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Mt Arthur Reserve
Situated just outside the township of Wellington, the Mount Arthur Reserve is a Crown Reserve set aside for Public Recreation and Environmental Protection. Rising to 563 m above sea-level, this 2,123ha Reserve lies within the northern most section of the Catombal Range and takes in three main peaks - Mounts Arthur, Wellesley and Duke.
The Reserve is a special place, recognised on the Register of the National Estate for its natural values. A large portion of the Reserve has been protected in various forms since 1913 and is the oldest Crown Reserve of its type west of Mount Canobolas (Orange NSW).
Over 400 native plant species have been recorded within the Reserve, including plants typical of the drier western plains mixed with tableland and western slopes species. In particular, the Reserve is known for its diversity of terrestrial orchids, with over 36 species recorded. The Reserve also provides important habitat for threatened flora and fauna species.
The Reserve is a special place, recognised on the Register of the National Estate for its natural values. A large portion of the Reserve has been protected in various forms since 1913 and is the oldest Crown Reserve of its type west of Mount Canobolas (Orange NSW).
Over 400 native plant species have been recorded within the Reserve, including plants typical of the drier western plains mixed with tableland and western slopes species. In particular, the Reserve is known for its diversity of terrestrial orchids, with over 36 species recorded. The Reserve also provides important habitat for threatened flora and fauna species.
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What to See and Do
The Reserve provides for picnicking, bushwalking, horse riding and bike riding, and is also popular with birdwatchers and botany enthusiasts.
Seven marked walking trails, varying in length and difficulty, are available within the Reserve. There are many scenic vantage points with views over Wellington, the valley and the Bell and Macquarie rivers.
Horse riding is permitted on the marked bridle trail and fire trails. Mountain bike riding is also permitted, but only on the designated mountain bike trails and fire trails.
Picnic areas with tables, fireplaces and basic toilet facilities are available but camping within the Reserve is prohibited.
PLEASE NOTE: The lighting of fires within the Mt Arthur Reserve is prohibited during the bushfire season (1 October to 31 March). This includes use of the permanent BBQ fireplaces. The reason for this is to minimise the chance of a fire starting within the Reserve. Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.
The Mount Arthur Reserve Trust also strongly discourages people from using the Reserve during 'Severe', 'Extreme' or 'Catastrophic' Fire Danger ratings. Formal Reserve closures will also occur on 'Extreme' or 'Catastrophic' rated days. You can find out the current fire danger rating for this area (15 'Lower Central West Plains Fire Area') here.
Seven marked walking trails, varying in length and difficulty, are available within the Reserve. There are many scenic vantage points with views over Wellington, the valley and the Bell and Macquarie rivers.
Horse riding is permitted on the marked bridle trail and fire trails. Mountain bike riding is also permitted, but only on the designated mountain bike trails and fire trails.
Picnic areas with tables, fireplaces and basic toilet facilities are available but camping within the Reserve is prohibited.
PLEASE NOTE: The lighting of fires within the Mt Arthur Reserve is prohibited during the bushfire season (1 October to 31 March). This includes use of the permanent BBQ fireplaces. The reason for this is to minimise the chance of a fire starting within the Reserve. Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.
The Mount Arthur Reserve Trust also strongly discourages people from using the Reserve during 'Severe', 'Extreme' or 'Catastrophic' Fire Danger ratings. Formal Reserve closures will also occur on 'Extreme' or 'Catastrophic' rated days. You can find out the current fire danger rating for this area (15 'Lower Central West Plains Fire Area') here.
The Trust
The Reserve is managed under the Crown Lands Act 1989 by the Mount Arthur Trust, a small group of dedicated volunteers from the local community. The Reserve has been managed by various Trusts since its gazettal in 1964 . The Trust is celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Reserve in 2014.
The Trust has little regular income and is largely dependent on volunteer labour and government grants when available. Over the last few years the Trust has obtained several grants for projects within the Reserve and has been active in upgrading signage and picnic facilities, road maintenance and safety upgrades, fencing, weed control and tree planting.
The Trust has little regular income and is largely dependent on volunteer labour and government grants when available. Over the last few years the Trust has obtained several grants for projects within the Reserve and has been active in upgrading signage and picnic facilities, road maintenance and safety upgrades, fencing, weed control and tree planting.