Government officials have confirmed the creation of a new national park in Sydney, Australia. The Gulguer National Park, located in western Sydney, is expected to open within the next six months.
The park will eventually cover more than 1,100 hectares, providing habitat for at least 28 threatened species, including Cumberland and Dural land snails, southern greater gliders, and powerful owls. It will also protect critically endangered Shale Sandstone Transition Forest and Sydney Turpentine–lronbark Forest ecological communities.
Situated on land historically home to the Dharug, Dharawal, and Gundungurra peoples, Gulguer National Park will feature original Aboriginal rock art, stone artefacts, and shelters. Its design aims to preserve indigenous culture and heritage, while also enabling greater access to Country for Aboriginal people.
The park, located 5km south of Silverdale and 10km west of Bringelly, is planned to include walking and cycling trails, camping, and picnic spots. Its creation is the first step in a protected landscape that will eventually link Gulguer Nature Reserve and Bents Basin State Conservation Area with Burragorang State Conservation Area.