New England NSW - Armidale

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Bushwalking in Mt Yarrowyck Nature Reserve

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Introduction

Mt Yarrowyck is situated on the western slopes of the New England Tablelands, 33 km west of Armidale. It is one of the most significant Aboriginal rock art sites in the New England. The Nature Reserve provides a pleasant walk in the countryside through woodland vegetation. It is the midst of New England grazing country, under the shadow of Mt Yarrowyck which dominates the area. This is an easy walk suitable for just about anyone, but especially families.

Helpful Hints

This walk is circular and it's actually easier to walk it in an anticlockwise direction.

Be very careful to respect and care for the artwork - it is rare in the New England and to think not so long ago, Aboriginal people lived a full, traditional life in the area. We are lucky to have permission from the traditional owners to view and hopefully reflect on what the artwork actually means, both literally and metaphorically.

Access

From Armidale, take the Armidale-Bundarra Rd; at approximately 30 km distance from Armidale, turn right into the Uralla-Bundarra Rd for another 1 km. Turn right at the reserve entrance sign and drive over the grid.This site is also accessed from Uralla - turn into the Bundarra Rd; continue until you see the Armidale turnoff to the right. Proceed with the instructions as above.

Track Notes

Approximate Distance: 3 km

Rating: Easy

The Mt Yarrowyck Nature Reserve protects much of the Mt Yarrowyck mountain which at an elevation of 1206 m, dominates the area.The 3 km return loop (best walked in an anticlockwise direction) progresses first through a travelling stock reserve (TSR), then private property before reaching the Nature Reserve.Heading uphill slightly the walk rises to pass through granite tors as well as large exposed rock slabs. Amongst these tors you will find rusty fig trees as well as red gums, apple box, silver-top stringybarks, rough barked apples, yellow box, kurrajong trees, wild rosemary, tea trees, sticky daisy bush and blackthorn.

The Aboriginal site is several hundred years old and shows tracks, circles, lines and dots. Although the full meaning of the art work has been lost an explanatory plaque suggests the 'paintings were of a bird that fed on the ground', probably the Plains Turkey or Bustard.

Kangaroos and wallabies can often be seen as well as many large ant nests.There are many woodland birds in the area as well as occasional larger birds of prey such as wedge tail eagles.

Facilities include a BBQ, picnic table and pit toilet at the site. Please take all rubbish away with you.

Yarrowyck Rock Art

Mt Yarrowyck dominates the area

Rusty fig trees

Giant ant nests

Close up of of tracks evident in the Aboriginal art work

Woodland eucalypts

Low Impact and Responsible Bushwalking

Take all rubbish home with you
Do not stress animals by chasing or approaching too closely, particularly nesting birds. Replace smaller creatures or any rocks or logs you have turned over. Remember that all native plants, animals, cultural and historic features are protected.
Fresh drinking water is precious - do not pollute by washing, urinating or defecating within 100 metres of a water source. Others have to drink what you may be polluting!
Leave all your details with someone responsible and include intended route and timings. ALWAYS USE A MAP AND KNOW HOW TO READ IT!
Ensure you have an EPIRB or other emergency communication device. Mobile phones do not always work in this area.
Open fires are often prohibited in National Parks. Use a fuel stove or gas BBQ's provided in picnic grounds if allowed.