Muogamarra Native Reserve

Our walk today took us to this wonderful reserve. It is only open to the public on 6 weekends per year ( all in the Spring ) but by special arrangement we were able to have a “private” visit - accompanied by two volunteer guides.

For the rest of the year, the reserve is used by groups for scientific and educational research.

We need to thank J.D.Tipper who leased 600 acres to protect the flora, fauna and aboriginal sites. Over time he expanded his lease to 2050 acres and he handed this over to the authorities in 1954 and Muogamarra, as we know it now, was founded.

In 2002 there were severe bushfires iin the area, but the reserve has made a remarkable recovery since that time.

The entrance to the reserve is about 3 km. north of Cowan on the old Pacific Highway.

We were met by our guides at the locked gate, and then drove 3 1/2 kms. to the start of the walk. At this point there is abundant parking, a roofed picnic shed and toilets.

Our guides gave us some general safety information, and advised us of the regulations regarding Aboriginal sites etc.

We set off on our pre-arranged route and it was obvious before we had travelled many metres that we were in for a treat. This was not only because of the abundance of flowers to be seen but we realized that we were going to learn a lot from our guides - the names and general information of flowers and plants, and also the history and geography of the area.

This spring season has produced a wonderful display - we were so lucky.

We passed a large area of tessellated rock and our guide gave an explanation as to how it may have been formed.

Our morning tea spot was reached after a short climb up to the Lloyd Trig - this presented us with panoramic views over the Hawkesbury River. It was a cloudy day, and the outlook was not as clear as it sometimes can be. Our guide pointed out the direction of the Blue Mountains, which can be seen on a brighter day.

We descended from the trig and continued along a stony fire trail - masses of flowers and trees all along the way. Then there was a short sharp climb to our lunch spot - again wonderful views of the river and its surrounds. Our guide pointed out the sites which could be seen. Di’s photo shows the road traffic bridge below. (The flowers shown are Kunzea capitata ( bachelor's buttons) and Eriostemon (pink wax flower.)

We heard lots of birds, some of which were able to be identified by sound, and we saw one snake. Many photos of the flowers were taken.

The return walk involved a bit of a climb up the fire trail and then we made a short detour to return to the parking lot by a slightly different route.

We were able to show our appreciation to our guides, Greg and Peter, by inviting them to join us for afternoon coffee at the well-known spot, The PIe in the Sky, which is almost directly opposite the reserve entrance. This rounded out a very pleasant day.