Capertee National Park

-33.02066 , 150.03301

Australia

Located on the western side of the Greater Blue Mountains area of New South Wales, the Capertee Valley is a world-renowned birding location, regularly featuring in 'top-ten' lists of Australian birdwatching destinations. In 2010 the former sheep grazing property 'Port Macquarie', situated on the Capertee River in the central part of the valley, was acquired by NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service and reserved as Capertee National Park to protect one of the last remaining core breeding areas of the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia). The park hosts a rich community of temperate woodland birds with over 170 species recorded, including a number of threatened and uncommon species that can be relatively easy to find here. For example, Regent Honeyeater, Turquoise Parrot, Diamond Firetail, Hooded Robin, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Speckled Warbler, Painted Honeyeater and Black-chinned Honeyeater. White-backed Swallows at their eastern range limit can be seen over the open paddocks and Spotted Quail-thrush, Chestnut-rumped Heathwren and Rockwarbler inhabit the scrubby hillslopes. The habitat in the park consists mainly of grassy box-gum and box-ironbark woodlands, riparian Casuarina forests and shrubby ironbark-grey gum-Callitris woodlands on the slopes and ridges. 

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were changed by Liam Murphy : -33.0207/150.0330 (2021-07-11 03:42:44 )

Site name was changed by Liam Murphy into "Capertee National Park" (2021-07-11 03:42:44 )

Coordinates were changed by Liam Murphy : -33.0219/150.0330 (2021-07-10 23:10:42 )

Coordinates were changed by Liam Murphy : -33.0207/150.0332 (2021-07-10 23:10:18 )

Coordinates were changed by Liam Murphy : -33.0240/150.0332 (2021-07-10 23:00:47 )

Coordinates were changed by Liam Murphy : -33.0200/150.0325 (2021-07-10 23:00:00 )

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : -33.0356/150.0337 (2021-01-03 19:44:31 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Capertee NP" (2021-01-03 19:44:31 )

