Currawong Creek, Murrumburrah - bush regeneration project 2026
Currawong Creek, Murrumburrah & Roberts Park
Riparian zone bush regeneration and walking track project
Currawong Creek, Murrumburrah, Martin Lang, YouTube, 17 December 2023, duration: 4.01 minutes.
Contents
- Objectives
- Project details
- Historical background
- Land ownership
- Walking / jogging trails
- Darcy Lang Walking Track
- Summary
- References
- Acknowledgements
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1. Objectives
To create a public recreation and environmental protection area in association with the restoration of the western side of Currawong Creek riparian zone (a land area immediately adjacent to a creek) within Roberts Park, Murrumburrah. The area subject to bush regeneration and enhancement would primarily extend from the Neill Street causeway alongside the western bank of the creek and north towards the heritage listed, four-arched mainline railway viaduct over Currawong Creek. Linkages to Bathurst Street on the west and the Harden-Murrumburrah Showground to the north would also be developed as part of linked walking and jogging / exercise tracks. This work would serve as an adjunct to the recently upgraded community and tourism facilities in place at the adjacent George Coddington Park.
The bush regeneration and enhancement of community plantings in the aforementioned area carried out during 1988 as part of the local Bicentennial Celebrations, and maintained for a period thereafter by Darcy Lang, will create a creek, wetland and riparian zone environment which integrates with the recreational aspects of the two parks, whilst also enhancing the environmental aspects and values of the Currawong Creek and associated riparian zone in general. This is a unique habit within Harden-Murrumburrah containing a variety of local flora and fauna such as ducks, bird life, aquatic creatures such as fish and eels, and native animals (resident or passing) such as kangaroo, wallaby, wombats and platypus, to name but a few.
Much of this richness of the creek and adjacent riparian zone environment is revealed in the video at the top of this article, made by local resident Martin Lang (son of Darcy Lang) in December 2023 and presenting a slow journey up the creek, with birds and ducks observed both on the water and nesting by the edge of the creek, along with the spectacular native vegetation gracing the water's edge and near shore environment.
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2. Project details
As noted in the Objectives section above, activities are proposed for that section of the western riparian zone in the vicinity of George Coddington Park and Roberts Park and progressing northwards toward the scenic and historic railway over-bridge, and including connections with the area that abuts against Neil Street proper and Bathurst Road / Currawong Road, the latter of which is one of the main connection points with Young.
The Currawong Creek riparian zone - and associated riparian zone in the area, such as along Cunningham Plains Creek - is generically described in the following illustrations.
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| Riparian zones. |
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| Riparian lands. Source: Waterways Victoria. |
The aims of the Currawong Creek, Murrumburrah Bush Regeneration and Walking Tracks Project include:
- Identify public lands
- Identify current uses
- Restore Currawong Creek riparian zone
- Create a public recreation area
- Create a walking track / walking tracks
- Promote public access
- Create a walking trail precinct
These aims are expanded upon in detail below.
1) To identify the precise boundaries of public land owned by local and state governments, including railway related property, and located on the western side of Currawong Creek, Murrumburrah, between the Albury Street main highway bridge and the railway bridge over Currawong Creek to the north. The location is illustrated in the following New South Wales state government sourced maps.
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| Currawong Creek riparian zone (yellow), Murrumburrah. Source: SIX Maps. |
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| George Coddington Park & Roberts Park, Murrumburrah. Source: SIX Maps. |
Comment: This will enable an identification of the scope of the project, along with possible outcomes and limitations based on geographical elements and other inherent natural features.
2) To identify the current use of the land as described in item #1. Where the land has been appropriated for private use, to bring it back into public ownership in order to progress its regeneration for environmental and public recreation use.
Comment: This will enable identification of current uses of the land which adversely affect its ecological sustainability, or support that process, along with the viability of any long-term bush regeneration and public recreation projects.
3) To create a restored riparian zone and enhanced ecological environment within Currawong Creek and associated riparian zone located between the aforesaid (item #1) main highway bridge and railway bridge.
Comment: The bush regeneration and enhancement of community plantings carried out during 1988 as part of the local Bicentennial Celebrations will create a creek, wetland and riparian zone environment which will achieve positive environmental outcomes along with the ability to integrate with the recreational aspects of George Coddington Park and Roberts Park.
4) To create a public recreation area in association with the restoration of the riparian zone on the western side of Currawong Creek within Roberts Park, Murrumburrah, between the Neil Street causeway and the railway bridge to the north.
Comment: This enhancement and expansion of public open space in a major Harden-Murrumburrah tourism facility will support growth of tourism alongside local community engagement in Landcare-type related projects and educational opportunities associated with such endeavours.
5) To create therein a walking track to serve as an adjunct to the community and tourism facilities in place at the adjacent George Coddington Park.
Comment: This walking track will expand the tourism facilities available onsite, whilst also highlighting some of the cultural history of the area and long-term community involvement through the identification of the work of locals such as Darcy Lang.
6) To promote public access to the Currawong Creek western riparian zone via points at the Neil Street causeway and the Bathurst Street cycleway path to the north.
