Nature Immersion at Murramarang National Park - NatureArt Lab Nature Tour April 2025 By Maureen Ritchie

Our incredible week at the stunning Murramarang National Park allowed us to explore and indulge ourselves in nature with birdsong, creativity and the rolling crystal-clear waves of the Tasman Sea as our constant companions. There was much to enjoy, including the Eastern grey kangaroos that also make the holiday resort their resting ground. We visited a combination of sand dunes, beaches and forests, all having their own unique ecosystems which were thoroughly enjoyed with binoculars and cameras helping us to find a myriad of local fauna - in total close to 50 species were seen. A greater glider was spotted far away in the treetops on one of our spotlighting night walks.

Our flora list ended up with over 30 identifications which was impressive considering the knowledge base for flora was not as broad as fauna in our group. On one of these walks a real bonus was being introduced to the local landcare's replanting scheme of Allocasuarina littoralis, the specific food for the endangered Glossy Black Cockatoos. There are thankfully, a small number in the area which will hopefully grow with the availability of more food.

We had magnificent moments journalling in an incredible tall forest of Eucalyptus
maculata, sitting amongst rockpools overlooking the wonderous Wobbegong Bay as
well as being immersed in seaweed and salty seas on the gorgeous Emily Miller beach.
Everyone photographed and lingered in awe of the diverse geological forms that make
up Wasp point, which also houses a dense forest of Allocasuarina glaucas where a
cheeky black wallaby watched us amble through. Many fabulous drawings came out of these personal meditative experiences, as well as other visual memories that will linger for years to come.

One morning the group went kayaking on Lake Durras, spotting sea eagles and hearing about local stories, whilst a few others went back to the peace of the Eucalypt Forest for deeper journalling.

Lesley made our afternoons immensely enjoyable with her drawing and watercolour
expertise, passing on knowledge and skills so beautifully we all learnt something new
as well as creating pictures of various birds in watercolour to be very proud of. Through observations of Satin bowerbirds, Pied oystercatchers, Red-capped plovers and many other local bird species we were able to portray these observations as artworks. The combination of observation and watercolour tuition led to deeper connections and understanding of these species and their habitat. 

This was an immensely wonderful experience, full of birds, forests, mammals, sea life,
information, enquiry, diversity, drawing, painting, learning, laughter, chats as well as
silences filled purely with awe, beauty and our expanding creativity. Paul was a great local guide for our walks, Karen and Lesley ensured everything ran smoothly and most importantly our days were full of activity and learnings, all focused on the beauty and abundant native flora and fauna of Murramarang NP.

Thank you NatureArt Lab - for a highly enjoyable and totally recommendable nature experience.