Burning Mountain Nature Reserve

Wingen, NSW, Australia

JHP_170121_HV4_1095Burning Mountian, NSW, Australia

This interesting geological site and walking trail is set just off the New England Highway, about 25 minutes north of Scone, New South Wales.  There is a rest area where the trail head takes off from which means it is also a spot for campers to spend some extra time.   Remember to take extra water as there is none on the 4km out and back trail. 

JHP_170121_HV4_1107Burning Mountian, NSW, Australia

The walk starts off winding through a grassy forest and quickly starts to ascend up the mountainside via a moderate grade and a multitude of steps.  Walk quietly through this section and you are bound to see wallabies and Roos (see below on the way back), birds and other wildlife.  In no time you are rewarded by a grand view looking over the Upper Hunter Valley and across at the Winged Maiden.

JHP_170121_HV4_1111Burning Mountian, NSW, Australia

More steps. Continue on up the trail and find yourself in more brushy forests with more limited expansive views. Keep an eye out for interpretive signs about the area.

JHP_170121_HV4_1129Australian Banana Silk Orb Spider

Also keep watch for giant spiders and incredibly tuff webs! I have been told this is a Golden Silk Orb Spider also called an Australian Banana Spider.  The bodies of the females range from 1.5-2 inches on average, their webs are incredibly resilient and they have been known to eat small birds.  They can bite but the venom is typically not toxic enough for humans.

JHP_170121_HV4_1105Burning Mountian, NSW, Australia

A tall canopy of Eucalyptus trees and bushy undergrowth of tea trees. Take note of this image.

JHP_170121_HV4_1087Burning Mountian, NSW, Australia

Now, take note of this one. There is no undergrowth here. its like the forest floor has been sterilized and all that remains are hardy strip-bark trees.  It reminds me of fire but there is no charring.  This section of bizarreness continues for about 500 yards.

JHP_170121_HV4_1024Crimson Rosella Parrot

Red Bellied Parrots make this area home and lucky for me they posted up in a tree not to far away.  Just perfect for me to photograph.

JHP_170121_HV4_1045Burning Mountian, NSW, Australia

This is Burning Mountain, an actively burning coal seam that has been on fire for about 5,500 years.  This is the essence of what it does. It does sterilze the earth, at a rate of 1 meter a year.  As it moves it inialates everything in its path with the gas that it lets off.  What is left behind is a white soil

JHP_170121_HV4_1053Burning Mountian, NSW, Australia

At the top there is a nice spot to eat lunch and enjoy a lovely view. Return home the way you came and hope to catch more wildlife.

JHP_170121_HV4_1134Wallaby or Grey Kangaroo's in Burning Mountain Reserve

This nice Kangaroo was so cooperative for a picture in the lovely evening light.  It stayed very still while we walked past and a small group continued to graze nearby.  Their coats blend in well to the dry grass.  This was a nice way to end an interesting walk.