Lyrebird Dell is situated in the middle of Murramarang National Park, a beautiful coastal strip noteworthy for its extensive views over the Pacific and the tame kangaroos which laze about on unspoilt beaches. At the southern end of the village, drive past Murramarang Resort and follow the dirt tracks south to a series of deserted, pristine beaches, one after the other.
Behind the beaches, rich forests stretch into the hinterland, with one of the largest examples of spotted gum forest you'll see. Wildlife is abundant, both on land and offshore islands, including owls, feathertail, squirrel and yellow-bellied gliders; the white-footed dunnart, swamp and red-necked wallabies, humpback and sperm whales. In total, the park contains 207 species of birds and 39 native, terrestrial mammal species as well as over 400 flora species.
History of the park
Murramarang National Park was created in 1973, and contains 44 km of coastline. A number of areas of private land, including the coastal villages of Depot Beach, South Durras and North Durras, are contained within the boundaries of the park.
Murramarang Aboriginal Reserve
The turnoff to Murramarang Aboriginal Reserve is 15 km north of the South Durras turnoff, on the Princes Highway at Termeil. Follow the signs to Bawley Point, and from there to Racecourse Beach.
Murramarang Reserve protects what is regarded as the largest midden (places where shells and other food debris have accumulated over time) on the south coast. To local Aboriginal people, the site is a tangible link with the past and a place where their ancestors were sometimes buried. The lagoon, to the north of the headland, is home to a serpent associated with traditional religious beliefs about the creation of the land. The area continues to be used by local Aboriginal people for fishing, recreation and educational activities. The site is important because of its size and the diversity of cultural remains, providing a wealth of information on the antiquity and complexity of the traditional dwellers.
The area is also popular for surfing, beach and rock fishing, diving, swimming and exploring the rock platform. The walking track offers panoramic views of the coastline.
