Werakata National Park

Werakata National Park is a national park in the east of the Australian state of New South Wales, 115 km north of Sydney, in the Hunter River region  The park is divided into three parts, which are to the northeast, east and southeast of the city of Cessnock. Steve Parish: Australian Touring Atlas. Steve Parish Publishing Pty. Ltd. Archerfield QLD (2007). ISBN 978174193232-4. S. 23

South of the park is the separate Werakata State Conservation Area. 

 History 
Werakata National Park was opened on 26. February 1999 from a 1130 acres of Cessnock State Forest (State Forest No. 874) formed. On the 1st January 2003 came another 478 acres from the state forest, as well as the Aberdare State Forest (State Forest No. 981) with 531 hectares.

The Werakata State Conservation Area with 2257 hectare area was created in 2007.

The Hunter River area was inhabited by the Aboriginal countries of Awabakal, Worimi, Wonnarua, Geawegal, Birripai and Darkinjung, but little is known about their use of the land near what is now the national park after European settlement in the 19th century. In the 19th century, forestry was practiced and sawmills were built in and near today's park. Most of the wood was used to expand the mines in the area. In 1942, the Cessnock State Forest was established as a sanctuary, followed by the Aberdare State Forest in 1963. The logging continued until it was rededicated in the national park. The Vertebrate fauna of Werakata National Park and Werakata State Conservation Area. Information and Assessment Section Metropolitan Branch. Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water. Government of New South Wales (November 2008) (PDF; 4,1 MB)

 Flora and fauna 
Before the establishment of the national park, it was found that the predominant eucalyptus species "Spotted Gum" (Corymbia maculata) was still underrepresented in the system of protected areas.

Various endangered animal species can also be found in the park. 

 Sights and facilities 

 Astills picnic area
 Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland.
 Hiking trails (to Tomalpin Hill)
 Bike paths (from the Astills Picnic Area, along the Deadmans Trail and back to the Picnic Area via Gibsons Road).
 an old forest hut (off the Old Maitland Road) Werakata National Park. Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water. Government of New South Wales

 Web links 

 Official website
 Photos of Werakata National Park on Flickr

 References 

Category:National parks in Australia