Boorabee and The Willows Indigenous Protected Area (IPA), located in the Northern Tablelands region, was dedicated in 2010. It covers 2,900 hectares and is home to one of Australia's most iconic species the koala.
The Traditional Owners of Boorabee and The Willows, the Ngoorabul people, recognise the koala as a totemic species and the place name Boorabee is derived from the Ngoorabul word for koala, boor-bee. Today the Ngoorabul community continues this close relationship – maintaining a high-degree of respect for the koala by helping preserve the marsupial’s habitat and monitoring its population.
Both Boorabee and The Willows have deep spiritual significance for the Ngoorabul people. There are nine recorded cultural sites on the properties, with many others known to traditional owners.
