Werakata-Nationalpark

The Werakata National Park is a national park in the eastern part of the Australian state of New South Wales, 115 kilometers north of Sydney, in the region of the Hunter River. The park is divided into three parts, which are in the northeast, east and southeast of the town of Cessnock.

South of the park is the separate Werakata State Conservation Area.

History

The Werakata National Park was formed from a 1130 acre area of Cessnock State Forest ( State Forest No 874 ) on 26 February 1999. On January 1, 2003, a further 478 acres came from the state forest to be as well as the Aberdare State Forest ( State Forest No 981 ) with 531 hectares.

The Werakata State Conservation Area with 2257 hectares was created in 2007.

The area around the Hunter River was inhabited by the Aboriginesstämmen the Awabakal, the Worimi, the Wonnarua, the Geawegal, the Birripai and Darkinjung, but you do not know much about their use of the land in the vicinity of today's national parks. According to European colonization in the 19th century forestry was operated and saw mills originated in and near the present park. Most of the timber was used for the expansion of the mines in the area. Cessnock 1942, the State Forest was established as reserve in 1963 was followed by the Aberdare State Forest. The logging was continued to reclassification in the National Park.

Flora and Fauna

Prior to the erection of the National Park had found that the predominant in this area eucalyptus "Spotted Gum" ( Corymbia maculata ) was still under-represented in the system of protected areas.

In the park you will also find several endangered species:

• The Middle Gleithörnchenbeutler ( a Gleithörnchenbeutlerart )
• The Grey-headed flying fox
• The warts honeyeater
• The Swift Parrot

Attractions and facilities

• Picnic area Astills
• Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland.
• Hiking trails (for Tomalpin Hill )
• Bicycle paths ( from the picnic area Astills, along the Dead Mans Trail and back to the picnic area on the Gibson Road).
• An old cabin in the woods ( off the Old Maitland Road)