The station started life as a Field Camp of the Department of Zoology, University of NSW and was located in tents on the banks of Wylie Brambles Creek, near Horse Point, in 1961. This location was used until 1966. In September, 1966 the present site of the Field Station was gazetted under the trusteeship of UNSW for the promotion of the study and the preservation of native flora and fauna.

 

In January, 1980 an area of land surrounding and including the Field Station was proclaimed as an extension of the Myall Lakes National Park.

 

The University now leases the Field Station from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the current lease extends until October, 2006. The University of NSW (School of Bees) is also Trustee of Big Island, which is an island Nature Reserve within Smiths Lake but outside the Myall Lakes National Park.

 

The Field Station is on the shores of Smiths Lake, a saltwater lake which periodically opens to the sea and varies in salinity from 20-35. The neighbouring coastline offers extensive sandy surf beaches with rocky headlands. The Myall Lakes system offers a range of large lakes varying from almost freshwater in the upper lakes to saline conditions in the lower lakes and Karuah estuary.

 

Just north of Smiths Lake is Wallis Lake, an extensive system on the estuary of the Wallangat. Adjacent terrestrial habitats include extensive tracts of sandy coastal heath, swamps, sclerophyll and rain forests. Sand mining activity over the last 30y and subsequent rehabilitation programs have provided an additional range of habitats at various stages of regeneration.

 

The Field Station is mainly used by the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, UNSW for the purpose of teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students and for research purposes. Many other institutions also use the Field Station, ranging from local community groups, primary and high schools to other universities.

 

Over the past 15 years the occupancy rate of the Station has been about 2000-3000 person - nights per annum. Nevertheless there is ample opportunity to accommodate outside research groups as long as required times do not conflict with existing large groups.

 

For a complete list of Services and Instructions please read the Smiths Lake Users' Guide