Nature NSW – Page 2 – National Parks Association of NSW

Book Review: The Life and Times of the Murray Cod

Posted by NPA NSWon February 24, 2026February 26, 2026in Autumn 2026Leave a comment

Author: Paul Humphries. With contributions by Katherine Doyle, Cameron G. Mc Gregor and Minda W. Murray. Illustrations by W. Howard Brandenburg
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing 2023
Reviewed by: Ricki Nash, NPA Environmental Book Club

About the Author: Associate Professor Paul Humphries is a River and Fish Ecologist based with the Gulbali Institute at Charles Sturt University (Albury-Wodonga). His work and research spans 40 years focusing on the early life cycles of freshwater fish, river ecology and flows, with a particular interest in historical ecology associated with the Murray-Darling Basin.

Fig Tree Falls Walk Report: Coffs Coast Branch, January 2026

Posted by NPA NSWon February 24, 2026February 26, 2026in Autumn 2026Leave a comment

Led by Lyn McRae, Coffs Coast Branch

Five people, including the leader, went on the Fig Tree Falls walk on the morning of Wednesday 7 January 2026. The weather was good, partly cloudy, unlike the south of the state in a heatwave. We got shuttled in a 4WD, thanks to Lyn’s partner John, from the meeting point on Dingo Creek Road to a point where Frontage Creek Rd branched off around the head of the creek. The moderate pace walk gave us time to chat with stops to hear forest birds and see many small whip snakes in the sunny spots. The palm forest beside the bubbling Frontage Creek was delightful. We looked at the sketchy, old bridge but gladly didn’t have to cross it the way we went. On to the top of Fig Tree Falls we spread out for our morning tea stop and took in the ambiance of the rainforest amphitheatre.

Finally, The Great Koala National Park is announced

Posted by NPA NSWon December 1, 2025December 1, 2025in Summer 2025Leave a comment

Ashley Love, Member of NPA and Bellingen Environment Centre

The history of community campaigns to protect koala habitat in the Bellingen-Coffs Harbour areas goes back over 50 years. In the 1970’s Coffs City Council supported residents’ efforts to protect koala habitat at Roberts Hill on the western edge of the city.

A Landmark Victory for Nature – NPA members celebrate the Great Koala National Park

Posted by NPA NSWon December 1, 2025December 1, 2025in Summer 2025Leave a comment

James Sherwood, Conservation Campaigner

Members of the National Parks Association of NSW (NPA) gathered in Bongil Bongil National Park on the Coffs Coast in September, to celebrate a landmark moment in nature conservation, the announcement of the Great Koala National Park (GKNP).

Jervis Bay Marine Park under threat from invasive mussels

Posted by NPA NSWon December 1, 2025December 1, 2025in Summer 2025Leave a comment

Dr Jonathon Howard, NPA Executive member

Jervis Bay Marine Park was established by the NSW Government in 1988. It covers about 215km² and extends from Kinghorn Point in the north to Sussex Inlet in the south. Its clear waters are due to the joining of warm water from the East Australian Current and cooler water from Bass Strait. Whales and dolphins are common sights in the marine park. It is also a popular diving and snorkelling location with an international reputation. Grey nurse sharks are regularly seen by divers at Jervis Bay. It is truly a ‘jewel in the crown’.

Great Southern Forest National Park proposal update

Posted by NPA NSWon December 1, 2025December 1, 2025in Summer 2025Leave a comment

Kate Carroll, Conservation Projects Officer

Recent field work was undertaken for the Great Southern Forests National Park proposal, documenting some of the iconic species and key flora and fauna of Southern NSW. I was joined by Dave Gallan, Gary Dunnett, Jenny Atton and Qinan Wang in October. We visited the lookouts over McDonald and Yerriyong State Forests of the Milton area then headed to the tableland State Forests: Tallaganda and Glenbog. The trip ended in the far south coast at East Boyd State Forest and Green Cape.