Castle Rocks walk

After Europeans settled in the region, Munghorn Gap became a route for horse and bullock teams connecting Wollar, Merriwa and Mudgee. Evidence of past blacksmithing, timber-cutting, peat and coal mining, prospecting, and quarrying can still be found in and around the reserve.

As far as birdwatchers are concerned, Munghorn Gap is a happening place to go twitching. Over 164 different species of birds inhabit the reserve either permanently or seasonally, and many of these are rare and uncommon. They come in all shapes and sizes, from Australia's tallest bird, the emu, to the country's smallest, the 8-9cm weebill. Many are brightly coloured, such as rare scarlet honeyeaters and flame robins, while others like jackie winters and tree martins are more subdued in appearance. Bowerbirds and lyrebirds can be seen in Munghorn Gap along with national favourites like kookaburras, magpies and galahs. Birds of prey include wedge-tailed eagles, whistling kites, collared sparrowhawks, peregrine falcons and brown goshawks. After dark the boobook and owls - powerful, barking, and barn -take over for the nightly hunt.

Great Dividing Range stretches the length of Eastern Australia and creates an interface between the western plains and the mountains. Munghorn Gap is one of the lowest points of the range and lies on the extreme western edge of the Sydney-Bowen geological basin. Parts of the reserve drain into Cudgegong River and, in turn, the Macquarie River system.

Munghorn Gap has been inhabited by Aboriginal people for over 12,000 years. Once a major trading route between the Blue Mountains and the plains, Munghorn Gap continues to be a significant place to local Wiradjuri people.