Barna Mia – an unforgettable journey
Situated in the heart of the Dryandra Woodland about 170 kms south-east of Perth, the predator proofed Barna Mia is a place to discover threatened native marsupials in a natural setting.
Guided tours through this 1000-hectare fenced sanctuary begin after sundown. With the help of special red spotlights, visitors can see animals such as bilbies, burrowing bettongs, rufous hare-wallabies, quendas, woylies and western barred bandicoots.
Bookings for the Barna Mia nocturnal tours are essential. Further information here:
https://parks.dbca.wa.gov.au/site/barna-mia-nocturnal-wildlife-experience
The Dryandra Woodland, managed by the Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, is a valuable nature conservation area which is set to become a National Park.  It includes the largest remnant of original vegetation in the western Wheatbelt and is home to 24 mammal, 98 bird and 41 reptile species, including Western Australia’s state mammal emblem, the numbat.
With conservation efforts including Parks and Wildlife’s flagship Western Shield wildlife recovery program to remove introduced predators such as foxes and feral cats, numbers of some threatened native animal populations in this beautiful, open wooded region are slowly rebuilding.
In addition to the area’s value for its wildlife refuge, the strong cultural links with the traditional owners, the Noongar people give this area anthropological significance.
Staying in the Dryandra
Accommodation is available at the Lions Dryandra Village. Campers are welcome at Congelin Campground and the new Gnaala Mia Campground which have camp sites suitable for tents, camper trailers and caravans. Fees apply.
Walking Trails
There are numerous walking trails you can take to discover the diversity of life in Dryandra Woodland. Ranging from 1km to 12.5km, there is a trail to suit everyone. Go to TrailsWA for more information.
Drive Tour
The 23-kilometre self-drive Darwinia Drive Trail includes five pull-over bays where interpretive information is provided on the complexity and interdependence of natural systems at Dryandra. Using specific examples of relationships this drive will take you into the heart of the woodlands. Pack a picnic lunch or take a short walk to search for orchids near the granite outcrop at stop five.
Dryandra by Margaret Pieroni
Dryandra, which is classified as belonging to the banksia genus, are woody perennials ranging in size from prostrate shrubs to small trees. Most species have lobed or divided leaves. The Dryandra flower head is generally wider than it is long, and the individual flowers of the inflorescence are set in a curved woody receptacle. Flower colour is mainly yellow but can vary from cream to orange or may be multi-coloured. Some species produce masses of flower heads over a long period, attracting both insects and birds for food and pollination.