Edited by Liam Murphy on 2021-07-11 06:15:50
Located on the western side of the Greater Blue Mountains area of New South Wales, the Capertee Valley is a world-renowned birding location, regularly featuring in 'top-ten' lists of Australian birdwatching destinations. In 2010 the former sheep grazing property 'Port Macquarie', situated on the Capertee River in the central part of the valley, was acquired by NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service and formally reserved and reserved as Capertee National Park to protect one of the last remaining core breeding areas of the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia). The park hosts a rich community of temperate woodland birds with over 170 species recorded, including a number of threatened and uncommon species that can be relatively easy to find here. For example, Regent Honeyeater, Turquoise Parrot, Diamond Firetail, Hooded Robin, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Speckled Warbler, Painted Honeyeater and Black-chinned Honeyeater. White-backed Swallows at their eastern range limit can be seen over the open paddocks and Spotted Quail-thrush, Chestnut-rumped Heathwren and Rockwarbler inhabit the scrubby hillslopes. The habitat in the park consists mainly of grassy box-gum and box-ironbark woodlands, riparian Casuarina forests and shrubby ironbark-grey gum-Callitris woodlands on the slopes and ridges. 
Edited by Liam Murphy on 2021-07-11 06:02:22
Located on the western side of the Greater Blue Mountains area of New South Wales, the Capertee Valley is a world-renowned birding location, regularly featuring in 'top-ten' lists of Australian birdwatching destinations. In 2010 the former sheep grazing property 'Port Macquarie', situated on the Capertee River in the central part of the valley, was acquired by NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service and formally reserved as Capertee National Park to protect one of the last remaining core breeding areas of the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia). The park hosts a rich community of temperate woodland birds with over 170 species recorded, including a number of threatened and uncommon species that can be relatively easy to find here. For example, Regent Honeyeater, Turquoise Parrot, Diamond Firetail, Hooded Robin, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Speckled Warbler, Painted Honeyeater and Black-chinned Honeyeater. White-backed Swallows at their eastern range limit can be seen over the open paddocks and Spotted Quail-thrush Quail-thrush, Chestnut-rumped Heathwren and Chestnut-rumped Heathwren inhabit Rockwarbler inhabit the dryer scrubby hillslopes. The habitat in the park consists mainly of grassy box-gum and box-ironbark woodlands, riparian Casuarina forests and shrubby ironbark-grey gum-Callitris woodlands on the slopes and ridges. 
Edited by Liam Murphy on 2021-07-11 06:00:00
Located on the western side of the Greater Blue Mountains area of New South Wales, the Capertee Valley is a world-renowned birding location, regularly featuring in 'top-ten' lists of Australian birdwatching destinations. In 2010 the former sheep grazing property 'Port Macquarie', situated on the Capertee River in the central part of the valley, was acquired by NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service and formally reserved as Capertee National Park to protect one of the last remaining core breeding areas of the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia). The park hosts a rich community of temperate woodland birds with over 170 species recorded, including a number of threatened and uncommon species that can be relatively easy to find here. For example, Regent Honeyeater, Turquoise Parrot, Diamond Firetail, Hooded Robin, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Speckled Warbler, Painted Honeyeater and Black-chinned Honeyeater. White-backed Swallows at their eastern range limit can be seen over the open paddocks and Spotted Quail-thrush and Chestnut-rumped Heathwren inhabit the dryer scrubby hillslopes in small numbers.hillslopes. The habitat in the park consists mainly of grassy box-gum and box-ironbark woodlands, riparian Casuarina forests and shrubby ironbark-grey gum-Callitris woodlands on the slopes and ridges. 
Edited by Liam Murphy on 2021-07-11 05:38:05
Located on the western side of the Greater Blue Mountains area of New South Wales, the Capertee Valley is a world-renowned birding location, regularly featuring in 'top-ten' lists of Australian birdwatching destinations. In 2010 the former sheep grazing property 'Port Macquarie', situated on the Capertee River in the central part of the valley, was acquired by NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service and formally reserved as Capertee National Park to protect one of the last remaining core breeding areas of the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia). The park hosts a rich community of temperate woodland birds with over 170 species recorded, including a number of threatened and uncommon species that can be relatively easy to find here. For example, Regent Honeyeater, Turquoise Parrot, Diamond Firetail, Hooded Robin, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Speckled Warbler, Painted Honeyeater and Black-chinned Honeyeater. The White-backed Swallows at their eastern range limit can be seen over the open paddocks and Spotted Quail-thrush and Chestnut-rumped Heathwren inhabit the dryer scrubby hillslopes in small numbers. The habitat in the park consists mainly of grassy box-gum and box-ironbark woodlands, riparian Casuarina forests and shrubby ironbark-grey gum-Callitris woodlands on the slopes and ridges. 
Edited by Liam Murphy on 2021-07-11 03:33:35
Located on the western side of the Greater Blue Mountains area of New South Wales, the Capertee Valley is a world-renowned birding location, regularly featuring in 'top-ten' lists of Australian birdwatching destinations. In 2010 the former sheep grazing property 'Port Macquarie', situated on the Capertee River in the central part of the valley, was acquired by NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service and formally reserved as Capertee National Park to protect one of the last remaining core breeding areas of the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia). The park hosts a rich community of temperate woodland birds with over 170 species recorded, including a number of threatened and uncommon species that can be relatively easy to find here. For example, Regent Honeyeater, Turquoise Parrot, Diamond Firetail, Hooded Robin, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Speckled Warbler, Painted Honeyeater and Black-chinned Honeyeater. The habitat consists mainly of grassy box-gum and box-ironbark woodlands, riparian Casuarina forests and shrubby ironbark-grey gum-Callitris woodlands on the slopes and ridges. 
Edited by Liam Murphy on 2021-07-11 03:32:21
Located on the western side of the Greater Blue Mountains area of New South Wales, the Capertee Valley is a world-renowned birding location, regularly featuring in 'top-ten' lists of Australian birdwatching destinations. In 2010 the former sheep grazing property 'Port Macquarie', situated on the Capertee River in the central part of the valley, was acquired by NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service and formally reserved as Capertee National Park to protect one of the last remaining core breeding areas of the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia). The park hosts a rich community of temperate woodland birds with over 170 species recorded, including a number of threatened and uncommon species that can be relatively easy to find here. For example, Regent Honeyeater, Turquoise Parrot, Diamond Firetail, Hooded Robin, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Speckled Warbler, Painted Honeyeater and Black-chinned Honeyeater. The habitat consists mainly of grassy box-gum and box-ironbark woodlands, riparian Casuarina forests and shrubby ironbark-grey gum-Callitris woodlands on the slopes and ridges. 

