Gordon Street, Port Macquarie
The Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park/Historic Cemetery covers an area of over 50 hectares. The main point of entry is from Gordon Street, however in all, there are ten access points to the park. The area was developed to preserve natural bushland whilst providing walking tracks/boardwalks through a range of different ecosystems.
The park boasts seven ecosystems which are abundant with native plants and animals. The estuarine area contains mangroves and sedgelands. Volcanic soils
support forests of paperbarks, she-oaks, eucalypts and rainforests. A Wollemi Pine has been planted in the open parkland area of the historic cemetery. There have been 165 known bird species, and numerous reptiles such as water dragons and blue-tongue lizards identified in the park. The varied vegetation provides habitat for small mammals, including koalas and sugar gliders.
Adjacent to the Gordon Street entrance, there are picnic facilities, an arboretum area featuring a variety of species, amenities building and an information board. There is limited roadside parking available, however there is a public carpark directly across the road which can be accessed via Hayward Street.
Guided tours are offered by the Friends of Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park for a small fee and can be organised to suit each individual group's requirements. Informative talks on the park and local history, or educational talks on the flora and fauna can be arranged. To organise a tour please contact Port Macquarie Visitor Centre on 1300 303 155 (within Australia only) or +61 02 6581 8000.
Alternatively, visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour following the maps and directions on the trails. There are information boards and some labelled plants at various locations around the park. Depending on the chosen route, walks can take half an hour or two hours.
The adjoining historic cemetery features a floral garden display, open parkland and graves of notable early settlers.
Facilities
- boardwalk and walking tracks (some are wheelchair accessible)
- picnic tables
- amenities
- information board
Features
- arboretum
- native plants and animals
- parking available
- proximity to CBD
- adjacent to historic cemetery
- guided tours available by appointment
