Woomargama National Park

Some of the more common animals you'll see are echidnas, wombats, gliders, kangaroos and wallabies. These natives are best spotted in the early morning or late afternoon when they're most active. There are rare creatures too: listen for the 'ark' calls of the brown toadlet which lives in burrows or under rocks. Look upwards to catch a flash of colour as a bright green superb parrot flies overhead.

Situated in the transition zone between the mountainous NSW south-west slopes and the broad plains of the Riverina district, Woomargama has a vast range of forest and woodland communities. It contains the largest remnant community of box woodlands on the south-west slopes and is also home to the rare phantom wattle, which flowers golden yellow in spring.

Talk about an interesting past - Woomargama has just that. In 1924, explorers Hamilton Hume and William Hovell set off from Sydney to see if there was an overland route to Melbourne. While you're there, you'll appreciate how difficult their hiking must've been. Hume and Hovell walking track, a 440km bushwalking trail from Yass to Albury, almost directly follows their footsteps. Before it was named a national park, parts of Woomargama were mined for tin and used as grazing land.

This wild landscape offers activities for all. Pitch a tent at one of the two campgrounds and use it as a base for exploring the surrounds. Pull on your hiking boots and hit the many trails that cross the park. They also offer a great ride if you fancy testing your limits on a mountain bike. It doesn't have to be quite so full-on though. There are many beautiful wildflowers and animals that are best observed quietly, and photographers will love the view from Norths lookout.