Australia is home to some of the world's most stunning landscapes and unique flora.

National parks have been sanctuaries for this natural heritage, as they offer a glimpse into the country's natural wonders.

However, a concerning trend recently emerged which threatened the very essence of these protected areas.

The waratah, New South Wales' state emblem and a symbol of Australian beauty, recently became the target of a 'surprising threat'—theft by visitors.

Apart from its vibrant crimson flowers, the waratah is also an integral part of the ecosystem.

Yet, authorities reported that these protected flowers have gone 'missing' from national parks, particularly from Brisbane Water National Park.

Over 20 waratahs recently vanished from the park, and it seems that tourists are to blame.

Waratahs are protected flowers which can be found in nine parks across NSW. Image Credit: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

It's a selfish act that sparked a warning from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

'It is illegal to pick waratahs or any other plant in any area protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act,' an NSW NPWS spokesperson stated.

Rangers are ready to issue $300 on-the-spot fines. However, under the Biodiversity Conservation Act, the maximum fine could reach up to $22,000.

The NPWS urged anyone with information about these illegal activities to come forward.

In response to the thefts, NSW National Parks took several measures to deter would-be thieves.

Signages have been installed to educate visitors on the importance of protecting the waratah.

Some waratah stems have been marked with non-toxic blue paint.

'Waratahs need to go through their full lifecycle to produce seeds, so picking them deprives the ecosystem of a new generation of plants,' the NPWS spokesperson added.

These flowers are more than just beautiful flora—they provide essential nectar for birds and other native animals.

NSW National Parks also humorously suggested that if visitors feel the urge to pick something, they should instead opt for their nose instead of the flowers.

The local community also spoke about the destructive actions of picking waratahs.

Several locals expressed their disgust after someone picked off a rare 'double-header' waratah.

'Just went to check on a beautiful double header waratah in local bushland only to find someone, well prepared with their secateurs, has cut it clean off. Beyond disgusted!' environmental conservation organisation Wild Blue Mountains exclaimed on social media.

This issue is more than just about preserving the beauty of our national parks; it's about protecting natural ecosystems.

If you witness any illegal activity in our national parks—may it be picking out flowers otherwise—please report it to the authorities.

With your help, the waratah and other native plants can thrive for years to come.

Key Takeaways

• Authorities warned against the illegal picking of waratahs, the NSW state emblem.
• Visitors who remove these protected native plants could face heavy fines. On-the-spot fines could cost $300 and could reach a maximum of $22,000 under the Biodiversity Conservation Act.
• NSW National Parks already installed signages and painted some waratah stems with non-toxic paint to deter thieves.
• Several environmental groups expressed their disgust at the selfish act of picking the waratahs, which could negatively impact local biodiversity.

Have you visited a national park recently and seen a waratah in its full glory? Have you encountered similar issues in your local park? Share your experiences and thoughts with us in the comments below.

 

[novezar]

And once the location is put on line some AHole will steel them.

I had a beautiful Waratah that I bought from Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah (30cm high). It had flowered more beautiful every year until 2 yrs ago when one or more people started to entry my yard at night and started cutting/breaking them off. Now, sadly it hardly flowers at all now and what does flower is underwhelming in size. But I keep looking after it (hoping it doesn't die) and now have a security camera covering it.

Yes, it's on my land but because of the creek besides my land had to install the fence 1.5 to 2 mts in from my boundary (for stability reasons).

Hi "NotNats",
I totally agree on your opening paragraph.
I know Mt Tohma as well being there myself. Your inclusive photo of the 'Warrah's look fantastic. I certainly hope that your "Picked" one survives & flowers well for you.
My mum used to call Leura to Blackheath her playground as she lived in Katoomba as a teenager.

 

[novezar]

Lived in Wentworth Falls Blue Mountains for over 10 years and further up was Leura then Katoomba Medlow Bath and Blackheath.Does that help?

Hi Ebby,
Yes, I know all of your mentioned areas very well indeed. Cousins of mine lived at "Wenty Falls". My uncle lived in Lithgow. He had a lot to do with the coal mines at Lithgow as well, in offshoots of the technologies there.

As mentioned before, my mum & younger sister lived in Katoomba in their teens.

I used to "Luv" the good old steam train ride up to Katoomba., incl., a bit of soot in the eyes by sticking the old noggin out the window. On reaching Valley Heights, virtually, everyone would get out to watch the double coupling up of the steamers to complete the journey to Mt, Victoria.

The firemen on those engines had one hell of a job firing them to keep the steam up, on the climb up the "Hills". The water going into the boilers was at freezing point.
For those who maybe interested, the coal used in the passenger class, incl., express engines was "Newcastle Dynamite". Once it was shovelled into the fireboxes, being full of gas as well, would explode into flame.

 

[Ebby]

Hi Ebby,
Yes, I know all of your mentioned areas very well indeed. Cousins of mine lived at "Wenty Falls". My uncle lived in Lithgow. He had a lot to do with the coal mines at Lithgow as well, in offshoots of the technologies there.

As mentioned before, my mum & younger sister lived in Katoomba in their teens.

I used to "Luv" the good old steam train ride up to Katoomba., incl., a bit of soot in the eyes by sticking the old noggin out the window. On reaching Valley Heights, virtually, everyone would get out to watch the double coupling up of the steamers to complete the journey to Mt, Victoria.

The firemen on those engines had one hell of a job firing them to keep the steam up, on the climb up the "Hills". The water going into the boilers was at freezing point.
For those who maybe interested, the coal used in the passenger class, incl., express engines was "Newcastle Dynamite". Once it was shovelled into the fireboxes, being full of gas as well, would explode into flame.

Yes Ricky it was great living there l used to go to the lake in W/falls. The chair lift down the mountain and seeing'' The Three Sister ''such a big drop down there.The cabins in Blackheath were so cheap to rent for holiday makers.Loved Leura used to go to a lovely church there.My daughter Karen lives in Lawson in the Blue Mountains and says Katoomba has changed a lot and has better shopping .
We had a really bad bushfire and at midnight l looked across from the balcony and there was miles of orange fire which was too close for comfort for me and even though my eldest son David wanted to stay l phoned my daughters who lived near and told them to leave and we are left except for Debra who said she was but didn't.Next morning they had closed the main highway and the only way out.l was worried sick for her .l phoned and she said the air was thick with smoke and you could hardly breathe and good that we had taken their dad[my husband ] especially as he had empyema .