect a copy of the 2007 Visitor Guide, please contact the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre on (02) 6657 2309.

Caption: Weeping Rock in New England National Park features on the cover of the 2007 Guide to NSW National Parks, with local models Crystal Engel-Jones and Sam Tate photographed by Gethin Coles of Edible Media.  (Photo by Gethin Coles/Edible Media, copyright DEC).