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Volunteer at Copeland Tops

Copeland Tops State Conservation Area

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Learn more about why this park is special

Volunteer at Copeland Tops is in Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

From little things big things grow

Wildflowers in bloom in Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Photo: John Spencer

From the delicate epiphytes, only one cell in width, to the gnarled sprawling branches of the ancient grey myrtles, each plant has its place within the ecosystem of the rare dry rainforest. The tract within Copeland Tops is the largest accessible section in the district of Gloucester. Take a walk through the green corridors overhung by strangler figs, shatterwood and grey myrtle. On the ground between mossy rocks and on the sides of trees grow birds nest ferns, staghorns, elkhorns and orchids. The rare stuttering frog is commonly heard around these parts, its call emitting from a preferred habitat of stream-side leaf litter. Its repetitive song is often joined by the screech of glossy black-cockatoos, the "wollack-wa-hoo" of the wompoo fruit-dove and the unpredictable calls of lyrebirds. At night, the masked, powerful and sooty owls come out to hunt and hoot.

  • Basin loop track Basin loop track continues from Hidden Treasure track to form a longer walk with scenic views of Copeland Tops State Conservation Area via historic Old Copeland Road.
  • Copeland Tops twilight tour Experience the magic of Copeland Tops at twilight. Explore Hidden Treasure track and the historic buildings of Mountain Maid gold mine on this evening tour near Gloucester.
  • Exploring the rainforest Join us and explore a unique rainforest environment on this Stage 2 (Years 3-4) Geography excursion at Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Students will conduct field exercises and learn what makes...
  • Hidden Treasure track Take a walk through the rainforest along Hidden Treasure track in Copeland Tops State Conservation Area, near Gloucester. You'll pass remnants of the area's mining heritage, including a historic boile...
  • Junior ranger: Mountain Maid gold mine tour Step back in time this school holidays and uncover the hidden treasures of Mountain Maid gold mine at Copeland Tops.

Land of plenty

Rolling hills of Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Photo: John Spencer

This is the traditional lands of the Worimi and Biripi people who live in the area and previously moved around in response to the seasonal availability of food. Such a broad ecosystem would have provided many resources for medicinal, ceremonial and cultural purposes. It is very likely that people travelling from the coast to Barrington Tops area would have passed through Copeland Tops. Their history will forever be an integral part of this landscape.

  • Copeland Tops Aboriginal cultural tour Join an Aboriginal guide on a cultural tour you won’t forget! Discover the traditional lands of the Worimi and Biripi people in the foothills of Barrington Tops at Copeland Tops State Conservation Are...

Striking it rich

Abandoned gold mine relics, Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Photo: Brent Mail

It was the red cedar cutters who, battling to log 'red gold' in this unforgiving terrain from the early 1800s, first discovered gold here in 1875. The area soon became known as Copeland and over the next 60 years more than 50 gold mines were dug in the area. According to the records, over 1800kg of the valuable metal were extracted during that time. Many relics of this mining heritage remain in the form of historic sites and derelict equipment. However, the bushland and rainforest now dominate once again.

  • Basin loop track Basin loop track continues from Hidden Treasure track to form a longer walk with scenic views of Copeland Tops State Conservation Area via historic Old Copeland Road.
  • Copeland Tops twilight tour Experience the magic of Copeland Tops at twilight. Explore Hidden Treasure track and the historic buildings of Mountain Maid gold mine on this evening tour near Gloucester.
  • Hidden Treasure track Take a walk through the rainforest along Hidden Treasure track in Copeland Tops State Conservation Area, near Gloucester. You'll pass remnants of the area's mining heritage, including a historic boile...
  • It's gold! Stage 3 History students will learn about the critical role national parks play in preserving our unique native plants, animals and rich cultural heritage. Learn about the long history of mining in th...
  • Junior ranger: Mountain Maid gold mine tour Step back in time this school holidays and uncover the hidden treasures of Mountain Maid gold mine at Copeland Tops.
  • Mountain Maid gold mine Guided tours through Mountain Maid gold mine are available for visitors to Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Walking tours start from Hidden Treasure picnic area.
  • Mountain Maid gold mine tour Step back in time and uncover the hidden treasures of Mountain Maid gold mine in Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Discover historic buildings and pan for gold on this tour in the rainforest.
  • The Mountain Maid gold mine ghost hunt As night falls, head deep into the woods of Copeland Tops State Conservation Area on a ghost hunt with Newcastle Ghost Tours. Explore Gloucester Museum and the relics at Mountain Maid gold mine by tor...
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Education resources (1)

School excursions (3)

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