Brimbin Nature Reserve is just a stone's throw from Taree and a tranquil place of mangrove-lined waterways for canoeing, short trails for walking and shady areas for picnicking. Yet, over the century following European settlement of this area - the traditional land of the Biripi Nation - the place had a surprisingly dynamic history. Along with being the site ... Visit website for more info
1.5km (return) - 1 hour (each way)
Dawson River walking track is a great hike that starts at Brimbin picnic area. Before or after your picnic lunch, take a stroll on this picturesque walking track that follows the line of Dawson River before joining up with the historic bullock route of Old Port Macquarie Road. This road is an important part of New South Wales' colonial ... Visit website for more info
1.5km (return) - 1 hour (each way)
Isabella Mary Kelly, New South Wales' only independent female colonial settler, was a wealthy Irish woman who sailed into Sydney Harbour in 1834 looking for a tree change. She bought up Crown Land and ran her own station. Isabella was apparently disliked by her neighbours for doing 'men's work', her house burnt down in her absence and she was, ... Visit website for more info
There's something completely relaxing about picnicking near a river - the sounds, the fresh smell, the coolness of the air and all the wildlife that waterways attract. Brimbin picnic area is located right on Dawson River in Brimbin Nature Reserve. If you're on a road trip, take a break in Brimbin's shady picnic area and listen to the birds ... Visit website for more info
Isabella Mary Kelly, New South Wales’ only independent female colonial settler, was a wealthy Irish woman who sailed into Sydney Harbour in 1834 looking for a tree change. She bought up Crown Land and ran her own station. Isabella was apparently disliked by her neighbours for doing ‘men’s work’, her house burnt down in her absence and she was, for a time, unjustly imprisoned after subletting to a conman. History has painted her character in various extremes, from a gun-slinging tyrant to a brave pioneering hero.
Beginning at Tommy Owens Crossing, the track passes through a dense area of swamp oak then, from Ms Kellys Crossing, follows part of Old Port Macquarie Road. From the late 1820s, this historic route allowed bullock-drawn vehicles to cross Dawson River and continue on to Port Macquarie.
It’s a great trail for walking with children. See how many different birds they can spot along the way....
Dawson River walking track is a great hike that starts at Brimbin picnic area. Before or after your picnic lunch, take a stroll on this picturesque walking track that follows the line of Dawson River before joining up with the historic bullock route of Old Port Macquarie Road. This road is an important part of New South Wales’ colonial heritage.
While walking this track, see if you can find a narrow-leaved red gum, which rarely grows this far north. If you’re very lucky, you may even see a koala, as this gum provides important food and habitat to this animal. You’ll also pass grey myrtle, swamp oak, water gum and two types of mangrove: grey and river. Take along binoculars and see if you can spot birds as well as nests in the mangroves. Brimbin is home to raptors, waterbirds and woodland birds. Overhead, you may also see seabirds. This walking track provides a great opportunity for birdwatching....
There’s something completely relaxing about picnicking near a river – the sounds, the fresh smell, the coolness of the air and all the wildlife that waterways attract. Brimbin picnic area is located right on Dawson River in Brimbin Nature Reserve.
If you’re on a road trip, take a break in Brimbin’s shady picnic area and listen to the birds for a while. Or perhaps you’re staying in Taree and looking for a place to spend the day. Bring the kids and the canoes along. There’s no need to skimp on supplies because it’s only a short walk from the carpark to your picnic spot. Fire up the barbecue and cook up a feast in this secluded natural bush setting.
The whole family can also enjoy paddling on Dawson River and Tommy Owens Creek. Dawson River walking track begins from the picnic area, which is an easy walk and a great one to take kids on. The start of Ms Kellys walking track isn’t far away either....