What it is
The city handed the land to the territory in 1962 to protect a patch of dry forest and endemic animals in the middle of Nouméa. The park opened in 1972 and is named after Michel Corbasson, the head of the forestry service who created it; since 1989 it has been run by the Southern Province.
More than 600 animals of over 90 species live along footpaths around three artificial lakes, most of them birds. The endemic aviary shows the kagu, which is bred here, as well as the notou pigeon, horned parakeets and the New Caledonian crow. A vivarium holds geckos and skinks, many of them found only in New Caledonia.
Getting there by bus
The nearest stops are Pervenches, about 570 m away and served by line L5 and the local line N2, and Du Bellay, about 630 m away on line L4. The park lies on the slopes of Mont Montravel, so expect an uphill walk.
Line L5 runs from Place Moselle via the Vallée des Colons and Portes de Fer, and line L4 via the Vallée du Tir towards Magenta.
