Wirrimbirra Sanctuary - Bargo

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00am to 4.30pm

Wirrimbirra Sanctuary is a 95 hectare property owned by the National Trust of Australia (NSW), established and managed as a flora and fauna sanctuary.  It was created in the 1960s by Thistle Harris, in memory of her husband David Stead, to preserve the original 'Bargo Brush' and Australia's flora and fauna, and promote the use and propagation of Australian native plants.

Today Wirrimbirra continues to operate as a flora and fauna sanctuary and is a unique example of the original Australian bush. The Sanctuary's main focus remains to preserve the last remnants of the Bargo Brush, to educate the general public on Australian environmental and wildlife issues, and to propagate and promote Australian plants.

As a part of that promotion we are involved in education on environmental issues, primarily through our event days.  We have an Australian native nursery where you can purchase many of our indigenous species that are particularly suitable for our region (including the Wirrimbirra White waratah and the Wollemi Pine), a walk-through fauna protection area, and a visitors centre where you can obtain some more information, purchase your souvenirs and pick up some light refreshments.  There is also bunk-style budget accommodation at the sanctuary where you can stay over while you see the rest of the local area or attend a function.

We are open from Tuesday to Sunday most weeks, from 9am to 4.30pm.  (We are closed each Monday, Easter Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's day.)

The new dingo sanctuary area will be a wonderful show-piece, with its large runs and landscaped pathways.  Unique in its very nature, it will be a world-class facility and an exciting tourist destination in Wollondilly Shire. The new area will be home to up to 34 pure-breed adult dingoes, which will be cared for by a band of dedicated volunteers from both the Australian Native Dog Conservation Society (who manage the current Bargo Dingo Sanctuary) and Wirrimbirra.

The dingo sanctuary is not open as yet.  Once they are settled in you will be able to meet and learn about the dingoes in a beautiful, natural setting that features wonderful native gardens. A volunteer will accompany visitors, giving them a guided tour and answering questions. Video presentations will eventually be available on request.