Little Hartley in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales is the perfect destination if you want to connect with nature and observe the local wildlife. With its lush forests and abundance of wildlife, the area offers many opportunities for wildlife watching. And if you're staying at Marigold Cottage, you'll be in the perfect location to explore all the exciting wildlife viewing opportunities nearby.
One of the best places to see local wildlife is the Wollemi National Park, just a short drive from Little Hartley. The park covers more than 500,000 hectares, making it the second-largest national park in New South Wales. Here you can spot a wide variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and possums. More than 230 species of birds are also in the park, making it a birdwatcher's paradise. Some of the best places to see wildlife in the park include the Glow Worm Tunnel and the Newnes Plateau. Check out the National Parks and Wildlife Service website for more information on the park's walking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/wollemi-national-park.
Another great place to see wildlife is the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in Mount Tomah. Just a 30-minute drive from Marigold Cottage, the garden covers 252 hectares and is home to various native plants and animals. Here you can see kangaroos grazing in the open fields, and you might even catch a glimpse of a shy echidna or a playful wallaby. There are also many species of birds in the garden, including the endangered Regent Honeyeater. Check out their website for more information on their guided walks and wildlife viewing opportunities: https://www.bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au/Visit/Plan-your-visit/Walks-and-tours
For a truly unique wildlife experience, why not head to the Jenolan Caves? Just a 30-minute drive from Marigold Cottage, the caves are home to various subterranean animals, including cave crickets, glow worms and the critically endangered Jenolan River Frog. You can take a guided cave tour and learn about the unique underground ecosystem. Check out their website for more information on their tours and wildlife viewing opportunities: https://www.jenolancaves.org.au/
In conclusion, Little Hartley is an excellent destination for those who love wildlife and the great outdoors. From the vast expanse of the Wollemi National Park to the unique underground ecosystem of the Jenolan Caves, there are plenty of opportunities to see the local wildlife up close. And with many of the area's wildlife viewing opportunities just a short drive from Marigold Cottage, you'll have plenty of time to explore all that Little Hartley offers.