Wirrimbirra Sanctuary

Wirrimbirra Sanctuary is a property of the National Trust of Australia (NSW), established and managed as a wildlife reserve by the David. G. Stead Memorial Wildlife Research Foundation of Australia. Wirrimbirra was created in the 1960s by Thistle Stead, in memory of her husband David, to preserve the original 'Bargo Brush' and promote the use and propagation of Australian native plants. Today Wirrimbirra operates as a flora and fauna reserve, and education and research centre.

Wirrimbirra has over 200 acres of preserved native bushland - the remaining part of the area known as the 'Bargo Brush' in colonial times, but known and frequented longer by the traditional Tharawal aboriginal peoples. The unique flora of the Bargo Brush is part of its preserve, including endangered species. Wirrimbirra is also a fauna reserve, where you may see wallabies, kangaroos, echidnas, possums, and other native animals in their natural habitat.

Wirrimbirra is not a zoo, although you may see some native animals in an enclosure designed to keep out feral animals. To see the many native animals which make this bushland home you need to spend more time in the reserve (even at night, to see nocturnal animals). However, there are many bushwalking trails for the visitor offering gentle strolls and shady resting places, and longer walks in the 90 hectare park where you can experience the unique flora. Entrance to Wirrimbirra is free - although as it does not receive official funding, you may like to leave a small donation to help with its work.

Wirrimbirra offers picnic facilities for the family. Places for kids to play and explore! Spend some time relaxing in peaceful bushland surroundings. Enjoy the sounds of the calls of the native birds. Go for a stroll through the thick bushland, known by early Europeans as the notorious 'Bargo Brush', an impenetrable forest infested with bushrangers! Barbecues are available for hire - see the Office.

Backpacking? School, club, or educational group? Budget family accommodation? Many people have discovered that Wirrimbirra is magical at night. We provide basic cabin accommodation for families and groups.

Part of our purpose here at Wirrimbirra is to research and propagate native plants. We can advise you which local indigenous plants to use in your garden to attract native birdlife. We also have a range of native Australian plants and seedlings available for sale to help make your garden more beautiful. Ask us about the White Waratah - bred here in our nursery!

Getting Here

3105 Remembrance Drive, Bargo, NSW