BLACKBUTT RESERVE

On Sunday (Feb. 28), we went to Blackbutt Reserve so I could see my first Australian koala and kangaroo. Blackbutt Reserve is six kilometers from Newcastle's Central Business District, nestled in the suburbs of New Lambton and Kotara. The Reserve grew from an ill-fated Kotara subdivision which floundered during the depression. Through the efforts of New Lambton Council the land was purchased for a public recreational reserve.

Around 1963 the Council embarked on its Blackbutt program and began the process of restoring the reserve which had become badly overtaken by weeds. Captive animal displays were introduced to the Reserve in the 1960s and barbeques and picnic tables were gradually added.

In 2007, Blackbutt Reserve experienced a horrific storm that damaged many of the enclosures. They are to this date still reconstructing some of the enclosures. Entry to the park is free which probably explains why it has taken so long for the reconstruction.

I hope you enjoy reading and seeing the photos of the animals we saw. I will have more animal pictures later as we are planning on going to a reptile park later this week.