Wirrimbirra Sanctuary

Item details


Name of item:	Wirrimbirra Sanctuary
Other name/s:	Australian Wildlife Sanctuary at Bargo
Type of item:	Landscape
Group/Collection:	Landscape - Natural
Category:	Flora species site or area
Location:	Lat: -34.2644874407 Long: 150.5795871430
Primary address:	Hume Highway, Bargo, NSW 2574
Local govt. area:	Wollondilly
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Tharawal

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	132	DP	130897
LOT	18	DP	751250
LOT	19	DP	751250
PORTION	203	DP	751250
LOT	1	DP	789005

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
Hume Highway	Bargo	Wollondilly			Primary Address
Hume Highway	Tahmoor	Wollondilly			Alternate Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
National Trust of Australia (NSW)	Community Group

Statement of significance:


	Wirrimbirra is significant for its role in the development of the conservation movement in NSW; its association with key persons who pioneered the conservation debate; as a natural area with a rich and diverse flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species; as a recreation and social area; as a historic site containing relics and cultural items, as well as being associated with the pioneering expeditions to the Southern Highlands; as an area containing extensive plantings of native plants including rare and endangered species, and as an area which encouraged investigations into the growing and propagation of native plants. (Tait,1997)
	Date significance updated: 30 Jun 00
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Builder/Maker:	Stead Foundation
Construction years:	1962-
Physical description:	Wirrimbirra Sanctuary covers is an area of about 95 ha. Located about halfway between the Bargo River Crossing and the village of Bargo on the Hume Highway 100 km south of Sydney. Wirrimbirra preserves a part of the original 'Bargo Brush' which was of considerable historical importance in the problems which faced the settlement of the Argyle or Southern Tablelands during the early half of the 1800s. The Sanctuary contains rich and diverse plantings of native plants in formalised gardens, which were developed to provide areas of representative native plans for education and research purposes. Within the 43 established gardens, there are over 1800 native plants representing a resource base for the study of native flora. The Administration Area contains all the buildings, including two rangers' cottages, an office and bookshop, a display area and amenities. A native plant nursery provides plants for the property and for sale. Within the Sanctuary there is the capacity to accommodate groups of up to 44 people in 5 bunk style cabins in the Environmental Studies Centre. (An Introduction to Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, 1991)
Modifications and dates:	2008: upgrading of pathways, services on site (National Trust 2008, 11). National trust Magazine NSW November 2008-January 2009: Wirrimbirra: $15,281 was allocated to assist with the pathways, services and routine maintenance of the site.


Current use:	Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, Education Centre, Native Plant Nursery
Former use:	Aboriginal land, Flora and Fauna Sanctuary

History

Historical notes:

Aboriginal land
This area was the traditional land of the Gandangara people (Garran ,1978, 530). The area is home to the Tharawal and Gundungurra people (Robinson, 2008).

Gundungurra or Gandangarra people lived in the Southern Highlands area, which includes Mittagong, for many thousands of years. People who spoke the Gundungurra language lived in the Blue Mountains, the Southern Highlands and the Goulburn Plains of New South Wales. They lived in small groups of extended family members, who were attached to particular areas of country (Di Johnson: 2004 in SHR database 5045486).

Gundungurra groups left archaeological evidence of their occupation throughout their traditional lands, including scarred trees where bark was removed for use as a boat or other object, grinding grooves on rocks where axes were ground, and occupation sites which include middens. Well-worn Gundungurra pathways on ridge tops were often the routes used as the first roads by colonists (Di Johnson 2004). Possibly this could have been the origin of the Old South Road... (SHR database 5045486).

One of the first places in the Gundungurra traditional homelands that most appealed to the Anglo-Celt settlers were the river flats of the Burragorang Valley (now flooded under Warragamba Dam). Even before the valley was officially surveyed in 1827-8, many early settlers were already squatting on blocks that they planned to officially occupy following the issue of freehold title grants. From the Burragorang Valley and using Aboriginal pathways, other valleys to the west were occupied and developed by the settlers with construction of outstations and stock routes. These cattle entrepreneurs were then followed by cedar-wood extractors and miners (Johnson, 2009, 4).

After Anglo-European settlers caused displacement of Gundungurra people, they often worked on farms or grazing properties within and adjacent to their traditional land (Di Johnson: 2004 in SHR database 5045486).

The Gundungurra traditional owners resisted the taking of their lands, and, relying on various laws of the colony at the time, continually applied for official ownership. Although their individual claims failed, in some kind of recognition of the significance of the designated tracts of land claimed, six Aboriginal Reserves (under the control of the NSW Aborigines Protection Board) were formally declared in the Burragorang Valley. Even after these reserves were revoked, many of the traditional owners remained, quietly refusing to leave their traditional homelands (ibid, 2009, 4).

Finally pushed into the 'Gully', a fringe development in West Katoomba from about 1894, the Gully community stayed together for more than 60 years until dispossessed of the Gully by the then Blue Mountains Shire Council so a group of local businessmen could develop a speedway that became known as the Catalina Race Track. The Gully people kept talking about areas of land they had walked in as children - the nearby Megalong and Kanimbla Valleys and the Burragorang Valley. They knew of the profound significance of these valleys for their parents and grandparents (ibid, 2009, 4).

