Junior ranger: Wingham Brush wildlife walk
Wingham Brush Nature Reserve
Overview
Walk alongside a NPWS Discovery Ranger and explore a vibrant life under the canopy of subtropical rainforest at Wingham Brush Nature Reserve.
- When
Wednesday 10 July and Thursday 3 October 2024, 10am to 12pm.
- Accessibility
- Easy
- Grade
- Easy. Suitable for adults and children aged 10 years and over.
- Price
-
Child $15 per person (10 to 16 years). Children must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults free.
- Meeting point
- Wingham Brush boardwalk
- Bookings
- Bookings required. Phone 1300 072 757 for more information or book online.
Also known as ‘The Brush’ and located beside the Manning River, this park is a significant roosting and maternity site for the vulnerable grey-headed flying fox.
Bring your binoculars and camera along for your chance to spot some fruit pigeons, bowerbirds and bats as we traverse Wingham Brush boardwalk.
You’ll leave with a greater understanding of the important role of rangers in national parks. And learn how you can help conserve and protect these special spaces into the future.
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/guided-tours/junior-ranger-wingham-brush-wildlife-walk/local-alerts
Operated by
- NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
Park info
- in Wingham Brush Nature Reserve in the North Coast region
Wingham Brush Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather, flooding, or for the benefit of the flying foxes during breeding.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Junior ranger: Wingham Brush wildlife walk.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Wingham Brush boardwalk is on the Farquhar Street side of Wingham Brush Nature Reserve. To get there:
- As you enter the township of Wingham, continue on Wingham Road.
- Turn left into Farquhar Street, then follow to the end, where you’ll see the carpark.
Parking
Parking is available at the end of Farquhar Street, where the boardwalk starts.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - easy
- The eastern section of this boardwalk, from the end of Farquhar Street along Graham Allen walking track and Flying Fox loop, is suitable for wheelchairs, prams, and visitors with limited mobility.
- This section consists of raised timber and fibremesh boardwalk.
Learn more
Junior ranger: Wingham Brush wildlife walk is in Wingham Brush Nature Reserve. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Biripi country
Wingham Brush is part of the traditional lands of the Biripi people. Prior to European occupation, the Biripi people used the area to collect bush tucker, medicinal plants, and for social gatherings by the river. 'Wingan' in the local Aboriginal language means 'where bats come to drink'. Sit by the banks of the river and you might see bats and flying foxes diving into the river to quench their thirst.
Friendly flying foxes
Wingham Brush is the only known continuously occupied roosting and maternity site for the vulnerable grey-headed flying fox between Bellingen and the Hunter Valley, peaking at over 200,000 flying foxes in the warmer months. They roost by day and fly out at night to feed. Guided in the dark by excellent eyesight and sense of smell, they forage for up to 40km from their roost. Sit by the banks of the river at sunset and you'll see this spectacular sight as they fly out in search of food. Fans of other flying things will love bird watching here too You'll find over 100 bird species here, including the osprey, black-necked stork or jabiru and wompoo fruit-dove.
- Junior ranger: Wingham Brush wildlife walk Walk alongside a NPWS Discovery Ranger and explore a vibrant life under the canopy of subtropical rainforest at Wingham Brush Nature Reserve.
- Wingham Brush boardwalk Wingham Brush boardwalk connects several walking tracks for a wheelchair friendly experience in the rainforest. Enjoy birdwatching and see a grey-headed flying fox roosting site.
- Wingham Brush twilight tour Experience the magic of Wingham Brush Nature Reserve at twilight. Soak in breathtaking scenery as we meander along the boardwalk while the sun sets over a canopy of flying foxes.
The Wingham Brush method
Wingham Brush was once pristine rainforest but under European settlement, the area was selectively logged, especially for red cedar. You can still see the remains of two saw pits today from the mid-1800s. Fortunately, in 1909, it became a reserve, with the historic wharf on Manning River. But by 1980, the rainforest was infested with weeds, which threatened its very survival. Thanks to the dedication of the Wingham Brush regeneration team, and what is now internationally recognised as 'The Wingham Brush method', the rainforest has since been regenerated and returned to its natural state.
Unique rainforest
Wingham Brush is an endangered rainforest community and one of the few remnants of subtropical lowland rainforest in Manning Valley. It has at least 195 species of native plants, including 76 species of trees and 32 different vines. Wander along the boardwalk and you'll see impressive trees like the gigantic Moreton Bay figs, giant stinging tree and shiny-leaved stinging tree.
- Junior ranger: Wingham Brush wildlife walk Walk alongside a NPWS Discovery Ranger and explore a vibrant life under the canopy of subtropical rainforest at Wingham Brush Nature Reserve.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
-
Grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus)
The grey-headed flying fox is Australia's largest native bat, with a wingspan up to 1m. This threatened species travels up and down south-eastern Australia and plays a vital role in pollinating plants and spreading seeds in our native forests.