Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve
Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve sits off Rosedale Road in St Ives, NSW, covering 10.768 hectares of bushland. Its standout feature is a remnant of Blue Gum High Forest, an endangered community, with Blackbutt trees, many over 40 metres tall, forming the canopy above its walking trails.
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About Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve
Blue Gum High Forest Remnant at Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve
Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve forms part of one of the largest remnants of Sydney Blue Gum High Forest, an endangered ecological community listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Alongside the adjoining Browns Forest, private land and Sydney Water land, the reserve is the most significant remnant of eucalyptus Blue Gum High Forest in the area, and only around 1% of the estimated original 11,000ha remains in a relatively natural state. Blackbutt is the dominant canopy species at Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve, with many trees in excess of 40 metres tall, alongside Sydney blue gum, grey ironbark, turpentine and rusty gum. Bush regeneration has been carried out for many years, and privet, large leaf privet, trad, lantana and camphor laurel remain troublesome weeds.
Bushwalking and Birdwatching Trails at Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve
Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve offers walking and birdwatching through unspoilt bushland, and the Browns Forest loop trail is described as an easy walk with good birdwatching. Local residents use the reserve for short walks and nature appreciation. Bird watchers visit extensively because of the high number of species recorded within the reserve, which makes the walking trails a natural choice for anyone interested in birds. The Browns Forest loop is the named walking route at Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve, so visitors can follow a defined circuit through the forest.
Wildlife and Native Plants at Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve
Ringtail possums, sugar gliders, brushtail possums and grey-headed flying foxes are common at Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve. Black-faced swamp wallabies are occasionally sighted there, and echidnas are also recorded. Birds include rainbow lorikeets, Australian king parrots, superb fairy wrens and pardalotes. Sugar gliders, possums and owls can be seen at night in the reserve, and around 180 native plant species have been recorded within it.
Facilities at Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve
Visitor tips for Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve
- ✓Visit in early morning for the best birdwatching, when pardalotes, king parrots and lorikeets are active.
- ✓Bring a torch on a dusk or night visit, since owls and sugar gliders are most active after dark.
Getting to Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve
Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve is on Rosedale Road in St Ives NSW 2075, with Mona Vale Road forming another boundary of the reserve.
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- 📍Browns Forest
Frequently asked questions about Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve
Is Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve in St Ives good for a bushwalk?
Yes, the reserve has bushland walking trails, and the Browns Forest loop is described as an easy walk with good birdwatching.
Where do I park when visiting Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve in St Ives?
The reserve is on Rosedale Road in St Ives, with Mona Vale Road forming another of its boundaries.
What are the opening hours for Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve?
The NSW National Parks listing shows the reserve as open, with visitors advised to check current alerts before going.
Which walking paths are available at Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve?
The main named route is the Browns Forest loop trail, which winds through the bushland and is described as an easy walk.
What wildlife or native plants can I see at Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve?
Visitors can see ringtail and brushtail possums, sugar gliders, black-faced swamp wallabies and echidnas, along with rainbow lorikeets and superb fairy wrens, among around 180 native plant species.