Marramarra Creek bushcare camp

Marramarra National Park

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Overview

Volunteer with the Marramarra Creek bushcare group and enjoy a camping weekend away in Marramarra National Park, close to Sydney. As a volunteer, you’ll help NSW National Parks remove weeds and restore the habitat of native Australian plants along the shores of the Hawkesbury River.

Work
Bush regeneration, weed and pest management
Where
Marramarra Creek campground
Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Grade
Medium
Join up

NSW National Parks is hosting an overnight bushcare camp at Marramarra National Park. On Day 1, we'll make our way in an NPWS car convoy to the start of the Marramarra Ridge trail, and take a guided Discovery walk to Marramarra Creek. Enjoy a rest and bite to eat before heading a little downstream to our weeding site, where we’ll target scattered lantana and wild tobacco. After setting up camp at Marramarra Creek campground, volunteers will have plenty of leisure time to explore the creek and participate in cultural activities. On Day 2, we’ll get busy with a little more bush regeneration before walking back to Fiddletown.

Volunteers meet at Fiddletown, to transfer overnight equipment to an NPWS convoy car before the guided walk to Marramarra Creek. Limited camping equipment can also be booked by volunteers. Bush regeneration tools, on-site training and catering will be provided.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/volunteer-activities/marramarra-creek-bushcare-camp/local-alerts

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Marramarra Creek bushcare camp.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    To get to Marramarra National Park from Hornsby:

    • Follow Galston Road through Galston Gorge
    • To access the southern precinct, turn right into Arcadia Road, then after approximately 4km, turn left into Cobah Road and continue along Bloodwood Road to the park.
    • To access the northern precinct, continue through Galston and turn right onto Old Northern Road, then after approximately 18km, turn right into Canoelands Road.

    From Wisemans Ferry:

    • Drive south on Old Northern Road towards Dural
    • To access the northern precinct, turn left into Canoelands Road after approximately 18km.
    • To access the southern precinct, after approximately 34km, turn left into Wylds Road, continue, then turn left into Arcadia Road. After approximately 4km, turn left into Cobah Road and continue along Bloodwood Road to the park.

     

    Road quality

    • Unsealed roads

    Vehicle access

    • 2WD vehicles

    Parking

    Parking is available at the end of Marramarra Ridge trail.

    By bike

    Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.

    By public transport

    For information about public transport options, visit the NSW transport info website.

    Maps and downloads

    Accessibility

    Disability access level - no wheelchair access

    Learn more

    Marramarra Creek bushcare camp is in Marramarra National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

      Darug country

      Sandstone cave, Marramarra National Park. Photo: John Spencer

      Marramarra is part of the traditional lands of the Darug Aboriginal people. Their use and respect of the land can be found in isolated corners of the park. The surviving Aboriginal sites, which provide the only indications of traditional life in the area, are of special importance to local Aboriginal communities. Cave art, rock engravings, grinding grooves, middens, scarred trees, and other occupational deposits and stone arrangements are all part of Marramarra. 

      Exploring the land

      View of the Hawkesbury River, Marramarra National Park. Photo: John Spencer

      In the early days of the new colony, Hawkesbury River was a major communication route and supported an active river-based community. European exploration began as early as 1789 when Governor Arthur Phillip took his second trip up Hawkesbury River and camped at Gentlemans Halt. By 1884, there was a small community at Gentlemans Halt and a provisional school had been established; you can still see the foundations of a road and a wharf from this era. Other reminders of European historic heritage include remains of orange orchards along Marramarra Creek and the foundations of a hut, stone walls and a well at Big Bay.

      Is it a bird?

      Flannel flowers (Actinotus helianthi), Marramarra National Park. Photo: Michael Jarman

      Marramarra is home to a great diversity of animals and birds, making it a great place for wildlife spotting and bird watching. You're likely to spot a white-breasted sea eagle, swamp wallaby, possum or kingfisher in your travels. If you're lucky, you might come across some of the more uncommon animals found here such as rails, gang-gang and glossy black cockatoos, and red-crowned toadlets.

      Plentiful lands

      View of the Hawkesbury River, Marramarra National Park. Photo: John Spencer

      The sandstone ridges and deep gullies of Marramarra support a wide range of environments. Experience salt marsh and mangrove forests on the shores of Hawkesbury River, to tall open forest and ridge-top woodlands. In spring, the bush turns into a brilliant display of colour as the wildflowers burst in action. Discover the unique plant life and help preserve it – why not participate in the bush regeneration volunteer programs in the park?

      Education resources (1)