First sighted by the explorer John Oxley in 1817, this Reserve of approximately 1,300 hectares is a short drive from the centre of Wellington. It offers several walking trails of various durations plus a number of lookouts to gaze down across the town, its two rivers (the Bell and Macquarie) and valley.

“Over 400 native plant species have been recorded within the Reserve, including plants typical of the drier western plains mixed with tableland and western slopes species. In particular, the Reserve is known for its diversity of terrestrial orchids, with over 36 species recorded. The Reserve also provides important habitat for threatened flora and fauna species.”(from the Mount Arthur Reserve web site).

The reserve is also home to various woodland birds, such as Fuscous, White-eared and Yellow-faced Honeyeaters, Speckled Warblers and Red-capped Robins.

Access information and facilities:

There are bar-b-ques, picnic tables and basic toilets facilities. No camping is allowed and caravans are not recommended as the road is quite steep and narrow in places.