If you are like most travellers, during your stay in Port Macquarie, you’ll more than likely go in search of something fun and interesting to do . You’ll find there are many attractions and venues in the area that you will want to make certain to visit. One of these is the Boorganna Nature Reserve. A tour of this lovely setting is a perfect way for visitors to spend a morning or afternoon feeling at one with nature.

The Boorganna Nature Reserve is the second oldest of its kind in all of New South Wales. The name Boorganna is an old one indeed. No one is quite sure exactly where the name came from, as the Aboriginal natives who once lived here left no clues as to its meaning. Those who have studied this area agree that the name was apparently taken from two varieties of trees that grow freely here.

Boorganna Nature Reserve was once a part of a large rainforest that spread over the entire Comboyne Plateau. A small patch of land around the Rawson waterfalls was dedicated to preserving both the native flora and public recreation. The settlers who came here from Europe during 1900 began to clear the land in Comboyne for their own use, and this went on for around 25 years. While the clearing of the area was going on, some logging was taking place as well in the nature reserve. Red cedar trees, along with rosewood trees, were chopped down and sold. Evidence of this remains in the form of tree stumps, which can be seen as you walk to the lookout at Rawson Falls. Other than the removal of a few trees, the Boorganna Nature Reserve is in a natural state.

There is a lot to see in the Boorganna Nature Reserve. It is a sanctuary for five different types of forest. You’ll find dry sclerophyll forest, subtropical rainforest, warm temperate rainforest, and dry rainforest here. Also, eucalyptus forests grow and flourish here as well as the typical lush rainforest. Many visitors are amazed to discover that there are 13 different species of rare trees growing here. This area also contains many ferns, rock lilies, and epiphytes.

Keep your eyes open for the many various mammals, insects, reptiles,amphibious animals, and most especially the birds. Boorganna Nature Reserve is a veritable haven for bird watchers. You will see many species as you take the trail that leads from the picnic area all the way through the rainforest to Rawson Falls. Take the time to read the signs you’ll encounter along the way. It is possible to learn quite a lot about the reserve as you go along, just from the information on these signs.

A specially made viewing platform awaits you at Rawson Falls. This platform allows you to easily spot the different varieties of rainforest that are present within the nature reserve. There is also another walking trail here that will lead you down to the base of the waterfall. It takes about 2 hours to walk to the waterfall, and about 2 hours to walk back to the picnic area. Do note that the walk back is mostly uphill!

Make your Port Macquarie holiday memorable with a trip to the Boorganna Nature Reserve.