Last year, during January, I had several features on reserves and National Parks in our area, that were easily accessible for a day trip to encourage us to get out into nature.

If you are interested in somewhere to ‘reunite with nature’ and enjoy a good day out, check out these Looking At Landcare links:

6/1/2017 – Nangar National Park

13/1/2017 – Wanda Wadong Campsite, Goobang National Park

20/1/2017 – Conimbla National Park & Cookamidgera South West Woodland Nature Reserve

Most people in the Parkes or Forbes Shires have to make the trip to Orange or beyond for appointments and the like, on a regular basis, so I thought that it would be appropriate to feature a reserve that we pass regularly.

I must admit, that after over 20 years of driving past Borenore Karst Conservation Area, and thinking every time I pass by that I must go and have a look….this week was the first time that I ventured in there! After the monument intersection where the Parkes and Forbes Roads meet, travel 13.5km and turn in on your right. The car park is only a kilometre down a dirt track off the Escort Way.

It really was a lovely surprise! I was fortunate to have a lovely group of young people with me to explore the area and the caves. Just a tip for beginners, if you do these things on a whim like I did, slip-on heels wouldn’t be recommended. The track was good enough to scale in a skirt and heels if needed, but sturdy shoes would be recommended.

Check out the information board, head over the footbridge, up the Arch Loop Track and around to the Arch Cave. Keep heading through the cavern and if you like a bit of adventure, there is heaps of exploring to do beyond the caves.

On a warm Orange day, the limestone caves were a cool retreat. Make sure that you take your torch to check out the stalactites, stalagmites, columns and flowstones. They aren’t as significant as some other caves in the area, but it is surprising to see how much is still active in the caverns.

Please remember not to touch these interesting formations, because the oil on our skin can alter the way they grow and change the colour of the rock. Take photos and memories.

An interesting additional piece of information that I found, was that Borenore marble was formed when nearby Mount Canobolas spewed lava over the limestone. Borenore marble, or Borenore Red, was used in Transport House in Sydney’s Macquarie Street and in countless marble fireplaces.

Boree Creek, which runs through the Reserve, has a permanent flow.

The word Borenore could be derived from two Wiradjuri words, bora, which means ceremony and nora nora, meaning shelf or overhanging rock.

This spot would be perfect if you just wanted to drop in for a cuppa or plan a full-on picnic. There is heaps of space for a game of footy or cricket, and the words we all love to hear….yes, there are toilets! Never underestimate the appeal of a public toilet in a reserve.

Please remember that many of our reserves and National Parks have Fire Bans in place which prohibit all campfire and solid fuel (wood, heat beads, charcoal, birquettes, hexamite) barbecues and stoves. Gas and electric barbecues and cookers are permitted with conditions. Go to the National Parks and Wildlife website to confirm these arrangements.

For more information about anything in this article, please contact Central West Lachlan Landcare on 02 6862 4914, cwllpo@hotmail.com, facebook or the links will be on our website at centralwestlachlanlandcare.org

Until next week, happy Landcaring!