The rich Aboriginal cultural heritage of the Dorrigo Plateau will be the focus of a full day National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Discovery tour of the Killungoondie Plains in the remote parts of Dorrigo National Park on Saturday.

NPWS Discovery coordinator Andrew Turbill said the Dorrigo Plateau is part of the traditional territory of the Gumbayngirr people, who visited seasonally for hunting and gathering.

Local NPWS Aboriginal Discovery ranger Mark Flanders will lead the tour. Participants will learn about the maintenance of the open grassland on Killungoondie Plain by the visiting Gambalamam clan through burning for several thousands of years.

“NPWS is committed to protecting and preserving Killungoondie Plain for both its cultural heritage values and for conservation of biodiversity within Dorrigo National Park,” Mr Flanders said.

“The grassland is home to a large variety of orchids, most of which flower in late spring/early summer, though some orchids display their flowers in autumn.

“A part of the plain has been burnt recently to prevent the surrounding forest taking over and Discovery ranger Anita Menhofer will talk about the ecology and management of these native grasslands.

“After a lunch stop on the plain, the walk continues a short distance into the rainforest before turning back the same way. The tour is suited to people who have an interest in Aboriginal cultural heritage and the ecology of now rare native grasslands on the Dorrigo Plateau and are happy to join a 10km, mostly level return walk,” Mr Flanders said.

* The cost of $10 per person includes interpretation by NPWS Discovery rangers and handouts. Bookings are essential for this tour. For further information and bookings phone the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre on 6657-2309.