Former outback station Thurloo Downs nears opening as NSW national park
The NSW government bought Thurloo Downs in 2023, in the largest-ever private land acquisition for a national park in the state's history.
The 437,394-hectare property between Bourke and Tibooburra in the state's far north-west cost $108 million, according to an ABC Freedom of Information (FOI) request.
Known to locals as Thurloo Downs — a 130-year-old sheep station — the property was previously five stations combined: Thurloo, Margalah, Caloola, Delalah Downs and Yarralee.
By the time the state government bought it, it was owned by one family.
The scale of the property was one of several reasons it was purchased, according to Rob Smith, executive director of park operations inland at the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
NPWS is installing visitor infrastructure and is looking at setting up driving tours to explore the park's key features.
While the NPWS expects Thurloo Downs National Park to be open to the public in 2026, the priority is getting feral species under control.
Since 2021, the NSW government has purchased more than a dozen properties across far western NSW to turn them into national parks.
But pest management continues to be a challenge, according to the NPWS.
Following floods in Queensland, it undertook an aerial shooting campaign targeting pigs, dogs, foxes and cats.
"We've got an extensive program of feral animal control right across the state using a range of ground-based techniques," Mr Smith said.
"It is a continuing focus right across the state, and certainly we'll be making sure we continue that work out here."
The conversion of Thurloo Downs from grazing land into a conservation area has been met with disappointment by the Pastoralists' Association of West Darling (PAWD).
PAWD head Sam Beven said pastoralists remained sceptical about the scale of outback stations to the NSW government for conservation and tourism purposes.
"Some places such as Mutawintji National Park [where] there's Aboriginal artwork … something to attract tourists, but when it's just a random parcel of land that's difficult to get to because of a dirt road, I find it hard to agree that tourism is going to go through the roof because there's a national park there," he said.
Graziers were also concerned about the impact on succession planning and whether the new national park would become a "breeding ground for pest animals".
"We'd like to hope that the National Parks and Wildlife Service can look after it as well as the previous owners," Mr Beven said.
Mr Beven said pastoralists would lobby to improve the roads around Thurloo Downs and other national parks.
"We will definitely be using these national parks as a drawcard to try to convince the government to seal the road," he said.
"Because it's hard to market tourism when it's a 4WD access only kind of road."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News.com.au
a day ago
- News.com.au
Italy's Mount Vesuvius closed to tourists over wildfire
Italian firefighters and the army on Sunday tackled a wildfire on the flanks of Mount Vesuvius, with all hiking routes up the volcano near Naples closed to tourists. The national fire service said it had 12 teams on the ground and six Canadair planes fighting the blaze, which has torn through the national park in southern Italy since Friday. "The fire-fighting continues ceaselessly on three fronts", the Campania Region said in a statement. The army created a fire break and reinforcement firefighters were brought in from other areas of Italy, while onsite teams used drones to better monitor the spread of the fire, the region and fire service said. The park's head Raffaele de Luca said the area affected covered some 500 hectares. "For safety reasons and to facilitate firefighting and cleanup operations in the affected areas, all activities along the Vesuvius National Park trail network are suspended until further notice," the park said in a statement Saturday. Nearly 620,000 people visited the crater of the active volcano in 2024, according to the park. The smoke from the fire could be seen from the Pompeii archeological site, which was buried by Vesuvius' eruption during Roman times. The site, however, remained open to tourists. Experts say European countries are becoming ever more vulnerable to wildfires due to intensifying summer heatwaves linked to global warming. On Mount Vesuvius, "the firefighting efforts are particularly delicate due to both the weather conditions -- high temperatures and wind -- and the pine needles, which contribute to the spread of the flames," said Italo Giulivo, head of the region's civil protection department. Italy's biggest agricultural association Coldiretti said the fires were "an enormous disaster" for vineyards and farms in an area well known for its wine, apricots and tomatoes. The local prosecutors' office has opened an investigation into the origin of the fires. ide/gv
News.com.au
2 days ago
- News.com.au
Annoying Hunter Valley problem finally solved
