The season is just about to start.
Sydney might be a concrete jungle, but it’s definitely not short on natural beauty. From coastal hikes to UNESCO-listed national parks, nature is never far away. But hidden on the city’s northernmost fringes is a reserve most locals have never heard of – a protected patch of bushland that opens to the public for just six weeks a year.
Where is it?
Muogamarra Nature Reserve is only a 45-minute drive from Sydney’s CBD, situated between the small suburb of Cowan and the iconic Hawkesbury River, which just got a brand-new walk. Its sheltered location, paired with a varied landscape and temperate climate, creates the perfect conditions for a flourishing environment.
The natural sanctuary is a haven for Australian wildlife, with 14 native mammals, 16 reptile species and around 140 native birds recorded across its 2,274 hectares. Visitors are encouraged to keep their eyes peeled for echidnas, brushtail possums, swamp wallabies, kookaburras and lyrebirds, among others.
Muogamarra Nature Reserve is also home to a thriving wildflower population, making spring the ideal time to visit. Native flowers are especially abundant, including dazzling waratahs, delicate eriostemons, angophoras, boronias, Gymea lilies and even native wild orchids.
Why the six-week limit?
The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 was designed to conserve NSW’s diverse natural ecosystems, officially listed as ‘protected areas of NSW’. The network of nature reserves, including Muogamarra, is protected by the state government and managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service .
While many protected areas of NSW can be accessed year-round, Muogamarra Nature Reserve is only open to the public for six weeks of the year. This is due to ongoing conservation efforts, as well as a range of scientific and educational purposes. The fragile environment has remained relatively undisturbed for centuries, creating a remarkable landscape of cultural, botanical and geological significance.
Located on Muogamarra Country, it is also home to a number of important cultural sites for the Traditional Owners of the land, the Dharug and Guringai Peoples. Rock art, engravings, shell middens and earthenware offer insight into thousands of years of First Nations culture, a heritage that must be protected and preserved.
Add in the diverse array of flora and fauna that depend on this place, and it’s easy to see why it stays closed for most of the year. But for six weeks each spring, the gates open – offering visitors a rare chance to discover its natural beauty.
Planning your visit
There are multiple ways to experience Muogamarra Nature Reserve. Guided hikes are run during the six-week open window, all offering a different perspective. Beginners are encouraged to join the three-kilometre Muogamarra Highlights Walk or the 3.5-kilometre Muogamarra: Bird Gully Guided Walk.
There’s also the Muogamarra: Lloyd Trig and Deerubbin Guided Walk, a 6.6-kilometre loop that provides uninterrupted views of the Hawkesbury River. If you’re up for a challenge, the 10-kilometre, full-day Muogamarra: Peats Bight Guided Walk is for you. Or tackle one of many gorgeous self-guided trails at your own pace. Hungry for more? Head to nearby Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, where you can explore bushwalks that lead to secret swimming spots.
Unfortunately, visitation in 2025 (from 9 August to 15 September) is completely booked out. But don’t despair – there’s always next year! Get in early to secure your spot now by emailing the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service directly or calling 13000 PARKS.