Comment: This land is currently inaccessible and degraded, with private used on and adjacent to the site giving rise to pollutant and ecological degradation within the important wetland and aquatic environment of Currawong Creek.
7) To develop a series of walking and jogging / exercise tracks / trails in the George Coddington Park /Roberts Park / Harden-Murrumburrah Showground precinct.
Comment: The creation of a suite of short and long walking and jogging / exercise tracks and trail in this prime public recreation and tourism precinct would be a decided asset to the local community. It is both achievable, of relatively low cost, and sustainable. It would also have positive benefits to the local environment, especially in connection with Currawong Creek, and support the enhanced scope of local educational activities available for the young.
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| Railway bridge, Currawong Creek, Murrumburrah. Source: Lang 2023. |
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3. Historical Background
Currawong Creek, which flows from north to south through the centre of Murrumburrah towards the Murrumbidgee River at Jugiong, has long been a significant part of the area and focus of recreational activities.
For a period the creek was dammed and this formed a public swimming area prior to the construction of an Olympic swimming pool in Harden during the Captain Cook bicentennial of 1970.
As part of local Harden-Murrumburrah area Australian Bicentennial celebrations in 1988, bush regeneration work was undertaken by Murrumburrah Council around Roberts Park, Murrumburrah, including within the riparian zone on the eastern edge of Currawong Creek, and on the northern side of Roberts Park where a BMX bike track had formerly been in operation.
As part of those environmental works, local resident Darcy Lang also assisted in bush regeneration associated with Bicentennial plantings on the western side of Currawong Creek, outside of the official Murrumburrah Council works. Much of those plantings remain in place as mature trees as of May 2026. Unfortunately, it appears that sections of the public land upon which those plantings were made - and on both sides of the creek - have been appropriated for livestock grazing and horse agistment. This has likely had a negative impact on native vegetation and given rise to runoff from those areas where cattle, sheep and horses graze. It is unknown whether those activities have been officially sanctioned or not.
Upgrades to George Coddington Park by Hilltops Council during 2024-2025 greatly improved its ability to serve both the local community and the tourism sector in regards to enjoyment of the BBQ and picnic facilities, children's playground, toilet facilities, and engagement with the aquatic environment of Currawong Creek, including flood mitigation and habitat enhancement such as the creation of a fish ladder and viewing area.
As of writing, both George Coddington Park and Roberts Park serve both the local community and visiting tourists. Roberts Park plays an important role in local sport, including hosting training and game days for rugby league, rugby union and touch football. The immediately adjacent land to the west and north is also a popular, though short, walking track. The latter is also connected to an outdoor exercise area. Such facilities are regularly used and very much welcome additions to the parks.
It should also be noted that the two parks / recreational areas are situated in close proximity to the Murrumburrah Showground, which is a state and nationally significant facility for sports such as show jumping, along with dog shows, and sales of cattle and sheep. The enhancement of connectivity between the two sites would be advantageous to both the local community and visitors, including tourists.
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| Show jumping, Murrumburrah Showground, 24 May 2026. |
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4. Land ownership
It would appear that, as of writing in May 2026, the area under consideration is primarily public or Crown land, though with elements in private use (with or without official permission) or in private ownership. For example, the following map of the town of Murrumburrah from 1890 includes references to lands designated Reserve for Public Heath and Recreation and gazetted as such during 1883 [1885?].
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| Murrumburrah, 1890. |
For example, a significant section of the north part of the site currently under consideration and on either side of Murrumboola Creek / Currawong Creek, is labelled therein:
Reserve 3405 for Public Health and Recreation. Notified 27th July 1883 [1885?]
Another section, to the immediate south and in the area of the causeway, is labelled therein:
Reserve 3400 For Access to Water etc. Notified 27th July 1883 [1885?]
If these reservations are still in place, and the land is as such Crown Land controlled by State or Local government, then this will affect any efforts at environmental restoration and future promotion of the area in accordance with such reservations. No evidence is available that these reservations were ever withdrawn. However, as revealed in the map below regarding areas under consideration, or presently utilised, for bush regeneration and public recreation, these two used are indicated within the red boundary, whilst the two instances of yellow boundaries therein are currently subject to private ownership or private use for agistment of horses and sheep.
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| Current land uses - public (red) and private (yellow) |
Investigations need to be undertaken to identify the status of such uses and precisely clarified prior to the progression of any elements of the proposed Project.
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5. Walking / jogging trails
The Project aims to construct a series of connected walking and jogging tracks / trails within the George Coddington Park / Roberts Park / Harden-Murrumburrah Showground public recreation and environmental protection recreational precinct.
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| Walking tracks. |
Distinct tracks / trails include the following:
1) Roberts Park Forest track ( ) Begin in the George Coddington Park carpark / BBQ area / children's playground. Walk north along the concrete path next to Iris Street, past the Exercise Equipment. Turn south-west and walk along the dirt track in the forest area on the northern side of Roberts Park, as far as Currawong Creek. Turn south and walk along the dirt track next to the creek, as far as the causeway road (Neill Street) and then back to the carpark / BBQ / children's playground area. This is a short, flat, easy path, good for walking and a combination of jogging and exercise.
