Paroo-Darling National Park

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Paroo-Darling National Park
IUCN category II (national park)

Sign at entrance
Paroo-Darling National Park
State New South Wales
Nearest town or city White Cliffs
Coordinates 31°31′12″S 143°54′00″E / 31.52000°S 143.90000°E / -31.52000; 143.90000Coordinates: 31°31′12″S 143°54′00″E / 31.52000°S 143.90000°E / -31.52000; 143.90000
Area 1,780 km2 (687.3 sq mi)
Established 2000
Managing authorities National Parks and Wildlife Service (New South Wales)
Website Paroo-Darling National Park

The Paroo-Darling National Park spans two distinct regions in the outback area of north-western New South Wales. This region covers the arid catchments of the Paroo River (Peery and Poloko Lakes) and the Paroo-Darling confluence to the south.

History

Aboriginal heritage has been protected here and evidence of a lifestyle spanning back many thousands of years in the hearth sites, stone tool scatters and scarred trees that had supplied bark.[1]

Paroo-Darling National Park was formed after the purchase of seven properties between 2000 and 2003 by the New South Wales Government, with assistance from the National Reserve System Program. The northern section of the park, near White Cliffs, comprises the former stations, Arrowbar, Peery and Mandalay. The park now covers 1,780 km2 (687 sq mi).[2]

Environment

The park is set in a landscape of grey cracking clays & red sand hills along the Darling River floodplains. Peery and Poloko Lakes and their associated wetlands form part of the Paroo overflow which is important for wildlife. Peery Lake covers 5,026 hectares (12,420 acres) when in flood and is the largest of the Paroo Overflow lakes. This lake is a water bird haven and when full it will hold water for several years. When dry, Peery Lake is the only location in NSW where Great Artesian Basin mound springs are visible in a lakebed.[3] Most of the park lies within the Paroo Floodplain and Currawinya Important Bird Area, identified as such by BirdLife International because of its importance, when conditions are suitable, for large numbers of waterbirds.[4]

Access

This park can be accessed via dry weather roads, from the villages of either White Cliffs (20 km (12 mi)) or Wilcannia. The Visitor Centre at White Cliffs is able to provide further up-to-date information on the Paroo-Darling National Park.

Camping is permitted at the Coach and Horses campground at the old Wilga Station which is approximately 50 km (31 mi) east of Wilcannia.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Paroo-Darling National Park - Culture and history Retrieved on 2009-6-2
  2. ↑ 2009 Guide to NSW National Parks, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
  3. ↑ Paroo-Darling National Park Retrieved on 2009-6-2
  4. ↑ "IBA: Paroo Floodplain & Currawinya". Birdata. Birds Australia. Retrieved 2011-09-13. 


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