There's nothing quite like a mini escape to your own backyard, especially when it's as peaceful and beautiful as 'Wine Country' – also known at the Hunter Valley. Australia's oldest wine growing region has always been popular among Sydneysiders who want a quick weekend away as it's just a couple of hours north of Sydney. It's far enough from the hustle and bustle with a variety of great food options, stunning scenery and of course, world-class wineries. But, while it's a fabulous quick escape, some would argue one of the most annoying things about it is choosing who will be designated driver – because let's face it, if you're going to the Hunter, the main goal is to drink wine (and lots of it). My sister and I decided to have a cute, sibling getaway last month – but the moment I told her we'd be going to Wine Country the first thing she said (and made clear) was, 'I'm not driving''. Normally, that conversation would end up in an argument, but luckily (for her) we were staying at The Lane Retreat. Apart from feeling like you're actually in Tuscany (we'll get to that later), the expansive 15-hectare accommodation offers complimentary transfers to and from Bimbadgen Estate and Emma's Cottage – two very popular venues in the region. It actually allowed us to really appreciate the local wineries and enjoy our time together as it removed the worry over who will be driving. I had a quick chat to Jordan Rodgers, general manager of Hunter Valley operations at Mulpha, the company that owns Lane Retreat, and he said one of the biggest challenges for visitors is transport between venues. 'Especially when everyone wants to enjoy wine tastings without worrying about who's driving,' he tells me. 'We wanted to remove that barrier by offering complimentary transfers … [and] we've created a seamless experience for our guests that's both safe and enjoyable.' It's just a taste of what you can expect at the secluded destination that boasts 60 luxurious studio retreats. I mean, it's perfect for couples, and we did see plenty, but it's also a great option for friends (or siblings) who just want a peaceful getaway (in the grounds of Bimbadgen's 50-year-old vineyards). The studios are also far enough apart that you don't have to worry about being too close to your neighbours. Each has king bedding and a massive bathroom with a double vanity which comes in very handy when you're two sisters (if you know, you know). The private deck was also a massive winner especially in the morning while we had our gourmet breakfast provisions (supplied daily). It was nice to be able to relax with a cuppa in hand and take in the calm and peaceful surroundings of Broken Back Range. The room has a kitchenette with a coffee maker, toaster, microwave and mini bar – but if you prefer barista-made coffee then a walk to The Pantry is a must. It's located on the property and also has a fridge stocked with local wine, spirits, grazing boards and artisanal gifts. Free transfers For our first night we headed to Esca Dining for a three-course meal with paired Bimbadgen wines. It was as easy as letting the lovely staff know about 15 minutes before we wanted to leave to take us to the restaurant located at Bimbadgen Estate – talk about VIP service. We wasted no time getting stuck into the truffle ravioli, beef tartare, spanner crab crumpet, confit duck leg, lamb shoulder and grilled pork belly – all great, tasty options. While the dessert menu looked amazing, we decided to go all out on the seafood and meat options instead. But, if you're a sweet tooth, I hear their chocolate mousse is a winner. The next morning after our brekky and coffee, we did a (free) bike ride (provided by the accommodation) around the vineyards – it really gave Tuscany vibes. We then returned to our studio and were greeted by two lovely ladies ready to give us a in-room one-hour massage, and boy was it a much-needed treat. That's the other great aspect about the Lane Retreat – they work closely with local wellness professionals to offer personalised services like massages, yoga (perfect on your private deck) and guided meditation. Jordan tells me it's all designed to bring relaxation and balance to guests' stay. 'Whether it's a solo retreat, romantic getaway or corporate wellness escape, these services are a huge drawcard and a key part of what sets The Lane Retreat apart,' he tells me. Relaxed more than ever, we then rugged up and headed out to Alter Wines Cellar Door (housed at Emma's Cottage) for a much-needed wine tasting. Again, we let the staff know when to pick up us up and they were right on time. It takes around five minutes to get to Emma's Cottage – super close. We also got to enjoy a hearty charcuterie platter before being taken to Bimbadgen Estate for another round of wine tasting. Safe to say, the wines were on point – we bought two bottles – Bimbadgen NV Sparking Semillon and the limited release Sangiovese 2023. They also make their own spirits which is pretty cool including vodka, gin and rum. By this point we were ready to carb up and headed outside to the Tuscan Courtyard to indulge in some woodfire pizzas. It was a great evening chit-chatting away as we embraced the spectacular views to the Barrington ranges, and watched the sunset. Once we were done, we let the staff know we were ready to head back home – and right on time they were. We got our marshmallows out and headed straight to the on-site fire-pit taking in our last starry night among the vineyards, with a glass of wine in hand (of course), to top off what was a perfect mini-getaway. The accommodation currently has a Winter Escape Package priced from $341 per night when staying a minimum of two-nights in a premium studio retreat – it's on now until August 31, 2025. It includes breakfast provisions, a bottle of Bimbadgen Shiraz, a Smore's Kit to toast by the outdoor fire pit and a wood-fired Pizza lunch at Bimbadgen for two.
