History
Juugawaarri, the name of the adjacent nature reserve, means “place of rest” in the language of the Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal people. For thousands of years the Gumbaynggirr people may have visited this area for food, reliable water, rest and perhaps shelter from fire in the rainforest.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries timber cutters arrived here in search of the majestic red cedar trees that grew in these sheltered rainforest valleys, which were highly sought after for fine European furniture. Large specimens of this tree are now extremely rare, but some survive at Girralong and you can see one on your drive through the property. In the 1950s and 60s commercial logging of eucalypt forests commenced in the area. You can still see evidence of old logging tracks and some cut stumps on the ridges and upper slopes around Girralong Rainforest Retreat. Much of the old growth forest in the area was taken, but many large old hollow trees were left on steeper slopes at Girralong.
The lower creek flats of Girralong Rainforest Retreat were cleared previously for grazing and a fruit orchid. Agriculture was discontinued in the 1970s and since then the bush has been slowly recovering.
Current Management
Girralong Rainforest Retreat is now managed for biodiversity conservation. In 2022 an In-perpetuity Conservation Agreement was established for the entire property with the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust.
Weeds, such as lantana, are gradually being removed or actively managed, enabling natural regeneration of native vegetation. Rainforest seedlings collected from the property are cultivated and replanted in cleared areas. Advanced replantings can be seen as you first enter the Retreat.
Nature
Girralong Rainforest Retreat has an impressive diversity of animal and plant species. It is also an important refuge for numerous rare and threatened species, including the koala, spotted-tail quoll, parma wallaby, glossy black cockatoo, sooty owl, wompoo fruit dove, Stevenson’s banded snake and giant barred frog. Below is a selection of species you can expect to find.
Girralong Rainforest Retreat has an impressive diversity of animal and plant species. It is also an important refuge for numerous rare and threatened species, including the koala, spotted-tail quoll, parma wallaby, glossy black cockatoo, sooty owl, wompoo fruit dove, Stevenson’s banded snake and giant barred frog. Below is a selection of species you can expect to find.
Birdlife
Girralong Rainforest Retreat is a birder's paradise. At least 120 bird species have been recorded.
Girralong Rainforest Retreat is a birder's paradise. At least 120 bird species have been recorded.
bird_list_2023.pdf | |
File Size: | 86 kb |
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Other Wildlife
Girralong is home for at least 27 native mammal, 24 reptile and 21 frog species - and we keep finding more. There are no foxes, although feral cats, and a few other introduced species are present.
Girralong is home for at least 27 native mammal, 24 reptile and 21 frog species - and we keep finding more. There are no foxes, although feral cats, and a few other introduced species are present.
girralong_mammals_2023.pdf | |
File Size: | 126 kb |
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girralong_reptiles_and_frogs_2023.pdf | |
File Size: | 141 kb |
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