The 2,274-hectare (5,620-acre) reserve is situated in the northern edge of Sydney and lies between the suburb of Cowan to the south, and the Hawkesbury River to the north.

The reserve facilities include an unsealed carpark, toilets, a small open grassy area and the main information centre.

Founded by John Duncan Tipper in 1934 when he leased 600 acres (240 ha) to protect the flora, fauna and aboriginal sites, due to his concern at the loss of Hawkesbury sandstone forest.

In March 1969 the two areas were amalgamated into what is now Muogamarra Nature Reserve, under the control of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The Muogamarra Nature Reserve has several short day walks, beginning at the main information centre:[4]