rmr nd tndr recreational - central coast council
TRANSCRIPT
Visitor Reminders
• Reservesareopenbetween
sunriseandsunset.Duringatotal
firebanthereserveswillbeclosed.
• Mountainbikersarepermittedon
firetrailsandroadsonly(seemap).
• Visitorsarerequestedtostayon
tracksandtoavoiddamaging
vegetationandcausingerosion.
• Firewood,flowers,seedsand
bushrocksareprotectedandare
nottobecollectedorremoved
underanycircumstances.
• Domesticanimalsarenot
permittedonthereserves,withthe
exceptionofhorsesatKatandraon
designatedtrails.
• Mosquitoesandleechesareapart
oftheenvironment-consider
packinginsectrepellent.
• BYOdrinkingwater,hat,sunscreen
andwearappropriateclothing
andfoorwear.
• Pleasedonotlitter.
For further information
4 4325 8222 4 www.gosford.nsw.gov.au
Native VegetationSome of the vegetation communities encountered as you walk through the reserves may look similar but are able to be distinguished by certain features:
Coastal Narrabeen Moist Forest
This is common along the ridge at Rumbalara and throughout Katandra. You can recognise this community by its tall, white gum trees (Sydney Blue Gums) and ferny ground cover.
Narrabeen Coastal Blackbutt Forest
This community also has tall trees but these have dark rough bark at the base which becomes smooth further up the trunk (Blackbutt) and grasses on the ground. This type of vegetation is common along the northern ridge of Rumbalara.
Katandra Hawkesbury Woodland
You can tell when you are in this vegetation type as the trees have pink/orange trunks and gnarled branches (Smooth-Barked Apple). This community is unique to Katandra and Kincumba Mountain Reserves on the Central Coast.
Coastal Narrabeen Ironbark Forest
Occurring on the drier, more exposed ridges, you can spot this community by the multitude of trees with deeply furrowed grey bark (Grey Ironbarks). This community is also unique to the area and can be found along Graves Walk at Katandra.
Coastal Warm Temperate Rainforest
You can find this endangered vegetation type in pockets within the reserves. You will know you are in the rainforest by the low light levels, buttress tree roots, and the assortment of strangler figs, ferns
and palms.
PhotosbyBrentEvans,PhilWood,KellieNewby,RickWorthyandMarjoPätäriDesignbyMarjoPätäri
uncoverthesecretshiddenrainforestsuniquewildlifebeautifulwildflowersstunningviewsenticingbushtracks&trailsfascinatinghistoricalsitesandmore…
all within easy reach of Gosford’s centre
Rumbalara &Katandra Reserves
Geology and Physical Features
The altitude ranges from near sea level at Gosford to
208m near St. Johns Lookout and both reserves boast
dramatic cliffs and rock formations that have resulted
from erosion of the underlying sandstone.
This sandstone is comprised of two different groups,
the Hawkesbury and the Narrabeen sandstones. These
sandstones date from the Triassic Period and are
estimated to be 200-250 million years old.
The sandstone derived soils are generally considered
to be of low fertility, limiting the type of vegetation
which will grow. However the build up of organic
material in the sheltered gullies has resulted in
substantial rainforest pockets.
The man-made Seymour Pond at Katandra is located
within one of the significant rainforest pockets. It
is filled by a natural watercourse and has become a
habitat for freshwater organisms. The pond is used by
school groups to study freshwater ecology.
Wildlife
Bird life is abundant within the reserves with
kookaburras, rainbow lorikeets, eastern rosellas and
magpies commonly seen. The reserves also provide
important habitat for rarer species including glossy
black cockatoos and the swift parrot. Katandra is
particularly popular with bird watchers, and those
with a keen eye may even glimpse an owl roosting
amongst the trees.
Sugar gliders, brush-tailed possums, wallabies,
blue-tongue lizards and tree snakes may also be
encountered. The reserves provide important habitat
for these species in a largely developed landscape.
A world away in your own backyard.
RumbalaraandKatandranotonlyprovidehabitatforplantsandanimalsbutaretheretobeenjoyed. Whynotescapethehustleandbustleofeverydaylifeandcomepicnicortakeawanderthroughtherainforest?ThereservesprovideaccesstothehillsandridgesbehindGosfordsothatallvisitorsmayenjoythewonderfulnaturebasedrecreationalopportunitiesavailableincluding:
•shortandhalfdaybushwalks
•mountainbikingtrails
•picnicfacilities&freeelectricBBQs
•lookouts
•pondingplatformatSeymourPond
•RainforestWalkatSeymourPond
•Rumbalara’sbronzesculpturesofearlypioneersandexplorers
•RailwaytoRainforestWalkthatlinksthecityandtherainforest
•disabledfacilitiesareavailableinbothreservesincludingtrails,toiletsandpicnicfacilities
seemapforfurtherinformation
Opportunities
Welcome
Welcome to the natural bushland reserves of Rumbalara and Katandra.
These reserves lie close to Gosford CBD and
offer a variety of opportunities to discover and
enjoy beautiful vegetation, native wildlife,
interesting geology and sites of cultural and
historical significance.
Rumbalara and Katandra are part of Gosford’s Coastal
Open Space System (COSS).
COSS is a system of natural reserves managed
by Gosford City Council that is important for the
conservation of native plant and animal life in the
eastern part of the city.
Historical / Cultural Significance
Rumbalara is thought to be an Aboriginal word
for “rainbow”, or an expression of something
picturesque and romantic. Whereas Katandra is said
to mean “song of birds”.
Prior to colonisation the greater Gosford area
was reported to be inhabited by the Guringai and
Darkinjung Aboriginal groups. These people relied
heavily on the sea and estuaries for their food. During
the winter months it is thought they moved inland for
food such as possum, kangaroo and birds. This may
have included Rumbalara and Katandra.
In the early 1900’s the Gosford area, including parts
of Katandra and Rumbalara, were partially cleared
for farming, timber and quarrying. Some evidence
of these activities remains. In the 1970’s these areas
were designated as public reserves, and Council
continues to acquire land for the COSS.
Recreational