Forestry’s Australian birthplace
South Australia’s Bundaleer and Wirrabara Forest Reserves are located in the state’s Mid North.
This forest district is widely regarded as the birthplace of Australia’s forest industry and as a result, it has long been popular among those keen to explore the rich cultural heritage of the area.
Sites such as the rehabilitated Old Wirrabara Nursery, Conservator’s Hut and other heritage buildings offer a unique look into South Australia’s plantation forestry history, while the Ippinitchie Campground provides the perfect base for campers wanting to explore the local area, wildlife and scenery along the local mountain bike and walking trails.
Mid North Forests
The Bundaleer and Wirrabara forests were reopened after bushfires in 2013 and 2014 destroyed more than 2,000 hectares of state-owned plantation. The land is now managed by a range of private enterprises, while other areas have been retained for community use.
In the Wirrabara Forest, significant conservation, heritage and recreational assets are now managed by the Department of Environment and Water including the Ippinitchie Campground and Wirrabara Forest Picnic Ground.
The Bundaleer Forest, is now managed by Bundaleer Forest Community Areas Association. For information regarding walking trails, events and picnic grounds please visit mybundaleer.com
