Pilliga is a town that's just hanging on. Pilliga Bore will see that it stays and the lone general store will continue to trade.
The main street has historic farm impliments scattered along the route and behind one fence there are emus. It's that sort of place.
The Pilliga Forest, with its vast and unusual semi–arid woodlands spanning over 3000 square kilometres, is said to be the home of this mythical creature. Seekers are drawn from across the globe in search of this creature.
Yowie’s aside, the Pilliga Forest has been long recognised as one of the most important areas for biodiversity in eastern Australia, home to at least 300 native animal species and over 900 plant species. It is a vast unusual western woodland characterised by native white cypress and iron bark forests, broom bush plains and vivid spring flowers.
Pilliga (or Billarga) is a Kamilaroi word meaning swamp oak. It was used back in the mid 1800’s as the name of one of the original grazing runs, near where the town of Pilliga now stands. Occupying about 500,000 hectares between the Namoi River in the North and Warrumbungle Ranges in the South, the Pilliga comprises the largest remaining area of native forest west of the Great Divide.
Regeneration was very slow until the feral rabbit population was devastated by the introduction of myxomatosis which thinned them out and allowed the native vegetation to grow big enough. A major fire in 1997 that burned nearly 1,500 hectares left its mark on the landscape as well.
Written Sep 28, 2011
The artesian bore at Pilliga is very popular. There's always someone there enjoying a spa....unfortunately. I say unfortunately because sometimes they may be there at 3 and 4 a.m. in the morning!
This is also a free camping spot with toilets which is another reason for its popularity.
I couldn't believe also that the series of waterholes adjacent have fish in them, as evidenced by the second picture.
Written Sep 11, 2011
Schwager's Bore/ The Allows/Pilliga Forest Salt Caves
All these places are situated in the Pilliga Scrub. Take a day off or a Sunday drive and visit these great places. See if you can find a koala at the Allows or just enjoy the peace and quiet.
It's what people in the bush take so much for granted. During the dry it is easily accessible by car. But please do not attempt it during the wet. Check first with the Narrabri Tourist Information Centre Tel: 67923583
There is much animal life in the bush in Australia and here is no exception. From butterflies to birds to bears, it can all be seen if only you have the inquisitiveness and patience.
Written Sep 8, 2011
Comments