Popran National Park: is a recent addition to
the New South Wales National Park estate. The park was dedicated in 1994 and
has an area of about 4000 hectares. Popran National Park is situated 25
kilometres west of Gosford on the Central Coast and sits between Brisbane
Waters National Park and Dharug National Park. The park protects a number of
undisturbed small creek catchments.
Popran National Park is home to 450 plant species and is a haven to a number
of rare native plants including Grevillea diffusa subsp. filipendula
and Persoonia isophylla. The former species is confined to the Popran
area whilst the latter grows in sandstone country north of Sydney.
Banksia ericifolia is common in Popran National Park and at the time of
our visit (June 2001) was in full flower. They light up the bush with their
bright orange-red flower spikes.
The photograph shows a sandstone outcrop. These formations are common in the
Park. Larger outcrops show evidence of Aboriginal occupation and there are
also rock engravings, paintings and axe sharpening grooves.
Popran National Park is one of a number of National
Parks that surround Sydney to the north, south and west. These protected areas
make Sydney the National Park capital of the world.