Cultural and Environmental Preservation at Boorabee and The Willows
The Willows and adjacent properties Boorabee, Rosemont, Canon, collectively covering approximately 10,500 hectares, embody a rich tapestry of cultural and environmental heritage, deeply revered by the Ngoorabul people. Acquired by the Glen Innes Local Aboriginal Land Council in 1987 and the Boorabee Aboriginal Corporation, these lands, including a significant 22 kilometers of Severn River frontage, have been designated as an Indigenous Protected Area. This strategic conservation effort ensures the safeguarding of numerous culturally significant sites and the sustainable utilization of the area’s natural resources.
Integral to the Ngoorabul people’s ethos is the preservation of wildlife, traditional bush foods, and medicinal practices. The Willows and Boorabee boast an array of endangered ecosystems, including the scarce white box, yellow box, Mugga Ironbark, and Blakely’s red gum woodlands. Notably, these lands are a sanctuary for over 30 endangered animal species, such as the Spotted-Tail Quoll and the Regent Honey Eater, and have even reported sightings of a rare Albino Echidna, underscoring the area’s unique biodiversity.
The landscape is dotted with vital plant species, including the Stringy Bark She Oak, renowned for its ‘hairy bark’ used historically to ignite campfires, and whose timber was essential for crafting tools like boomerangs. This biodiversity supports a vibrant ecosystem, with species like the Redeye Astra Cycad and Spinifex grass contributing to the rich tapestry of life here.
Promoting Eco-Tourism and Cultural Engagement
The tranquil beauty of Boorabee and The Willows beckons eco-tourism enthusiasts drawn to its pristine environment and rich cultural heritage. Offering a haven for nature lovers, fishermen, and birdwatchers, the area is devoid of introduced fish species, thus preserving its natural aquatic biodiversity, including the famed Murray Cod.
Visitors can explore walking trails adorned with informative signage detailing the unique flora and fauna, engage in birdwatching to glimpse rare avian species, and partake in guided cultural tours, enriching their understanding of the Ngoorabul people’s connection to the land. The optimal seasons for birdwatching are spring and early summer, when the diversity of bird life flourishes.
Accommodation options cater to a range of preferences, from self-contained units to camping, with fees and bookings managed through the Glen Innes Local Aboriginal Lands Council. Situated just a 34-minute drive from the Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre, these lands offer a profound journey into the heart of Ngoorabul culture and environmental stewardship, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the serene and sacred beauty of Boorabee and The Willows.
Cultural and Environmental Preservation at Boorabee and The Willows
The Willows and adjacent properties Boorabee, Rosemont, Canon, collectively covering approximately 10,500 hectares, embody a rich tapestry of cultural and environmental heritage, deeply revered by the Ngoorabul people. Acquired by the Glen Innes Local Aboriginal Land Council in 1987 and the Boorabee Aboriginal Corporation, these lands, including a significant 22 kilometers of Severn River frontage, have been designated as an Indigenous Protected Area. This strategic conservation effort ensures the safeguarding of numerous culturally significant sites and the sustainable utilization of the area’s natural resources.
Integral to the Ngoorabul people’s ethos is the preservation of wildlife, traditional bush foods, and medicinal practices. The Willows and Boorabee boast an array of endangered ecosystems, including the scarce white box, yellow box, Mugga Ironbark, and Blakely’s red gum woodlands. Notably, these lands are a sanctuary for over 30 endangered animal species, such as the Spotted-Tail Quoll and the Regent Honey Eater, and have even reported sightings of a rare Albino Echidna, underscoring the area’s unique biodiversity.
The landscape is dotted with vital plant species, including the Stringy Bark She Oak, renowned for its ‘hairy bark’ used historically to ignite campfires, and whose timber was essential for crafting tools like boomerangs. This biodiversity supports a vibrant ecosystem, with species like the Redeye Astra Cycad and Spinifex grass contributing to the rich tapestry of life here.
Promoting Eco-Tourism and Cultural Engagement
The tranquil beauty of Boorabee and The Willows beckons eco-tourism enthusiasts drawn to its pristine environment and rich cultural heritage. Offering a haven for nature lovers, fishermen, and birdwatchers, the area is devoid of introduced fish species, thus preserving its natural aquatic biodiversity, including the famed Murray Cod.
Visitors can explore walking trails adorned with informative signage detailing the unique flora and fauna, engage in birdwatching to glimpse rare avian species, and partake in guided cultural tours, enriching their understanding of the Ngoorabul people’s connection to the land. The optimal seasons for birdwatching are spring and early summer, when the diversity of bird life flourishes.
Accommodation options cater to a range of preferences, from self-contained units to camping, with fees and bookings managed through the Glen Innes Local Aboriginal Lands Council. Situated just a 34-minute drive from the Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre, these lands offer a profound journey into the heart of Ngoorabul culture and environmental stewardship, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the serene and sacred beauty of Boorabee and The Willows.