New survey finds Royal NP is a haven for threatened species

The biggest ecological survey to date of Royal and Heathcote national parks, just south of Sydney, has revealed the area is a haven for threatened species, including two mammals previously not detected in the parks.

The NSW government released its EcoHealth Scorecard on Monday, covering the popular parks.

It is the first of eight ecological studies for the state and part of what Environment Minister Penny Sharpe called “a big investment in science” to improve the management of national parks.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service set up 40 permanent monitoring sites in the Royal-Heathcote-Garawarra area with cameras and acoustic monitors.

Interestingly the program captured more than one million images, 2500 bird records and 2000 plant records in the first study of what is expected to become a regular series. The study detected 45 native mammal species, including two not previously known in the area: the Krefft’s glider and yellow-bellied sheath-tailed bat.

And if you want to see why this area is such a hotspot for wildlife comes an join us on our 3-day Royal National Park Coast Track pack-free guided walk!

The Coast Track runs along sheer sandstone cliffs with panoramic views stretching miles in all directions. Experience picturesque freshwater lagoons, the unusual milky white cliff faces sculpted by the sea, ancient Aboriginal carvings and the tranquil Palm Jungle rainforest plus much more.

This is a 26km walk over 2 days with unlimited opportunities for photographing the scenic coastline and observing birds and wildflowers in this magnificent National Park.

We stay two nights at the superb Headlands at Austinmer Beach. This accommodation is ideally located on the waterfront offering stunning panoramic views over the ocean.

This hotel features a restaurant and bar and is the perfect place to relax after a day’s walk. Guests will stay in Deluxe Studio rooms with king bed or two king single beds with generous sized balcony.

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