Barrakee State Conservation Area

Barrakee State Conservation Area is a protected area in Australia.

Barrakee State Conservation Area at a Glance

Location
New South Wales & ACT, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-31.672120, 151.946010
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
April to October (dry season in the north). Year-round in southern parks.

Getting to Barrakee State Conservation Area

Nearest airport: Gloucester Airfield (YGCR), 42 km away.

Nearest international airport: Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD), 263 km away.

Wildlife in Barrakee State Conservation Area

Home to 55 recorded species including 16 waterbirds, 10 iconic birds, 10 birds of prey, 9 tropical birds, 5 small mammals, 2 big herbivores.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Barrakee State Conservation Area

2 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in New South Wales & ACT

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Australia

Travel advisory for Australia

Barrakee State Conservation Area FAQs

Given the moderate malaria risk, what specific health precautions are recommended for visitors to Barrakee State Conservation Area?

Visitors should take precautions such as using insect repellent with DEET, wearing long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk. It is advisable to consult a travel doctor prior to your trip to discuss antimalarial medication options suitable for a moderate risk area.

What kind of visitor experience can I expect at Barrakee State Conservation Area, considering its exceptionally low crowding level (1/5)?

With a crowding level of 1/5, Barrakee offers a uniquely tranquil and immersive nature experience, allowing for undisturbed wildlife observation. You can anticipate a sense of solitude, making it ideal for peaceful bushwalking, birdwatching, and photography without the distraction of large tourist groups.

What unique Australian wildlife can I specifically hope to encounter during a visit to Barrakee State Conservation Area?

As a protected area in Australia, Barrakee is home to diverse native species, including various kangaroo and wallaby species, and a rich array of birdlife. Keep an eye out for unique marsupials and reptiles endemic to the region, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.

When is the best time to visit Barrakee State Conservation Area for optimal wildlife viewing and what activities are available?

The cooler, drier months, typically from May to September, are often ideal for visiting Barrakee, as wildlife is more active and easier to spot. Popular activities include guided bushwalks, birdwatching excursions, and scenic drives through the conservation area, all enhanced by the low visitor numbers.

Are there entry fees for Barrakee State Conservation Area, and what other typical costs should I budget for?

Yes, like many protected areas in Australia, Barrakee State Conservation Area typically requires an entry fee, which contributes to its conservation. Beyond this, budget for potential costs such as guided tours, any necessary permits for specific activities, and accommodation in nearby towns.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.