In 1962, a Sydney accountant, Carmen Coleman, discovered this interesting area of remnant bush where Europeans at Bargo made the first sightings of koala and lyrebird.

In 1989 the National Trust purchased a narrow strip of land on the southern boundary to improve fire protection for the Field Studies Centre which had been opened in 1971.

[1] The Field Studies Centre has proved to be the most popular part of the Sanctuary and is recognised as a leading institution in environmental education, both locally and overseas.

Wirrimbirra preserves a part of the original "Bargo Brush" which was of considerable historical importance in the problems which faced the settlement of the Argyle or Southern Tablelands during the early half of the 1800s.

[1] Within the Sanctuary there is the capacity to accommodate groups of up to 44 people in five-bunk style cabins in the Environmental Studies Centre.

[1][7] Wirrimbirra Sanctuary was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 1 March 2002 having satisfied the following criteria.

Also associated with pioneering expeditions which led to the settlement of the Southern Highlands Region and the first written report of the koala and lyrebird in Australia.

[1][2] The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales.

As a remnant of the Bargo Bush, it contains a rich and diverse flora and fauna habitat including a number of rare or threatened species.

It is of social significance for its promotion, education and an example to the community with respect to practical protection of Australia's flora and fauna, and research into management and preservation of indigenous wildlife.