Fast facts

• Small township on the Pacific Highway known for its citrus orchards
• Surrounded by coastal reserves, national forest and parkland
• 83 km north of Sydney, population 2,700

Why go there

Set in a valley surrounded by heavily forested slopes, the Australian Rainforest Sanctuary provides a habitat for almost 200 species of rainforest flora and more than 126 native bird species.

Ourimbah State Forest has some exceptional terrain for mountain-biking and four-wheel driving.

History

Ourimbah was previously called Blue Gum Flat for the prolific stands of blue gum and blackbutt which grew there. Timber milling supported a Sydney building boom between 1850-1870 and led to the original settlement of Blue Gum Flat. The railway opened on 15 August 1887, when Ourimbah was one of only two stations between Gosford and Wyong.

Things to do

• Experience the sublime birdlife and bushland in the Australian Rainforest Sanctuary.

Events

• Ourimbah Campus Festival of Literature in November includes workshops and talks with leading writers, storytellers and illustrators.

Don’t miss

• Native birds and wombats in the Australian Rainforest Sanctuary.
• Evidence of Aboriginal occupation, including grinding grooves.
• The sound of bellbirds in the forest.
• Citrus fruits fresh from the farm gate.
• Bushwalking in Ourimbah State Forest.