Australia: The Land Where Time Began

A biography of the Australian continent 

Pilliga Forests

The Pilliga region contains the largest area of inland plain forest in Australia, sometimes called a 'million wild acres'. Much of the landscape is either undulating or flat. Most of the forest grows on deep sandy, well-drained soil, making driving easy even after rain. Some creek crossings on lesser used tracks can be a bit boggy in wet weather.

Most of the Pilliga is publicly owned so open to visitors. The Pilliga Nature Reserve, 75,000 ha, contains about 1/4 of the forests. For recreational use the Pilliga is regarded as a single large area, 400,00 ha of forests, in spite of much of it being managed by Forestry Commission, because the commission encourage recreational use. There are 2700 km of roads and tracks in the area and a number of picnic areas and camp sites.

Vegetation

Pilliga is the name given the area by the local Kamilaroi People meaning 'swamp oak'. They lived along the Namoi River. There is also a township called Pilliga. The white cypress pine is a native tree that is most prominent in the area, and most sought after by loggers for its resistance to termites. Luckily it regenerates readily. Red gums and ironbarks are also common in the area.

Fauna

Koalas and red-necked wallabies live in the forests.

Sources & Further reading

• Aridification of Australia
• Glacial Maximum
• Dunes