Bents Basin State Conservation Area

Bents Basin State Conservation Area is a protected nature reserve and state park located in Wallacia, New South Wales.

It is one of the most popular water-based picnic parks in Greater Western Sydney, offering visitors a chance to enjoy nature.

The area has a rich history, with evidence of Aboriginal people inhabiting the area before Europeans arrived. Bents Basin was discovered in 1804 by botanist George Caley and was originally a small natural basin. It was enlarged with a large earth fill dam constructed in 1987-88. The basin has spiritual and cultural significance to Aboriginal communities.

The Basin features a floodplain and is on a plateau. It is a circular lagoon-like pool that is 120 meters across and over 22 meters deep. The Nepean River formed the basin and travels about 150 kilometers northeast before reaching the ocean. The park is located around 36km south of Penrith and 56km southwest of Sydney CBD.

Bents Basin State Conservation Area is home to a variety of wildlife and plant species. The basin harbors 25 plant communities and around 360 plant species, including rare ones.

The park offers various activities such as swimming, kayaking, bushwalking, camping, barbecuing, picnicking, and fishing. There are walking trails, an education center, and a scenic lookout area. Access to the park can be obtained through two roads, with a fee charged for vehicle access per day.

It is important to note that the Basin has powerful undercurrents, which can be dangerous. Swimmers should exercise caution. Visitors should also follow park regulations, stay safe, and leave no trace.