Gulaga National Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gulaga National ParkNew South Wales |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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 Gulaga National Park
Location in New South Wales
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| Established | 2001 |
| Area | 46.73 km2 (18.0 sq mi) |
| Managing authorities | NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Gulaga National Park |
| See also | Protected areas of New South Wales |
Gulaga National Park is a special protected area found on the south coast of New South Wales, Australia. It's about 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of a town called Bermagui. The most important part of this park is a big mountain called Gulaga, which is also known as Mount Gulaga. This national park was created in 2001 by joining three smaller reserves: the former Wallaga Lake National Park, Goura Nature Reserve, and Mount Dromedary Flora Reserve.
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The Story of Gulaga Mountain
Gulaga Mountain was once an active volcano! This means it used to erupt with lava and ash more than 60 million years ago. Today, the mountain stands about 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) tall. It is surrounded by beautiful lakes, old mining paths, and lush temperate rainforests. The park also includes lovely countryside areas.
How Gulaga National Park Was Formed
In 2001, Gulaga National Park was officially created. This happened as part of a big plan called the Southern Comprehensive Regional Forest Agreement. The Yuin people, who are the traditional owners of this land, asked for the park to be created. It brought together the Wallaga Lake National Park, Goura Nature Reserve, and Mt Dromedary Flora Reserve into one larger protected area.
Returning the Land to Its Traditional Owners
A very important event happened on May 6, 2006. The New South Wales Government gave the ownership of Gulaga National Park back to the Yuin people. They are the traditional owners of this land. This special handover was done by the New South Wales Environment Minister at the time, Bob Debus.
The ownership of Gulaga National Park is now held in trust by two land councils for the Aboriginal owners. These are the Merrimans and Wagonga Local Aboriginal Lands Councils. This means the land is managed to benefit the Yuin people, who have a deep connection to it.
What Makes Gulaga National Park Special?
Gulaga National Park covers an area of 46.73 square kilometers (about 18 square miles). It's a very important place for birds. Bird experts have named it part of the Ulladulla to Merimbula Important Bird Area. This is because it's a key spot for swift parrots, which are special birds.
Wallaga Lake: A Big Lake in the Park
Inside the park, you'll find Wallaga Lake. This is the largest lake in southern New South Wales. It adds to the park's natural beauty and provides a home for many different animals and plants. The mountain itself, though no longer a volcano, is still a central feature. It is surrounded by the lake, old mining tracks, and beautiful temperate rainforest.
See also