(2) Currawong Creek track ( ) From the George Coddington Park carpark, head west across the Neill Street causeway then turn right and head north along the grass / dirt path which skirts the western side of Currawong Creek. Walk through the forested and bush area as far as the "sculpture garden" which is an area of broken concrete and brick material associated with the remnants of the original 1877 wooden railway bridge across the creek. Also in there area are the original concrete plinths from the bridge and an area of layered rocks which formed part of the bridge support embankment. At this point you can follow one of two associated tracks:
- Bathurst Street track ( ) Head west up the wooded stairs and onto Bathurst Street, then south by the road past the two industrial buildings then head east again down Neill Street and over the causeway towards the carpark. During the latter part of this walk you can see the northern side of the Silo artwork. This is a medium length walk over both flat and a single hill ground, on grass, dirt, concrete and tar. It is also good for jogging, enhanced by the wooden stairway challenge.
- Viaduct track ( ) Head north towards the 4-arch railway viaduct over Currawong Creek. Cross the creek and head up the track next to the railway line to the entrance in the Harden-Murrumburrah Showground. From here you can then join the track on that site.
3) Harden-Mururmburrah Showground track ( ) From the George Coddington Park carpark, walk north and then east and north again along the concrete path on Iris Street towards the showground entrance. Once within the showground you can take two different path north-westerly towards the ... creek crossing causeway or the bridge crossing to the north. After crossing the creek, head west and then south towards the entrance to the northern extension of the Currawong Creek track. Follow this track south towards the Neill Street causeway and back to the carpark. This is a long walk, over concrete, tar, dirt and grass, though open space and the Currawong Creek riparian (bush and trees) area.
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6. Darcy Lang Walking Track
In association with the bush regeneration work, it is recommended that a walking track be formed, starting at the Neil Street causeway and travelling north along the western edge of Currawong Creek, passing through the area of Bicentennial tree plantings, and on to the near-creek area through to the northern entrance near Bathurst Street and the cycleway / path which then heads up the hill the to Catholic church and primary school, and the railway walk bridge with takes one into Murrumburrah township and facilities such as shops and eateries. It is also recommended that this track be call the Darcy Lang Walking Track in honour of the late Darcy Lang who assisted with the watering of trees planted on the site during 1988 and subsequently nurtured them in lieu of support by the local council at the time, which had focussed its work on the eastern side of the creek, apparently due, in part, to access issues. The Darcy Lang Walking Track would therefore extend from the Neil Street causeway through to Bathurst Street and the cycleway / path connecting to the railway viewing platform on the overhead bridge, and then into Murrumburrah township.
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7. Summary
This Currawong Creek, Murrumburrah Bush Regeneration and Memorial Walking Track Project will enhance the environmental aspects and values of the Currawong Creek and associated riparian zone, whilst also extending the public recreation facilities of both George Coddington Park and Roberts Park. At present there is no public access to the Currawong Creek western riparian zone or the associated aquatic and wetland environment, all of which is subject to pollution and degradation as a result of cattle, sheep and horse grazing within the zone and adjacent private land. The enhancement to the riparian zone as outlined above with both protect wildlife in that zone and within Currawong Creek, whilst also enhancing public access and enjoyment of the area.
The educational value of the presence of an aquatic and wetland environment located in close proximity to Murrumburrah Public School and Catholic Primary School is also noted, offering great opportunities for learning in association with the often dynamic and complex Currawong Creek environment. Native wildlife such as platypus, eels, fish, frogs and varieties of ducks and birds are known from this area, providing a rich resource for teaching and learning.
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8. References
Currawong Creek, Murrumburrah railway viaduct, photograph, Explored Visions by GD, Facebook, 30 December 2016.
Harden-Murrumburrah Regional Development Corporation, Facebook, accessed 25 May 2026.
Kass, Terry, A Thematic History of Harden Shire, Graham Edds & Associates, Kurrajong, July 2009, 149p.
Lang, Martin, Currawong Creek, Murrumburrah, Martin Lang, YouTube, 17 December 2023, duration: 4.01 minutes.
Oakley, Ben and Rhys Hardwick Jones, Murrumburrah Flood Study, WMAwater for Hilltops Council, November 2020, 150p.
Organ, Michael and Martin Lang, Currawong Creek, Murrumburrah - bush regeneration project 2026, blogger.com, 24 May 2026.
Railway Viaduct, Murrumburrah, State Heritage Inventory, New South Wales state government, Sydney, accessed 25 May 2026.
Riparian Lands, Waterways Victoria, accessed 25 May 2026.
SIX Maps, New South Wales State Government, Sydney, accessed 25 May 2026..
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9. Acknowledgements
The project was developed following initial discussions between Michael Organ and Martin Lang on 24 May 2026.
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Michael Organ & Martin Lang
Murrumburrah, 1 June 2026
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