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Gang-gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum)
Turquoise Parrot (Neophema pulchella)
Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia)
Painted Honeyeater (Grantiella picta)
Hooded Robin (Melanodryas cucullata)
White-backed Swallow (Cheramoeca leucosterna)
Diamond Firetail (Stagonopleura guttata)

White-backed Swallow (Cheramoeca leucosterna) was added by Liam Murphy (2021-07-11 05:33:06)

Diamond Firetail (Stagonopleura guttata) was added by Liam Murphy (2021-07-11 03:37:26)

Turquoise Parrot (Neophema pulchella) was added by Liam Murphy (2021-07-11 03:37:12)

Painted Honeyeater (Grantiella picta) was added by Liam Murphy (2021-07-11 03:36:41)

Gang-gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum) was added by Liam Murphy (2021-07-11 03:36:21)

Hooded Robin (Melanodryas cucullata) was added by Liam Murphy (2021-07-11 03:35:45)

Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia) was added by Liam Murphy (2021-07-11 03:35:30)

  • Timing and strategy

Capertee National Park is best visited in the morning during the spring months (September-November). This is when bird activity and diversity is at it's peak and is your best chance of seeing Regent Honeyeaters. Around the main homestead is a good spot to look when the ironbarks are flowering. A walk along the river bank amongst the Casuarinas can also be productive. Be aware that at this time of year the birds are likely to be nesting. To minimise disturbance please refrain from using call playback and observe quietly from a respectable distance. 

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Liam Murphy on 2021-07-11 05:32
Capertee National Park is best visited in the morning during the spring months (September-November). This is when bird activity and diversity is at it's peak and is your best chance of seeing Regent Honeyeaters. Around the main homestead is a good spot to look when the ironbarks are flowering. A walk along the river bank amongst the Casuarinas can also be productive. Be aware that at this time of year the birds are likely to be nesting. To minimise disturbance please refrain from using call playback and observe quietly from a respectable distance. 
  • How to get there

From Capertee village:

  • Turn east onto Glen Davis Road
  • Travel 29km to the junction with Glen Alice Road and veer left
  • Drive another 21km through Glen Alice, towards Rylstone, and turn left onto the unsealed Port Macquarie Road.
  • Follow Port Macquarie Road to the locked gate at the park boundary.

From Rylstone:

  • Turn east onto Glen Alice Road
  • Travel 27km then turn right onto the unsealed Port Macquarie Road.
  • Follow Port Macquarie Road to the locked gate at the park boundary.

The Capertee River, homestead and campground are a further 5km past the entrance gate.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Liam Murphy on 2021-07-11 04:11
From Capertee village: Turn east onto Glen Davis Road Travel 29km to the junction with Glen Alice Road and veer left Drive another 21km through Glen Alice, towards Rylstone, and turn left onto the unsealed Port Macquarie Road. Follow Port Macquarie Road to the locked gate at the park boundary. From Rylstone: Turn east onto Glen Alice Road Travel 27km then turn right onto the unsealed Port Macquarie Road. Follow Port Macquarie Road to the locked gate at the park boundary. The Capertee River, homestead and campground are a further 5km past the entrance gate.

There is a locked gate at the entrance to the park, the code for which must be obtained prior to arrival by phoning NPWS Mudgee (02 6370 9000) or Blue Mountains Heritage Centre (02 4787 8877) during business hours. The park is occasionally closed to the public during floods, periods of high fire danger, or when some management works are being undertaken.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Liam Murphy on 2021-07-11 04:02
There is a locked gate at the entrance to the park, the code for which must be obtained prior to arrival by phoning NPWS Mudgee (02 6370 9000) or Blue Mountains Heritage Centre (02 4787 8877) during business hours. The park is occasionally closed to the public during floods, periods of high fire danger, or when some management works are being undertaken.
  • Other attractions

Capertee National Park lies within the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri People and contains evidence of Aboriginal occupation in the form of rock art, scarred trees and artefacts. Some rare plants occur in the park and mammal life abounds. Macropods and wombats are common and a few threatened species occur, including Eastern Pygmy Possum, Greater Glider and Spotted-tailed Quoll. 

There is a network of tracks and trails throughout the park for bushwalking and mountain biking and on a hot day you could have a splash in the shallow waters of the river. A lookout at the northern end of the park offers spectacular views across the valley.

