Wingham Brush Nature Reserve
Overview
Wingham Brush Nature Reserve near Taree on the Mid-North Coast, makes a great family day trip or school excursion. See grey-headed flying-foxes, enjoy birdwatching and easy walking in the rainforest.
Read more about Wingham Brush Nature Reserve
Located beside Manning River, just near Taree on the Mid North Coast, you’ll find an oasis of subtropical lowland rainforest at Wingham Brush Nature Reserve. It provides a fantastic day trip and excursion for the whole family.
Also known as ‘The Brush’, this reserve preserves one of only a few remnants of this rare rainforest type in Australia, and is a significant roosting and maternity site for the vulnerable grey-headed flying-fox. Stand under the canopy and you’ll see hundreds of flying-foxes hanging above you.
Wander along the wheelchair-accessible boardwalk and follow easy walking tracks to discover the vibrant life under the canopy. There are great opportunities for photography and birdwatching, and lovely places to picnic by the river nearby. Don’t miss the spectacular show at sunset, when all those flying foxes glide overhead in search of food.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/wingham-brush-nature-reserve/local-alerts
Contact
- 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.
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Taree office
02 6552 4097
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm. - 78 Hargreaves Drive, Taree NSW 2430
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Email: npws.manninggreatlakes@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Taree office
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Wingham Brush Nature Reserve.
Map
Map legend
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
From Taree:
- Follow Wingham Road north-west to the township of Wingham
- As you enter the township, turn left into Isabella Street.
- Continue until you see the entrance and carpark next to Wingham School
- Alternatively, continue past Isabella Street, turn left into Farquhar Street, and follow to the end where you’ll see another entrance and carpark.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
By bike
Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information. Please note bikes are not permitted within the reserve.
By public transport
Wingham Brush Nature Reserve is not accessible by public transport.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Wingham Brush Nature Reserve Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Enjoy the peaceful ambience and see the beautiful autumn colours on the leaves of the white cedars as you wander along the boardwalk.
Spring
Wander through the rainforest by day, then, on the banks of the river at sunset, watch the spectacular sight of flying foxes flying out in search of food.
Summer
Escape the holiday crowds, enjoy cooler temperatures under the rainforest canopy and see grey-headed flying foxes when breeding reaches its peak.
Winter
Keep your eyes out for seasonal altitudinal migrants, such as fruit pigeons, bowerbirds and bats foraging in the rainforest.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
16°C and 29°C
Highest recorded
45.2°C
Winter temperature
Average
6°C and 20°C
Lowest recorded
-5°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
789.7mm
Maps and downloads
Prohibited
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Nearby towns
Wingham (1 km)
A short stroll from the centre of Wingham is Wingham Brush Nature Reserve. Here you'll see a major colony of grey-headed flying foxes hanging head-down in the canopies of 1000-year-old Moreton Bay and strangler figs.
Taree (13 km)
Taree is a major mid North Coast city, ringed by superb beaches. It's situated on the Manning River and set against rolling hills.
Forster (46 km)
Dominated by water sports Forster is the centre of the Great Lakes area.
Learn more
Wingham Brush Nature Reserve is a special place. Here are just some of the reasons why:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
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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.
Education resources (1)
What we're doing
Wingham Brush Nature Reserve has management strategies in place to protect and conserve the values of this park. Visit the OEH website for detailed park and fire management documents.