In Bargo, settlers first recorded sightings of the koala, lyrebird and wombat. Ex-convict, John Wilson, noted the tree animals in his diary describing the lyrebird as a pheasant, hence the name Pheasants Nest, and recorded the koala as being known to the Aboriginal people as Cullawine. The area boasts two sanctuaries. Wirrimbirra Sanctuary is preserved as a remnant of the original Bargo Brush. The property includes excellent bushwalking tracks, commercial native plant nursery, wildlife enclosures and cabin accommodation. The unique Dingo Sanctuary is located in a natural setting for Australia’s native dog and is a great learning experience.