Wallarah

Wallarah National Park is a coastal sandstone park on the Central Coast of New South Wales, located near Budgewoi and Lake Munmorah north of Wyong. Covering approximately 1,950 hectares, the park protects significant areas of Hawkesbury Sandstone heath, coastal woodland, and wetland communities on the low sandy coastal terrain of the Central Coast. The park provides important ecological connectivity in the urbanised Central Coast corridor and contributes to the conservation of the coastal lowland plant communities.

Wallarah National Park supports coastal lowland wildlife. Koalas are present in the eucalypt woodland. Eastern grey kangaroos and swamp wallabies are common. Diverse woodland birds including glossy black-cockatoos and yellow-tailed black-cockatoos are present. The coastal wetlands attract waterbirds.

Hawkesbury Sandstone heath with banksias, hakeas, and diverse wildflowers dominates the sandy terrain. Scribbly gum and bloodwood woodland covers slightly elevated areas. Coastal swamp communities with paperbarks and sedges occupy the wetlands. Spring wildflower displays are outstanding.

The park is situated on Quaternary coastal sands overlying Triassic Hawkesbury Sandstone. The low, sandy terrain is characteristic of the Central Coast coastal lowlands.

Warm temperate coastal climate. Annual rainfall approximately 1,100 millimetres. Warm summers, mild winters.

The Darkinjung people are the traditional custodians of the Central Coast. The coastal lowlands provided diverse resources.

Wallarah National Park was established to protect the coastal heath and woodland from Central Coast urban development.

Walking tracks through coastal heath. Birdwatching and wildflower viewing in spring. The park provides accessible bushland for the Central Coast population.

Basic visitor facilities. Access from Lizzie Bay Drive and Pacific Highway. Wyong provides visitor services. Approximately 90 kilometres north of Sydney. A national parks pass applies.

Managing edge effects from surrounding urban development. Invasive weed control in the coastal heath. Koala habitat management.