Recreation in the Central West forests

Mushroom picking and fossicking are two of the unique recreational activities popular in Forests NSW’ Macquarie Region. Based at Bathurst, Macquarie Region manages a large forest area extending from Lithgow to Orange and south to forests around Jenolan Caves. Most of the region’s forests are softwood plantations, however some areas of native forest occur around Lithgow and Jenolan Caves.

Mushrooms are the quiet invaders of New South Wales pine plantations. After the soft autumn rains, the mushrooms burst on to the scene. The best mushrooming grounds in the region are close to Oberon in Hampton, Jenolan and Vulcan State Forests. The most edible pine mushroom is the saffron milk cap (Lactatius delicious). Other mushrooms to thrive among the pines are slippery jacks (Suillus grandulas and Suillus luteus) and mousy tricholomas (Tricholoma terreum). Click here for more information on mushrooming in State forests.

It cannot be emphasised strongly enough that you must correctly identify your mushrooms. Some mushrooms contain toxins and will make you extremely sick. So be very careful – if there is any doubt about the identity of the fungi you have collected, don’t eat them, just admire them for their beauty.

When mushrooming you should park your car on the side of the road and make sure you are well clear of other forest road users, especially logging trucks. Care should be taken to stay away from any timber harvesting activity.

Fossicking is a traditional activity that has been undertaken in State forests for many years. It is permitted at Sapphire Bend (in Vulcan State Forest) without a permit but if you are fossicking in other areas a permit is required. Sapphire fossicking is popular in the Black Springs area, whilst gold fossicking is common in Sunny Corner State Forest. Pennsylvania State Forest is another popular area with fossickers. Recreational fossicking is covered by Section 12 of the Mining Act 1992. This allows recreational fossicking with the consent of the land management authority. Check out our forest fact sheet, Fossicking in State forests, for further information.

If you want detailed information on the forests and parks of the region and the roads, tracks and facilities that they contain, it is suggested that you purchase a Central West Forest Map. This comprehensive map shows recreation areas, special features and roads, while the colourful reverse side provides information on forest management, history and recreation in the area. The map is available for purchase from Forests NSW Information Centre (open 7 days a week) or your local Forests NSW offices. RRP $9.85 with $1 postage and handling. Information on recreation sites can found by following the links below.

Picnic areas

Area	Facilities	Map Ref
Canobolas Forest Park		C - 3
Millionth Acre		M - 7
Bungleboori Rest Area		N - 4
Sunny Corner Arboretum		K - 3
Macquarie Woods		F - 3
Black Springs Rest Area		J - 8

Camping grounds

Area	Facilities	Map Ref
Jenolan Camp Ground		M - 7
Mary's Park		K - 3
Macquarie Woods		F - 3

Walking Trails

Trail	Grade			Map Ref
	Easy	Medium	Hard
Six Foot Track 42 kilometres (Best completed over 3 days)				N-8
Easy: suitable for all age groups and levels of fitness, generally gentle grades. Medium : suitable for people with an average level of fitness, contains some steeper grades. Hard : suitable only for people with a good level of fitness, contains steep grades and rough sections of track.

Lookouts

There are no designated lookouts in the State forests of Macquarie Region. For lookouts outside of State forests, contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service as they manage lookouts at Mount Canobolas and the Blue Mountains. Information on these sites is also available on Central West Forest Map.

For specific information about the Central West forests please contact Macquarie Region, during business hours. Ph: (02) 6331 2044.