There are many natural and historic attractions that belong to the
hinterland of the Central Coast. Quaint highland villages lie on
meandering roads which pass through beautiful forests, valleys, and
national parks.
High in the hills above Gosford, Somersby is the location
for two of the coasts biggest attraction. Old Sydney Town is a
replica of Sydney two centuries ago. Town criers spread the news as
convicts get tried and flogged for trivial misdemeanours, and
craftspeople apply their trades. Next door, The Australian Reptile
Park has an enormous variety of snakes, lizards, turtles and crocs
as well as some cuddly marsupials for the more squeamish. There
are regular educational talks and a hands-on approach is taken with
some of the more harmless residents. Close by and providing some superb
photographic opportunities, the Falls Walking Track in the northern
strip of Brisbane Waters National Park, follows the Somersby Falls down
two descents,
Many of the villages nestled throughout the hinterland specialise in
arts and crafts and Yarramalong is no exception. One of the
jems in the highlands, Yarramalong has some of the oldest buildings in
the shire as well as the largest macadamia nut plantation, where visitors
are welcome. A short distance to the west, Kulnura is home to
one of the most respected galleries in New South Wales.
Directly south, Mangrove Mountain and Lower Mangrove are found at the
top and bottom stretches of Popran National Park. The park, north of
the Hawkesbury River and 25 kilometres west of Gosford, covers 4000
hectares of diverse wilderness and wildlife - many of which are
endangered. The Daruk and Guringai Aboriginal people who lived here
for thousands of years were much better environmentalists, and evidence
of their harmonious existence include paintings, engravings, and shell
middens. Guided tours are available to these sites, and other activities
in the park include canoe trips, mountain bike tours, and spotlighting
walks.
Further south and on the outskirts of the Central Coast district,
the Dharug National Park is a haven for reptiles and tree-dwelling
marsupials. It was also a haven for the Dharug Aboriginal people,
depicted through a wealth of carvings, some thought to be more than
8000 years old. Picnic, barbecue, and camping facilities are located
at Mill Creek.
