Booroolong
Creek: The Northern Tablelands of NSW is home to a
diverse range of National Parks. Not all areas of natural beauty and
environmental importance are included in the park’s system. There are a
number of reserves administered by other government instrumentalities such as
Local Councils, Lands Department and State Forests. Booroolong Creek west of
Armidale is part of a reserve administered by the local council. Booroolong
Creek is just down the road from Yallaroo and we often visit this tranquil
area. The photograph is a view looking upstream. The creek is bordered by
River Oaks (Casuarina cunninghamiana). These tall trees sing when the
wind blows through the branches. They are home to a wide range of native
birds. The creek itself is home to a number of platypus families. Late in the
afternoon it is possible to see these unique Australians cavorting in the
water. Platypus are fairly common in many of the local streams. Rainbow Trout
also inhabit Booroolong Creek. The creek bed is full of large granite
boulders. After heavy rain we are able to hear the water roaring over these
boulders as it makes its way down the creek to the Gwydir River and eventually
to Copeton Dam.