Tails, Trails and Tranquillity
A Secret Worth Sharing
I met with Trevor Evans, the manager of Secret Creek Sanctuary.
The sanctuary is home to ONE MOB, Secret Creek Cafe, Australian Ecosystems Foundation Inc. and the Wollemi Wildlife Hospital.
You can read about their mission in more detail here: https://www.secretcreek.au/
Trevor says, even though each organisation has different points of focus, they all recognise that their focus is intersecting and that each areas work influences the others. They all recognise that no challenge faced in the world today exists independently from another, whether it be ecosystem and habitat destruction, systems of human inequality or climate change.
This diversity of focus is a strength. It allows the opportunity to learn from and work with people with varying perspectives, skills and experiences. Common values are a guide which enables an expansion of understanding from there – the work being done is open and includes everyone !
Discover the hidden magic of Secret Creek Sanctuary
Secret Creek Sanctuary is the only wildlife sanctuary in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.
Let me share a secret……
Just minutes from Lithgow’s historic main street lies a hidden haven that feels a world away from the everyday hustle and bustle. Secret Creek Sanctuary isn’t your typical wildlife park—it’s a peaceful bushland sanctuary where endangered animals roam free, and Wiradjuri culture is celebrated under the gum trees. Whether you’re chasing family adventures, wildlife wonders, or quiet connection to Country, this magical escape is waiting for you.
Take a wander – the locals are friendly !
The sanctuary has a lovely, relaxed energy, and it’s very clear how much the staff care deeply for the wildlife.
And the setting ? Stunning. Quiet, green, and full of bird calls – kind of magical really.
There’s a beautiful 1.2 kilometre walking track, where you wander through the bushland, encountering the free range residents of the sanctuary, like potaroos, pademelons and emus…. look carefully and you may notice the tall and stately Wollemi pines !
At the back of the sanctuary, the ruins of the 1880 stone cottage that once belonged to the Pow family is an interesting site – Secret Creek Sanctuary is a great combination of history and nature.
There is also another shorter walking track – an accessible pathway suitable for prams and wheelchairs – you will enjoy seeing the Tasmanian devils, koalas, wallabies, dingoes and many other native animals.
Where wild hearts roam and culture runs deep.
Secret Creek Sanctuary was established in 2003 with a powerful purpose: to protect some of Australia’s most endangered native animals. Surrounded by a feral-proof fence and nestled in a secluded valley, this 10-hectare sanctuary is a rare glimpse into the Australian bush – alive with movement, sound, and life.
Meet The Locals !
Bow and Petal, the resident koalas love greeting the visitors !
From the moment you step inside, the wildlife welcomes you:
- Spotted-tailed quolls and eastern quolls – curious little carnivores once nearly lost to history
- A variety of reptiles – resilient, reclusive, cold-blooded creatures
- Brush tailed rock wallabies and Swamp wallabies that will hop there way into your heart
- Tasmanian devils – rare, bold, and unforgettable
- Potoroos, bettongs, Red-necked pademelons – tiny kangaroo cousins with twitching whiskers….many of these engaging little marsupials roam freely throughout the Sanctuary !
- Dingoes – wily and watchful
- Emus, koalas, Cape Barren geese, and many more species of Australian Fauna – each with a tale to tell .
The Sanctuary supports vital breeding and rewilding programs, helping return these animals to the wild where they belong.
Wildlife Encounters
It’s a place to slow down, breathe deep, and reconnect with nature.
One Mob : Culture at the heart
Secret Creek is not only about wildlife—it’s about Country, culture, and community. It’s home to One Mob, a local Aboriginal-led not-for-profit that breathes life into Wiradjuri traditions through:
– Bush tucker gardens
– Cultural meeting places
– Workshops and youth mentoring
Through One Mob’s programs, you can learn about traditional land management, hear language and stories, and deepen your connection to Country in a respectful and powerful way.
Pick up a Secret Creek brochure from Secret Creek Sanctuary or the Seven Valleys Visitor Centre – the map will come in handy !
New Life After Fire
Following the 2019–2020 bushfires, the sanctuary has grown stronger and more beautiful than ever, with exciting new developments:
Cultural And Visitor Centre
A welcoming space filled with Aboriginal art, handmade goods, and stories of resilience and revival.
Wollemi Wildlife Hospital
Caring for rescued and injured native animals from across the Blue Mountains and Central West.
Enjoy delicious refreshments at the cafe after a relaxing walk through the sanctuary.
Explore the sanctuary at your own pace—perfect for families, school groups, and curious wanderers of all abilities.
Fun Facts to Know Before You Go
– Secret Creek was the first place in NSW to reintroduce the Eastern Quoll.
– Mountain Pygmy Possums, once thought to be extinct, are now breeding here – babies included!
– The sanctuary’s fencing keeps out predators like foxes and feral cats, making it one of the safest places for native species to thrive.
Make a Day of It
Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–4pm, Secret Creek is perfect for a day trip. Enjoy refreshments at the peaceful Secret Creek Café, where the food is delicious and the views are tranquil. Before you leave, wander through the Gardens of Stone Visitor Centre and take home some treasures that support the sanctuary’s mission.
Feel The Magic
Secret Creek Sanctuary is more than just a Wildlife Park. It’s a place where you can walk softly through nature , meet creatures found nowhere else, and listen to stories older than time.
Come explore, connect, and discover the magic of Lithgow’s best kept secret !
