Whilst the NSW Central Coast is known for its Beaches, Hinterland, Surf, Sand and accommodation, it is also home to a wide array of native Australian wildlife.
If you are interested in conservation and habitat or just possibly want to check out the local flora and fauna, there are plenty of chances to do this in the NSW Central Coast area.
Australian Reptile Park
An exciting, hands-on zoo for all the family, the Australian Reptile Park is legendary for its animal interaction. Have your photo taken with a python, take a walk with Hugo the Giant Galapagos Tortoise or observe Australia’s biggest crocodile being fed. With its regular Kids 2 Keeper events, your kids can even experience a day in the life of an Australian Zoo Keeper – feeding the animals, meeting all kinds of interesting creatures and even watch a snake being milked for its venom. The Australian Reptile Park comes highly recommended for a fun, family day out.
Australia Walkabout Park
At the Australia Walkabout Park, you can encounter some of Australia’s most well-known wild animals in their natural habit and even learn the lay of the land. Whether it’s wild emu and kangaroo feeding or learning how to throw a boomerang, the Ranger-led activities will have you learning all about the bush wildlife and habitat. You can even learn more about the aboriginal way of life from Bush Tucker to Bush Medicine. And if it takes your fancy, you can even have a go at the old didgeridoo.
But if zoos and animal enclosures are not really your thing and you’d rather get out there and meet the real day to day wildlife of the Central Coast, there are a number of absorbing animals to look out for – particularly in the Gosford Hinterland Area.
Threatened Species of the Central Coast
Unfortunately, there are a number of species that are indigenous to the Central Coast area which are now threatened with declining numbers or degenerating habitat. Here are some of the most strange to look out for:
The Bush Stone-Curlew – Found around Brisbane Water in the Saratoga, Davistown, South Kincumber, Bensville, Empire Bay, St Hubert’s Island and Woy Woy areas, the Central Coast is a key population area for this bird. Despite this, there remains less than 20 birds of this species and the Bush Stone-Curlew is listed as endangered under Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. This means that their numbers have been reduced to such a critical level that the species is in current danger of becoming extinct in the New South Wales area. The Bush Stone-Curlew is especially well camouflaged in woodland vegetation (particularly among fallen timber) and holds a statue-like pose to avoid discovery. They can be heard around the Brisbane Water area at night with their distinctive eerie wailing or ‘weer-lo’ call.
The Green and Golden Bell Frog – Despite once being widespread in the Central Coast area, the Green and Golden Bell Frog is now listed as endangered under Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. It is a large frog with distinctive green and gold markings which can range from being almost entirely green with small golden flecks, to being almost entirely golden. During colder weather however, the frogs colouration can darken to become almost black. The most different aspect of this species is it is purple-blue markings on the inner thigh/groin area and it’s call is characterized as a long croak, followed by a medium one and two smaller – ‘Brrrrrrrrrrk Brrrrrk Brrk-Brrk’. If you spot this this frog on your travels, please report your sighting right away but do not handle it – a disease known as Chytrid Fungus has been blamed for the death of these frogs in some areas.
Whale Watching
Whilst some visitors are more keen on the luxury on board an Australasia cruise, there’s no better way to watch the local marine life than with a whale watching boat trip. Fantasea at Palm Beach offer a 3 to 4 hour cruise departing from either Palm Beach or Ettalong beach, where you can encounter whales up close in their natural habitat. These trips are highly seasonal however, operating during June and July (whilst the whales head North to warmer water) as well as throughout October and November (when the whales head back South). Of course, whale sightings are not guaranteed but by taking you out during these months, Fantasea maximizes the chance that you’ll see numerous whales during their migratory periods.
For all your central coast accommodation needs, check out BookCentralCoast.com.au
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