Turon National Park

Turon National Park is located in New South Wales, Australia, in the Central Tablelands region, approximately 180 km northwest of Sydney. It is situated near the towns of Bathurst, Lithgow, and Sofala, a historic gold rush town. The park lies along the Turon River, making it a picturesque and historically rich destination. Established in 1995, Turon National Park preserves a part of the Turon goldfields, where Australia's first payable gold was discovered in 1851, sparking the gold rush. This historical significance adds a unique cultural layer to the park’s natural beauty, as remnants of old mining equipment and settlements can still be found throughout the area. The park offers basic parking facilities at key locations such as campgrounds and trailheads. Parking is generally free, and visitors are encouraged to park only in designated areas to protect the environment. There are no entrance fees, making the park a cost-effective destination for outdoor activities like camping and fishing. Turon National Park is home to a variety of native wildlife. Visitors may spot eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, wombats, and echidnas. The park’s birdlife is also diverse, featuring species like the wedge-tailed eagle, superb lyrebird, and yellow-tailed black cockatoo. Reptiles, including goannas and various snake species, also inhabit the park. The native flora includes eucalyptus forests, banksias, wattles, and native grasses, with wildflowers blooming in the spring. River red gums and casuarinas line the banks of the Turon River, creating a vibrant, diverse ecosystem. Notable features of Turon National Park include the Turon River itself, offering opportunities for fishing, swimming, and gold panning, as well as scenic bushwalking trails with views of the river and surrounding valleys. There is no public transport directly to the park, so visitors must travel by car. Photo Credit: D.Noble