Georges River National Park

Introduction

On the south-west outskirts of Sydney this national park, a picturesque retreat on the lower reaches of the Georges River, is popular with day-trippers. The landscape is a patchwork of wetlands and woodlands, sclerophyll forests and heathlands, mangroves, salt marshes and brackish and freshwater swamps, with the many habitats supporting a diverse array of fauna. There is a birdwatching area at Yeramba Lagoon for spotting some of the 100 or so species that frequent the park – black ducks, white-faced herons, dusky moorhens and many others. Raptors such as the whistling kite and peregrine falcon can be seen on the wing. Eastern water-skinks, brown snakes and red-bellied black snakes are regularly sighted near the lagoon. Many visitors head to Morgans Creek picnic area, with its carpark, boat ramps, picnic facilities and view overlooking a sweep of the Georges River. Other favourite picnic venues are Burrawang Reach, Cattle Duffers Flat and Fitzpatrick Park. Waterskiing is popular at Burrawang Reach; canoeing is a peaceful way to explore (Mill Creek is excellent for canoes and kayaks); and anglers will fi nd good fi shing (the yellow-fi nned bream in winter are renowned). Swimming is not advised because the riverbanks are steep and uneven and there have been shark attacks. Cyclists can ride on roads and trails but not walking tracks. For walkers there is the Yeramba Lagoon Loop (2 km, 30 minutes), which starts from a carpark on the northern side and lets walkers observe the birdlife as they stroll the track. Ridge Track (2 km return, 25 minutes, medium diffi culty) climbs from Burrawang Flat to the ridge on the river’s northern side for lovely river views. Look for wildfl owers in season.

Fact file

Camping

No camping

Location and access

25 km south-west of Sydney via Henry Lawson Dr (access immediately opposite the junction with River Rd)

Park Information

• NSWNPWS 1300 361 967
• NPWS Kurnell (02) 9668 9111

Size

337 ha

Where to Stay

Sydney (02) 9240 8788

This content is from the publication:

Explore Australia’s National Parks

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