News.com.au
2 days ago
- News.com.au
Overtourism plagues Africa with viral video exposing gross act
A recent incident in Africa has gone viral for all the wrong reasons, as wildlife photographer and safari guide Nick Kleer witnessed some of the most shocking behaviour he had ever seen. And not from the animals, but from the people meant to protect them. The moment I set foot in Africa, I was hooked. I felt a sense of home like no other place had ever offered on my travels around the world. Over 57 visits to the continent, I have trekked to see rare mountain gorillas in Rwanda, walked in the footsteps of the Maasai through the Rift Valley, walked with cheetah in South Africa's Karoo, tracked elephant on foot in Botswana and been on more game drives than I can even count. These profound experiences led me to become more engaged within the conservation community, where I have worked with gorilla doctors, helped vets engage in rhino notching and even spent time in a counter-poaching camp in Mozambique's Limpopo National Park. My passion for Africa runs deeper than the Rift Valley itself. Through my time spent in Africa, I have met a handful of dedicated conservationists, safari guides, vets and wildlife photographers who are just as passionate about their homeland. To cure my Africa fix when I am back home in Australia, I often resort to following those individuals on Instagram and checking out what they are getting up to for my daily dose of bush life. Imagine my horror when I saw Nick Kleer's latest post about a recent incident that happened in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. Chaos caused by human interference Nick was on safari, hosting some guests, when he came across a large number of vehicles at a river crossing from the wildebeest during their great migration. 'Guides and rangers were allowing, and even encouraging, their guests to block wildebeest river crossings,' Nick said. 'Guests were out of their vehicles. Hundreds of people were crowding the banks. The wildebeest tried again and again to cross, but access was cut off repeatedly. 'Some panicked and leapt from cliffs. Others were injured and will likely die. And yes, nature can be brutal, but this wasn't nature. This was chaos caused by human interference.' Nick added, 'I've always held Serengeti in the highest esteem, but what I saw today was disgraceful. Something needs to change. Rangers must enforce rules. Parks must protect wildlife before profit or content.' What Nick witnessed was absolutely disgusting behaviour by tourists and the safari guides who should have known better. Since the incident went viral, the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) swiftly issued a statement condemning the behaviour and rangers at the site responded by ordering the tourists back into their vehicles, reiterating that disembarking is strictly prohibited. TANAPA confirmed that the vehicles involved were identified and that disciplinary action would be taken against the guides responsible for this. The impact on animals and the environment National parks like the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara are under pressure. In the Maasai Mara, visitor density is up to ten times higher than in other Kenyan parks and 17 times greater than in neighbouring Serengeti. During the Great Migration, sightings at river crossings can attract more than 300 vehicles at a single spot, disrupting wildlife and damaging grassland habitats. Crowds of safari vehicles at predator sightings interfere with natural behaviours, making it harder for lions, cheetahs and other species to hunt. Trampled vegetation reduces grazing grounds — and narrows corridors used by migrating wildebeests — leading to a significant decline in their numbers and time spent in the reserve. Infrastructure stress also extends to climateâ€'driven flooding and drought. In early May 2024, heavy rainfall saw camps submerged, lodges destroyed and tourists stranded; some local wildlife — giraffes and gazelles among them — perished or had their habitat disrupted. Why the right safari operator makes the difference Over the years, I have worked at using my words and images from my African experiences to educate consumers on the importance of choosing the right company to book an African safari with. Selecting the right African safari operator is about more than luxury accommodations or wildlife sightings. It ensures visitors support ethical safari practices, benefit local communities and protect precious ecosystems. Reputable operators prioritise sustainable practices, such as operating within conservancies that limit visitor numbers, employ certified guides, and support local communities with leasing and revenueâ€'sharing models. Communityâ€'based conservancies employ local staff, cap accommodations and enforce offâ€'road driving bans to protect the land and wildlife. Some operators have even embraced regenerative tourism, investing directly in land regeneration, education and community wellbeing. Encouraging better safari experiences beyond overtourism hotspots Beyond travelling with an ethical safari operator, travellers are encouraged to visit less crowded regions and seasonal alternatives. Safaris outside the Maasai Mara — such as walking safaris in Mara conservancies, underâ€'theâ€'radar destinations in Laikipia or Samburu — offer rich wildlife and cultural encounters with far lower impact. Several operators now promote travel outside peak migration periods or to lesserâ€'known destinations, helping distribute tourism more evenly across East Africa and Africa in general. Africa has given me more than I could ever repay – wild moments that have stirred my soul, people who have become lifelong friends, and lessons in respect for the wild that I carry with me every day. But with that gift comes responsibility. As travellers, storytellers, and safari-goers, we must hold ourselves to a higher standard. It's not enough to witness the wild – we must protect it. By choosing ethical safari operators, steering away from overcrowded hotspots, and treading lightly on this land, we can ensure that Africa's magic endures – not just for our own return, but for the generations who'll follow in our footsteps.
