Our Very Own Wildlife Refuge - 'Coolana'
Unique to Sydney Bush Walkers
One of the great benefits to becoming a member of SBW is the usage of our beautiful river front rural property called Coolana, situated in the Kangaroo Valley, NSW. It is a 60 hectare Wildlife Refuge in the Southern Highlands.
Over the years, SBW has been a leader in preserving land for conservation purposes. This started back in 1932 when we saved the Bluegum Forest and this approach was refreshed in 1947 when we purchased land opposite North Era Beach.
Our members then “forced the pace” by donating the land to the people of NSW and induced the Government of the day to extend the Blue Mountains and Royal National Parks. Thus, Coolana continues and refreshes this heritage of commitment to one of the original Objectives of the Club: “To establish a definite regard for the welfare and preservation of the wild life and natural beauty of this country”
Coolana is a wonderful place to be at peace with nature and retreat from the go-go-go of today’s busy world. There are natural cliff lines, eucalypt, rain forest, palms and grassy flats perfect for camping, lapped by a peaceful meandering river.
Meet the wallabies and the wombats by torchlight, see their eyes glow in the dark. Sit back, relax, lay back and watch the clouds roll by overhead - or walk, swim or kayak on the river.
There is no better place to learn the skills for self sufficiency in the bush, so we hold regular training weekends for new members at this lovely spot.
Share a car to save petrol costs, meet new friends and enjoy a lazy night around the camp fire.
For those who like an orienteering challenge, the new the Butler Bush Bash Orienteering Course was open for training and use from mid March 2011. Find out more about this on the Latest News page. Attending training on the course is a great way to gain orienteering skills and explore all around the Sydney Bush Walkers' wonderful property of Coolana!
Grant from the Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA) for Conservation
18 Jan 2012 - Great news! Our application to the SCA was successful, and they have
generously provided $4,520 to be used over the next 12 months at Coolana. This
will be used for the purpose of controlling the noxious weeds (spraying,
slashing cutting and pasting) and revegetation etc.
Here's some images of the great results that have been achieved in December 2011 by a commercial sprayer engaged to clear a large site. In January 2011, 90% of this area was covered in 1.5m high verdant weeds. Now it looks great! (click for full-sized images).
Funding
of Coolana – Donations and Bequests
Coolana was purchased via a combination of
funds in the North Era Trust (where we previously owned land), donations from a
number of Members, and Bequests from a number of deceased Member’s Wills.
Since then the “Coolana Fund” (which is used for the ongoing conservation,
maintenance and enhancement of the Property) has been regularly augmented by
Members making donations and Bequests in their Wills (either anonymously or
publicly).
Such generosity is greatly appreciated
and Members are encouraged to consider these options.
As advised by the Law Society, the
following phrase can be inserted in a person’s official Will:
“I
bequeath the sum of $XXX to the Coolana Fund of Sydney Bush Walkers Inc (SBW),
for its general purposes and declare that the receipt by the Treasurer, for the
time being of SBW, shall complete discharge to my Executors in respect of any
sum paid to SBW.
Coolana Photo Galleries
Clicking the images below will open a gallery in a new window with Picasa Web Albums.
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| Misty Sunrise at our property |
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Bower Bird Haven |