Since records began in the 1920s at least 75 waterbird species (50 breeding) have been recorded in the Gwydir Wetlands. Colonially-nesting species, including straw-necked ibis, intermediate egrets, glossy ibis and nankeen night-herons have nested in large colonies when heavy upstream rainfall and floodwaters cause floods to extend across the wide Gwydir River floodplain.
At one time, this wetland extended over 100,000 hectares, west from Moree to the Barwon-Darling River in the far west. Today, it exists as a mere remnant, being only 15 percent of its former extent. In a move to halt continual wetlands loss, four local landowners listed portions of their wetlands under the International Ramsar Wetlands Agreement in 1998. At the time, the listed area – 823Ha at 29°18’S 149°14’E – was entirely privately-owned. Today, these wetlands are preserved as the Gwydir Wetlands State Conservation Area (SCA).
The public is now invited to visit the Waterbird Lagoon, north of Watercourse Road in the SCA. The Lagoon will be open this year during April and May. A second open period may be run in September and October, subject to water conditions. Access is as a day visitor only. No overnight camping is permitted on the SCA, however, a local property owner has facilities close by (see Journey Planner, below).
A simple bird hide is located at the Waterbird Lagoon, where visitors can observe the wetlands birdlife and possibly the threatened, endangered and migratory species that call these wetlands home. If you are really serious you can explore further afield but be prepared for wet conditions. The shallow lagoon varies in depth, but can reach up to 90cm. A lightweight canoe is a great way to get around. The National Parks and Wildlife Service provides a toilet and shaded seating area for your comfort. Don’t forget to pack your lifevest and be sunsafe at all times.
Flocks of waterbirds
The owners of the nearby private property Boyanga South cater for visitors at all times of the year and are prepared to take interested parties to their nearby lagoons and wetlands upon request. A map is available from local visitors information centres and shows the route from Moree and distances to the reserve and relevant sites. This trip is recommended in dry weather only.
Young feeding spoonbill
Gwydir Wetlands aerial view
SEE MORE
An internet webcam has been installed at the Waterbird Lagoon.
Pictures are uploaded every 10 minutes and viewers can scroll through gallery pages via time and date.
Go to: www.rmcam.com.au
Username: Gwydir Waterbirds – Password: 1234
Category: Destinations
Written: Wed 01 Apr 2015
Printed: April, 2015
Published By:
Moree,
NSW
-29.463524,
149.843043
HOW TO GET THERE
Drive out on the Gwydir Highway (Collarenebri Rd) and turn right, onto the Watercourse Road, 10km west of Moree. The trip from Moree to the SCA entrance is 60km, with a short drive then to the Waterbird Lagoon. There is 10km of dirt road to cover, with access to the lagoon only during dry weather and only as a day visitor. After visiting the wetlands, continue your trip north through Mungindi or west through Collarenebri.
WHEN TO VISIT
While privately-owned portions of the Gwydir Wetlands can be visited at any time of the year, local conditions dictate access, water conditions and comfort levels. Spring and autumn are therefore the best seasons to visit and the trip is recommended in dry weather only. The Waterbird Lagoon is open to the public during April and May. A second open period may be run in September and October, based on water levels. Check with either the local Moree visitors information centre (02 6757 3350) Narrabri Area NPWS Office (02 6792 7300) or Boyanga South (02 6753 3252) for current conditions. For keeping safe while visiting a national park please go to www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/safety
WHAT TO DO
Search the canopy of fringing coolabah woodlands for birdlife, the waters edges for waterbirds or immerse yourself into the wetlands for a total experience. Wading quietly around the shallows or canoeing in and around the tall reeds, is a good way to get the best views and photos. Birds such as brolga and jabiru create great interest when sites moving in and around the wet areas. Another key attraction is the sheer quantity of waterbirds that congregate and the abundance of life in the wetlands when wet.
WHERE TO STAY
Stay in Moree, making a day trip out to the wetlands or with the owners of the property Boyanga South, Terry and Phillip, who cater for overnight camping. They are located 15km further west from the SCA at 2256 Curragundi Rd. They offer a variety of camping and accommodation and tours. Bookings are essential, please visit the homestead prior to the camping ground. Terry: 0428 532 654, Homestead: 02 6753 3252.