Grafton’s rainforest island is throwing open its doors next month, with the public invited to join guided forest walks.
The Susan Island Open Day is on Saturday July 1, with the SES ferrying people to and from the island during the morning.
According to Susan and Elizabeth Islands Board member Ann Reeve, the island is held in affection by many people. “Everyone seems to have a story about Susan Island. With its tall rainforest trees and grand old eucalypts, it’s a backdrop to Grafton and South Grafton. We’re very excited about showing people around on Open Day.”
The island was reserved in 1870 thanks to some farsighted locals who wanted future generations to enjoy nature, ‘under a vine, a fig or a bean tree.’
In the 1920s, a large part of the forest was cleared, and there was an era of dances and picnics. Later, cattle were grazed. In recent decades, the island’s natural values are once again appreciated. Local nature-lovers have worked hard to restore the forest. A Nature Reserve was declared at the upstream tip in 1982 to protect the largest remaining floodplain rainforest in the Clarence.
Nowadays the big old trees preside over a battle in which young rainforest plants, often cloaked in invasive vines, attempt to grow into a canopy. As the island slowly recovers its diversity, it provides a home for more native animal species. At last count, more than 183 birds were recorded.
“The island’s cultural value to Bundjalung and Gumbayngerri people is high”, said Ann. “Our guided walk will avoid any places of particular significance. We ask visitors to respect the island and its traditional owners, being aware of their very long association with it.”
Susan Island and its downstream sister Elizabeth Island are Crown Reserves, managed by the Susan and Elizabeth Islands Recreation Land Manager, which is a volunteer board. The Friends of the Islands group runs popular monthly work mornings on the islands, liberating trees and enjoying the birdsong. New volunteers are welcome.
Bookings for the Open Day are essential. To reserve your seat on the boat on July 1, email nick.reeve@icloud.com or phone 0408 001 544.
For more information about the islands visit our website www.susanandelizabethislands.com or find us on Facebook #Friends of Susan and Elizabeth Island.