Wildlife Watching at Euroka Clearing

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Nestled in the Nepean River valley in the lower Blue Mountains near the town of Glenbrook, Euroka clearing is surrounded by virtually untouched eucalypt forest. It is a popular picnic and camping spot and one of the best places in the Blue Mountains to see wildlife up-close. In the past it was well- known for the friendly mob of Eastern Grey Kangaroo that could be seen grazing at the edge of the forest almost every afternoon. Unfortunately, it appears that in recent years kangaroos have dispersed over a larger area and the sightings have become much less frequent.



Mornings at Euroka are dominated by the comings and goings of Laughing Kookaburras. Largest members of the Kingfisher family, these birds prey on snakes, lizards and small birds and mammals. They are bold, loud and brazen birds.

I found out exactly how bold when I attempted to eat a BBQ lunch at Euroka. I was talking to a friend while holding a fork in my hand with a piece of meat on it. There were quite a few birds sitting on lower branches around our spot. Suddenly one of them was flying straight at me – I could feel the rush of air on my face as it beat its wings inches away from me. And only when the initial surprise was over, did I realize that the bird had lifted the piece of meat off my fork. The boldness and the precision of the 'attack' left me duly impressed.

The birds' persistence can become somewhat of a nuisance at times, but their tameness and proximity offer some good photo opportunities.



A visit to Euroka is not all about enjoying a BBQ off course. There are many things to do and places to explore, which makes it a perfect spot for a family getaway. There are spectacular lookouts, walking trails and an Aboriginal rock art site, all within a short drive.

There is a trail that starts right at the clearing and meanders through the forest down to the Nepean River. At the beginning of the trail the vegetation is dominated by ferns and mosses which give the area an unusually primeval feel.



We saw a few birds along the trail - Superb fairy-wrens, Rock warbler, Eastern yellow robin, and a large colony of Bell miners, which were probably responsible for the low diversity of birds as they are very territorial breeders.



As the late afternoon approaches, it is a good time to start looking for kangaroos and we were lucky to spot one. A big shaggy animal with an impressive set of biceps –clearly a dominant male was grazing in the forest, practically oblivious to our presence.



The bird activity also changes in the afternoon. Kookaburras retreat into the forest and Sulphur-crested cockatoos and Long-billed corellas descend in large flocks to feed on grass seeds and to generally fool around. The birds are used to people and can be approached quite closely.



A short drive from the clearing along the main road there is a well signposted turn off to the Tunnel View Lookout. This lookout offers impressive views of the Fairlight Gorge and the Nepean River. It is best visited just before sunset when the landscape is enveloped into the warm glow of late afternoon sun.



From here you can either continue driving all the way back to Sydney or return to Euroka clearing if you are camping for the night.

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#blue_mountains
#escape_the_city
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