Camden & the Cow Pastures:
The area is associated with the early history of the colony of New South Wales. Governor Hunter named it 'The Cowpastures' after cattle which had strayed from the Farm Cove settlement were discovered there in 1795. Due to the early European settlers, namely the Macarthurs, who established flourishing wool, wine and wheat industries here, the area is said to be 'the birthplace of the nation's wealth' (ibid, 2008).

Wirrimbirra Sanctuary:
The propert on which the Australian Wildlife Sanctuary is known locally as Wirrimbirra. Wirrimbirra means 'to keep, to preserve' in the Indigenous language (www.australianwildlifesanctuary.com/conservation-heritage).

The land on which the Sanctuary is situated was acquired in a number of ways. In 1962, a Sydney Accountant, Carmen Coleman, discovered this interesting area of remnant bush where Europeans at Bargo made the first sightings of koala and lyrebird. Carmen Coleman donated the parcel of land at Bargo to the David G. Stead Memorial Wildlife Research Foundation, which was established in 1963 to perpetuate the memory of David Stead who was a pioneer of nature conservation in Australia. The National Trust began its association with the Stead Foundation and the Sanctuary in 1963.

Wirrimbirra is an intact remnant example of Bargo Bush, which once covered an extensive area south of Sydney.

Part of Wirrimbirra is freehold, which is now owned by the National Trust, and the balance is Crown Land with the National Trust 'trustee for the conservation and study of flora and fauna'. The Stead Foundation gave the freehold land to the Trust together with buildings and improvements in 1965, and at the same time arranged for the Crown leases to be transferred to the Trust. The Sanctuary was further extended in 1975. In 1989 the National Trust purchased a narrow strip of land on the southern boundary to improve fire protection for the Field Studies Centre which had been opened in 1971.

Wirrimbirra Native Plant Nursery is registered as a Nursery under the NSW Horticultural Stock and Nursery Act, and a white waratah has its varietal name registered as 'Wirrimbirra White' and is the National Variety Register in Canberra.

The Sanctuary contains rich and diverse plantings of native plants in formalised gardens, which were developed to provide areas of representative native plans for education and research purposes. Within the 43 established gardens, there are over 1800 native plants representing a resource base for the study of native flora.

The Field Studies Centre has proved to be the most popular part of the Sanctuary and is recognised as a leading institution in environmental education, both locally and overseas.(Greenup, Conservation and Business Plan for Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, Oct 1992).

Wirrimbirra was gifted to the NTA (NSW) by the David G.Stead Memorial WIldlife Research Foundation in 1965. The property was leased to the Foundation for several terms up to the present time. Recently a small portion was separately leased to the Australian Native Dog Conservation Society. A comprehensive Conservation Agreement with the Office of Environment and Heritage (NSW Government) has been developed for the Wirrimburra Sanctuary to ensure that the native vegetation is managed and conserved in perpetuity (NTA, 2013).

In 2012 a new management system was put into place at Wirrimbirra Sanctuary which inovlves 3 separate leases and a joint management committee for the jointly-leased access areas. The new system seeks to resolve the entrenched management problems on the property (Scarsbrick, 2013, i).

In late 2015 the National Trust of Australia (NSW) classified the Bargo Gorge Landscape Conservation Area (Quint, 2015, 3).

In 2019 the National Trust of Australia (NSW) completed an expression of interest process over the future management of the property at 3105 Remembrance Driveway, Bargo where the Wirrimbirra Sanctuary operates. All applicants have been advised of the outcome regarding the ongoing management of the property including the existing tenants. The successful candidate will be announced in late 2019 pending completion of all contractual processes (NTA (NSW) annual report, 2018-19, 7).

The new leaseholders, in conjunction with the National Trust of Australia, are renaming the site 'The Australian Wildlife Sanctuary'. A major fire burnt through the Sanctuary in December 2019. The (nine) buildings (five cabins, the education and laboratory buildings, an amenities block and a shed) in the south area of the Sanctuary were destroyed but the Visitors' Centre and Rangers' Cottages were untouched. At present a small area of the Sanctuary is dedicated to the Australian Native Dog Conservation Society (OEH, 2000, quoted in EMM, 2020, 20, 21).

Although the animals were moved to a safe place, the infrastructure and vegetation throughout the property was devastated. Cottages, a laboratory and education facility, an amenities building, storage structures and fencing were all destroyed. The National Trust, along with staff and volunteers from both the Australian Wildlife Sanctuary and the Bargo Dingo Sanctuary, worked tirelessly in the aftermath to protect the remaining structures and start the slow process of recovery (NTA (NSW) Annual Rerport, 2020, 6).

In 2020 the NSW state government is working with Wollondilly Shire Council over a proposed National Park in the Bargo Gorge, as a link between Blue Mountains and Cataract-Cordeaux-Avon-Nepean catchment (Osborne, 2020).

The sanctuary was badly affected by the December 2019 Green Wattle Creek bush fire.

