Gulaga National Park – NSW
Located just 10 minutes north of Bermagui is the Gulaga National Park. The park is of enormous significance to the Yuin People and was handed back to its traditional Aboriginal owners in an historic agreement signed by the NSW Environment Minister in May 2006.
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Location
5hr drive south of Sydney along the Princess Hwy. Just a 10-minute drive north of Bermagui.
Mt Dromedary
Mt Dromedary is the dominant feature of the Gulaga National park. The mountain acts as father figure overlooking the entire south coast and can be seen from any angle. Mt Dromedary is actually an extinct volcano and stands 800 metres above sea level. When it was active some 60 million years ago it’s peak was about 3,000 metre, however as the earth’s crust has moved its peak has shifted.
In 1770, Mount Dromedary was seen by the passing Captain Cook and took its name as the peaks look similar to a camel-shaped hump. The locals at the time called the mountain Gualaga, and subsequently, the park was named after it.
Aboriginal Significance
For 1000’s of years the aboriginal people of the area (The Yuin people) believed the mountain symbolises the mother and provides the basis of aboriginal spiritual identity. The mountain itself is regarded as a symbolic mother-figure providing the basis for the people’s spiritual identity. She is the spiritual mother who demands both fear and respect.
The aboriginal legend behind Mt Gulaga
The Gulaga Walk
Length: 14km return
Time: 5 hours return
Grade: Hard
Access: 20km south of Narooma on the Princes Highway, turn right at Tilba Tilba turnoff, park near Pam’s Store.
The track starts in Tilba Tilba, starting on a private farm access road passing through grazing land. It’s a 5-hour return trip passing through the dense thick forest with a steep canopy towards the end. At ‘Halfway Rock’ the Battery Trail leads 1.6km off the main track around the side of the ridge to the foundations of the mine manager’s residence. Return to the main track and 30 minutes later you should reach ‘The Saddle’ – a great rest spot. Push on to the summit with its spectacular views to the coast, along the way enjoying a magical rainforest and variety of birdlife. It’s a challenging walk for relatively fit people and the views at the top, which overlook the towns of Bermagui and Narooma are worth the effort.
European History
In the 1800s, Mount Dromedary became a prominent site of gold mining. Rev. W.B. Clarke first found traces of Alluvium gold in Dignams Creek in 1852. Gold mining then became a common activity in the area. A significant amount of gold was found in deposits along streams coming from Mount Gulaga’s
Other National Parks on the Sapphire Coast – Fishing on the Sapphire Coast – Fishing at Narooma – Mimosa National Park