Castlereagh spotlight tour

Castlereagh Nature Reserve

An eastern false pipistrelle, a small bat with brown fur and wings folded inward, on rocky ground. Photo: Pavel German © DPE

Overview

Bring the family to this free evening tour at Castlereagh Nature Reserve in Western Sydney. We’ll discover creatures of the night in the critically endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland on this 2hr guided tour.

When: Friday 4 April 2025, 6pm to 8pm
Where: Castlereagh Nature Reserve in Sydney and surrounds
Accessibility: No wheelchair access
Grade: Easy. Suitable for adults and children 5 years and over. Low level of fitness required. We’ll walk 2km on flat unsealed trails.
Price: Free. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Meeting point: Northern Road reserve entry
Bookings: Bookings required. Phone 1300 072 757 for more information or book online.

The best way to see our native nocturnal animals is in their own habitat. Come along with an inquisitive mind as we explore with our expert guide.

You might see the vulnerable squirrel glider, feathertail glider, sugar glider, tawny frog mouth, sooty owl, or even various tiny microbats. Find out about each animal and why they’re so important in this complex ecosystem in Castlereagh Nature Reserve.

We’ll also explore the important conservation programs to preserve this critically endangered ecological community. You’ll learn how you can help to look after this special place.

Castlereagh Nature Reserve protects some of the largest and most ecologically intact remnants of the extensive woodlands that once covered the Cumberland Plain and dominated Western Sydney.

Please wear clothing suitable for the conditions, enclosed shoes and bring a full water bottle and a torch.

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/guided-tours/castlereagh-spotlight-tour/local-alerts

General enquiries

National Parks Contact Centre
7am to 7pm daily
1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au

Operated by

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Park info

in Castlereagh Nature Reserve in the Sydney and surrounds region

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Castlereagh spotlight tour.

Getting there and parking

Castlereagh Nature Reserve is 11km south of Windsor. To get there:

From Windsor:

Follow Macquarie Street from Windsor and continue for 5km as it becomes George Street
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Blacktown Road which becomes Richmond Road
Take the 3rd exit at the roundabout onto The Northern Road
The reserve will be on your left after about 6km.

From Penrith:

Follow The Northern Road north, until you reach Whitegates Road.
Turn left onto Whitegates Road, and make a U-turn back to The Northern Road.
Turn right onto The Northern Road, and follow until you see the Northern Wreckers car yard.
Turn left into the gate for Castlereagh Nature Reserve carpark at Barabas trail.

From Sydney:

Take the M1 from St Mary's Rd and Sir John Young Crescent in Sydney CBD
Continue along the M2 and M7 to Colebee. After 30 mins, take the exit for Richmond Road
Turn left on The Northern Road/A9
The nature reserve will be on your left.

Parking

Parking is available as soon as you enter the reserve from The Northern Road entry gate.