SAPPHIRE COAST - SUMMER 2024 - BEGA 19 Four-wheel driving among the magnificent native bushland of Wadbilliga National Park, west of Cobargo. Photo: Lucas Boyd Photography/NSW NPWS There are many magnificent national parks to explore in the Bega/Cobargo region, offering diverse landscapes and a rich indigenous history. These include Wadbilliga, Bournda, and Biamanga... Wadbilliga National Park Twenty kilometres west of Cobargo is Wadbilliga National Park, which features an array of scenic bushwalks, two picturesque waterfalls, birdwatching, abundant native flora and fauna, 4WD touring, mountain biking, and numerous camping and picnicking opportunities. Bournda National Park Bournda National Park is perhaps one of the Sapphire Coast's best-kept secrets. Located near Tathra, the park is packed with options to entice explorers of all age, including magnificent scenery, coastal walks, kayaking, and endless opportunities for birdwatching. If you feel like escaping the crowd, drive to Turingal Head, then wander down to the beautiful Wine Glass Bay, where you could easily spend a day exploring or enjoy a lunchtime picnic. On the park's Kangarutha walking track, you'll discover secluded beaches and spectacular cliffs along the rugged coastline. Hobart Beach has excellent camping facilities and lots of activities to keep the kids entertained, while the calm waters of Wallagoot Lake are popular with swimmers, paddlers, boaties (yes there are boat-launching facilities), fisherpeople, and even water skiers. Biamanga National Park Jointly managed by Aboriginal people and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW, Biamanga National Park (bi-a-manga) is a significant Aboriginal site filled with dramatic landscapes and places to unwind. Sacred to the local First Nations Yuin People for centuries, it was returned to its traditional custodians in 2006 as part of a joint management agreement with NSW National Parks. This means that when you visit the park, you're visiting a place where decisions about the land are made by Aboriginal people, and where the sea and the landscape connects First Nations culture and lore. Although just 20 kilometres from the Bega township, the park has a rugged landscape of cascades and granite boulders, ribbon gums, babbling creeks, and dramatic river gorges fed by natural springs. There are excellent bird-watching opportunities, some lovely picnic spots, and various scenic lookouts that are easily reached via short, family-friendly walks. Biamanga Cultural Area Previously known as Mumbulla Creek Falls and Picnic Area, the Biamanga Cultural Area is located in Biamanga National Park, a sacred area to the local Aboriginal Yuin People. A wheelchair-accessible boardwalk here leads to a viewing platform over a part of the Mumbulla Creek cascades through a dramatic gorge and granite boulder field. This is part of the legacy of an ancient shield volcano in the area, and the story of its Aboriginal heritage is conveyed through interpretive signs and an information shelter. A paved picnic area at the beginning of the walk has free gas barbecues, non-flush toilets and shaded areas to enjoy lunch while you soak up the serene ambience and explore the interpretative signage. The forest setting is beautiful, and you can see eastern water dragons sunning themselves on rocks, colourful azure kingfishers and blue wrens flitting about their day. Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go bird watching. It's also worth noting that there is limited mobile reception in this park, so be sure to 'let someone know before you go'. A land of wild landscapes and ancient culture Beach views across to Wallagoot Lake in the beautiful Bournda National Park. Photo: Destination NSW The spectacular Mumbulla Creek Falls in the Biamanga National Park. Photo: Visit NSW
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