Australian Wildlife Sanctuary at Bargo reopened in March 2021 after bushfires devastation (Clifford, ABC, 6/3/2021)

Through the rebuilding process the sanctuary will operate with limited trading hours, being weekends, 10am-4pm (www.australianwildlifesanctuary.com/opening-hours).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Cultural: Conserving and protecting natural features-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Natural - pre European settlement vegetation-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Regional flora and fauna-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present.	Aboriginal Culture-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present.	Gundungurra Nation - evidencing creation stories-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present.	Dharawal nation - sites evidencing occupation and ceremonial use-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Significant Places: How are significant places marked in the landscape of Parramatta by, or for, different groups?-Monuments and Sites
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	(none)-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and countryside of rural charm-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	(none)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	1820s-1850s land grants-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Changing land uses - from rural to tourist-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Resuming private lands for public purposes-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Enjoying public parks and gardens-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going bushwalking-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting lookouts and places of natural beauty-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to a wildlife sancutary-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	(none)-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with David Stead, naturalist, author, world expert on fisheries, marine biology, oceanography, Superintende-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Thistle Stead, conservationist and author-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Significant for its role in the development of the conservation movement in NSW, and for its association with key persons who who pioneered conservation debate, the evolution of the conservation movement in Australia and environmental education in NSW. . Also associated with pioneering expeditions which led to the settlement of the Southern Highlands Region and the first written report of the koala and lyrebird in Australia. (Greenup, Conservation Plan for Wirrimbirra Sanctuary 1992)
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The Sanctuary forms part of a link between the large natural areas of the Metropolitan and Warragamba Catchments and the Greater Blue Mountains and is therefore significant as a corridor for wildlife, particularly as areas immediately to the South of the Sanctuary have been cleared. As a remnant of the Bargo Bush, it contains a rich and diverse flora and fauna habitat including a number of rare or threatened species. It contains extensive plantings of native plants, including rare and endangered flora. (L Greenup – Conservation Plan for Wirrimbirra Sanctuary 1992)
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	It is of social significance for its promotion, education and an example to the community with respect to practical protection of Australia’s flora and fauna, and research into management and preservation of indigenous wildlife. Education of young people in the endless facets of the natural and man made environment. (Introduction to Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, 1991)
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	Wirrimbirra is a leaning centre for the education of students in environmental matters through an 'outdoor' classroom, designed to represent a variety of plant communities ranging from aquatic plants to tree tops and their related communities. This specialised classroom, together with nature trails, natural Bargo Brush and a nursery, provide valuable lessons for students. The Centre is recognised as a leading institution in environmental education. (Greenup, Conservation and Business Plan for Wirrimbirra 1992)
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	The importance of Wirrimbirra as a centre for environmental education was recognised by the visit in 1992 of specialists from the OECD as part of an international research project on policy and practice in environmental education. Wirrimbirra holds an enviable reputation in promoting the environmental message through education and research. (Tait, Wirrimbirra, The Next Generation 1997)
Integrity/Intactness:	One of the few forested areas remaining on the flat plateau of the Bargo area.
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Produce a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register	01508	01 Mar 02	54	1452
Local Environmental Plan		23 Aug 91
Register of the National Estate	3302	21 Oct 80

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Tourism	Accommodation Homepage	2007	Wirrimbirra Sanctuary	View detail
Tourism	Attraction Homepage	2007	Wirrimbirra Sanctuary	View detail
Written	Cantrell, John	2008	Wirrimbirra Opens New Dingo Sanctuary
Written	Clifford, Jessica	2021	Australian Wildlife Sanctuary at Bargo reopens after 2019 bushfires devastation	View detail
Written	EMM	2020	Tahmoor South Project: Wirrimbirra Sanctuary - Statement of Heritage Impact
Written	Greenup L	1992	Conservation and Business Plan for Wirrimbirra Sanctuary
Written	I Tait	1997	Wirrimbirra - The Next Generation
Written	National Trust of Australia (NSW)	2013	Sale of Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, Bargo - letter to Trust Members
Written	National Trust of Australia (NSW)	2008	2008 Annual Report
Written	Scarsbrick, Brian	2013	CEO's Message
Written	Stead Foundation	1991	An Introduction to Wirrimbirra Sanctuary
Written	The David G.Stead Memorial Wild Life Research Foundation of Australia	2014	The David G.Stead Memorial Wild Life Research Foundation of Australia - Newsletter March 2014
Written	The National Trust of Australia (NSW)	2019	Remembrance Drive, Bargo
Tourism	Tourism NSW	2007	Wirrimbirra Sanctuary	View detail
Tourism	Tourism NSW	2007	Wirrimbirra Sanctuary	View detail
Written	Webb, Joan	2002	'Harris, Thistle Yolette (1902-1990)' (entry)	View detail
Written	Webb, Joan	2002	'Stead, David George' (entry)	View detail
Written	Webb, Joan	1998	Thistle Y. Harris (a biography of Thistle Yolette Stead)

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5051261
File number:	EF14/5872; S90/7308/001

Every effort has been made to ensure that information contained in the State Heritage Inventory is correct. If you find any errors or omissions please send your comments to the Database Manager.

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