I trust that you had an opportunity to catch up with family and friends over Christmas and New Year and maybe relax a little. It is hard to believe that we are looking at a fresh year. Have you made any resolutions? Not a big resolution person myself, but a new year does give us all an opportunity to look at things with a fresh perspective.

This month I will be showcasing a few of our local national parks in the hope of tempting you out into the bush in the year ahead. This week we are headed to Eugowra to Nangar National Park. To get there from Eugowra, travel 10km along the Escort Way (Orange Road). Turn right into private property on Dripping Rock Road. Continue on this road for a couple of kilometres and you will enter the Park via a stock grid. 

There are a few options depending on how you would like to spend your time at the Park. There are walks such as the Glen Echo Trail or Mount Taylor Trail, which are for the keen orienteer or stick to the tracks. There are remains of a homestead just off the track before the Terrara Creek camping and picnic area. There is a composting toilet which some people may be grateful to see. There is also a good visitor board here to get your bearings if you were brave and came without a map. 

This area only has six shady camp sites, surrounded by a seasonal creek and there are picnic tables and barbecue facilities. Obviously, at this time of the year there is a fire ban. Gas and electric barbecues are allowed but you should always check park conditions for use of cooking facilities prior to accessing a national park.

The most important thing to remember is that it is not ok to grab your fire wood from within a national park. Plan your trip and bring your own fuel.

Once you have checked out Tarrara Creek campsite, head on further to Dripping Rock. Depending on the season, you may see a flow or a drip.

If you are heading to the Park for views, you need to head to the Mount Nangar lookout. How you get there is up to you. There is a hiking track from Dripping Rock parking area (should take about 2 hours), or, if you have a 4WD, take the track past the Dripping Rock Car Park. This track was improved a couple of years ago. Our first trip was a bit ‘hairy’.

Enjoy the drive! Don’t be in such a rush to get to the top that you don’t take everything in on the way. The views are amazing! This is a great spot for lunch or a cuppa. Yes, you will need the picnic set!

When you leave the Park, if you want to check out the Mount from another perspective, turn right at the main road and travel a couple of kilometres up to the Reedy Creek turnoff (this is also a lovely drive if you are heading back to Parkes).

The Park can be closed to vehicles in wet weather, but most of the area is still accessible. You will travel through a few creek crossings. The tracks are 2WD rated, but in wetter conditions, a 4WD is necessary. 

Visit centralwestlachlanlandcare.org or on facebook. Until next week, happy Landcaring!