For further information visit https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/capertee-national-park

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-07-12 15:10
Capertee National Park lies within the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri People and contains evidence of Aboriginal occupation in the form of rock art, scarred trees and artefacts. Some rare plants occur in the park and mammal life abounds. Macropods and wombats are common and a few threatened species occur, including Eastern Pygmy Possum, Greater Glider and Spotted-tailed Quoll.  There is a network of tracks and trails throughout the park for bushwalking and mountain biking and on a hot day you could have a splash in the shallow waters of the river. A lookout at the northern end of the park offers spectacular views across the valley. For further information visit https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/capertee-national-park
Edited by Liam Murphy on 2021-07-11 06:15
Capertee National Park lies within the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri People and contains evidence of Aboriginal occupation in the form of rock art, scarred trees and artefacts. Some rare plants occur in the park and mammal life abounds. Macropods and wombats are common and some threatened a few threatened species occur, including Eastern Pygmy Possum, Greater Glider and Spotted-tailed Quoll.  There is a network of tracks and trails throughout the park for bushwalking and mountain biking and on a hot day you could have a splash in the shallow waters of the river. A lookout at the northern end of the park offers spectacular views across the valley. For further information visit https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/capertee-national-park
Edited by Liam Murphy on 2021-07-11 05:58
Capertee National Park lies within the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri People and contains evidence of Aboriginal occupation in the form of rock art, scarred trees and artefacts. Some rare plants occur in the park and mammal life abounds. Macropods and wombats are common and some threatened species occur, including Eastern Pygmy Possum, Greater Glider and Spotted-tailed Quoll.  There is a network of tracks and trails throughout the park for bushwalking and mountain biking and on a hot day you could have a splash in the shallow waters of the river. A lookout at the northern end of the park offers spectacular views across the valley. For further information visit https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/capertee-national-park

Interpretive signage is located just after crossing the river at the bottom of the hill on the way in to the park. There is plenty of space for camping (fees apply) with wood-fired bbq facilities. Roofed accommodation is available in the cottage or homestead. For rates and bookings visit: 

https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/capertee-national-park/visitor-info

A clean composting toilet is situated in the campground and there is Telstra mobile reception on the hill by the homestead. You must bring your own food and drinks with you as there are no shops in the valley (the nearest are in Rylstone or Kandos). 

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-07-12 15:13
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/capertee-national-park/visitor-infoInterpretive Interpretive signage is located just after crossing the river at the bottom of the hill on the way in to the park. There is plenty of space for camping (fees apply) with wood-fired bbq facilities. Roofed accommodation is available in the cottage or homestead. For rates and bookings visit:  https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/capertee-national-park/visitor-info A clean composting toilet is situated in the campground and there is Telstra mobile reception on the hill by the homestead. You must bring your own food and drinks with you as there are no shops in the valley (the nearest are in Rylstone or Kandos). 
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-07-12 15:10
Interpretive https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/capertee-national-park/visitor-infoInterpretive signage is located just after crossing the river at the bottom of the hill on the way in to the park. There is plenty of space for camping (fees apply) with wood-fired bbq facilities. Roofed accommodation is available in the cottage or homestead. For rates and bookings visit:  https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/capertee-national-park/visitor-info A clean composting toilet is situated in the campground and there is Telstra mobile reception on the hill by the homestead. You must bring your own food and drinks with you as there are no shops in the valley (the nearest are in Rylstone or Kandos). 
Edited by Liam Murphy on 2021-07-11 06:20
Interpretive signage is located just after crossing the river at the bottom of the hill on the way in to the park. There is plenty of space for camping (fees apply) with wood-fired bbq facilities. Roofed accommodation is available in the cottage or homestead. For rates and bookings visit:  https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/capertee-national-park/visitor-info A clean composting toilet is situated in the campground and there is Telstra mobile reception on the hill by the homestead. You must bring your own food and drinks with you as there are no shops in the valley (the nearest are in Rylstone or Kandos). 

Theft is unlikely to be an issue but for peace of mind you should lock your vehicle if leaving sight of it. Carry plenty of water, insect repellant, sunscreen and a first aid kit. Venomous snakes occur in the park so remember to watch your step and avoid walking through long grass. Flies and mosquitoes can be an annoyance in the warmer months.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Liam Murphy on 2021-07-11 06:29
Theft is unlikely to be an issue but for peace of mind you should lock your vehicle if leaving sight of it. Carry plenty of water, insect repellant, sunscreen and a first aid kit. Venomous snakes occur in the park so remember to watch your step and avoid walking through long grass. Flies and mosquitoes can be an annoyance in the warmer months.
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Capertee National Park - Orniverse