Cattai National Park

• Introduction
• Fact file


Introduction

At Cattai National Park, near Windsor, traditional parkland and dense natural bush provide ample opportunity for walking, picnicking and peaceful camping within easy reach of Sydney. The park is in two sections, the historic main section on a sweep of the Hawkesbury River and the Mitchell Park section, about 2.5 kilometres upstream, bordered by Cattai Creek. The park possesses a rich Aboriginal and European history. The Darruk people, the area’s original custodians, were displaced by white settlement by the 1820s, but rock engravings provide evidence of their occupation of this land. Part of the park was a First Fleet land grant to surgeon Thomas Arndell, and the ruins of his c. 1799 cottage (destroyed by fi re), an 1821 two-storey, sandstock Georgian cottage, historic grain silos, ruins of a windmill (thought to be the oldest industrial building in the state) and convict-built stone walls remain. The Arndell family, who called their farm Caddie Park, occupied the land for seven generations. The homestead is open for inspection on Sunday afternoons and public holidays (ask the NPWS about guided tours). The Mitchell park section is important for its forest, wetlands and remnant rainforest, which provide refuge for threatened species such as powerful owls, and yellow-bellied gliders. The Mitchell Park Loop walk (5-km circuit, 2–3 hours) winds through the park, offering the chance to see a range of bird species, from noisy butcherbirds and cockatoos to plump, crested pigeons and fi nches. Cattai National Park is popular with families, with a children’s playground, grassy areas, pleasant picnic and barbecue areas and camping sites. It is possible to canoe on the river, but swimming is not advised.

Fact file

Camping

Car-based camping; bookings essential; fees apply

Location and access

45 km north-west of Sydney, 12 km north of Windsor and 6 km north of Pitt Town via Wisemans Ferry Rd then turn off 300 metres north of Cattai Creek Bridge

Park Information

NSWNPWS 1300 361 967 NPWS Windsor (02) 4572 3100

Size

424 ha

Where to Stay

Windsor (02) 4578 0233


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• Campsites

Campsites

Cattai camping ground

You’ll need to book 2 weeks in advance to bag a spot at this camping ground on the Hawkesbury River, off Cattai–Wisemans Ferry Rd, 13 km north of Windsor. Part of the park was a First Fleet land grant to... Find out more

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