Continuing on with our look at some local National Parks, this week we are headed to the Wanda Wandong in the Goobang National Park.

The Wanda Wandong campground has quite a large space to camp over. The turnoff to the Park is approximately 5km past Tomingley on the Newell Highway, on Gundong Road. This road is unsealed, but usually in good condition. After about 15km the track veers to the right and you will be headed towards the campsite. 

Whether you are planning a day out for a picnic or for a few days away, this is a lovely destination. The drive is suitable for 2WD vehicles. Caravan and trailer sites are marked, but sites are not powered. Camping in tents is flexible in this area and there are no bookings or camping fees.

The campsite has two drop toilets and barbecue facilities with picnic tables. There is a small walking trail near the campground entrance with interpretive signs providing an overview of native vegetation and Aboriginal culture.

While you are in the area, follow the Eastern Boundary Trail for approximately 3km and continue south to the Pipeclay Creek trail and on another 5km. Turn right at the intersection with Sawpit Gully Fire Trail and then into Caloma Trig Trail and it is a further 1km to the Caloma Lookout.

There are no toilets at the Lookout carpark, but picnic tables are available but, if you are an avid bird watcher (or even if you aren’t), this is a good spot to spot birds of prey such as wedge-tailed eagles, brown goshawks and brown falcons, so bring your binoculars. Within the park you may also see parrots, kookaburras, thornbills, robins and treecreepers. 

The wildlife in this area varies from kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas to reptiles such as blue-tongued lizards, shingle-backs, lace monitors and at this time of the year, probably a chance that you might see a snake. A good reminder that when you are heading out ‘into the wild’ you should have a first aid kit with appropriate bandages.

If you are camping over night, there is a chance that you might see or hear a possum, sugar glider, small bats and boobook owls. Please remember that even though some of these animals might be incredibly cute, we are only there to observe and not feed.

An important thing to remember when you are heading to some of the national park areas is that there might not be phone service. If you are venturing out, make sure that you let someone know where you are heading.

Obviously another thing to be aware of particularly at this time of the year is that there are Solid Fuel Fire Bans in place in parks like Goobang. Gas and electric barbecues are permitted under the direct control of an adult. You need to make sure that you have an adequate supply of water, just in case. If there is a Total Fire Ban, that is exactly what it means. Visit www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org. Until next week, happy Landcaring!