Explore Nature at Hunter Wetlands Centre in Shortland

There’s plenty of old-school family fun to be had at Hunter Wetlands Centre in Shortland. It’s a top spot to reconnect kids with nature.

Being wetlands, it’s filled with water, trees and grass and and at certain times of the year, mosquitoes. Insect repellent is available free at reception, but you may like to pack your own Aerogard. Closed-in shoes are recommended and are mandatory if you want to go canoeing.

There’s loads to things to do at the Wetlands so plan to be here for a couple of hours.

Check out the reptiles

As you first enter the Visitor Centre, head to the tanks and look at the resident reptiles. You’ll spot turtles, a crocodile and a python. For more reptiles visit the Animal House – blue tongue lizards, bearded dragons, more snakes and a variety of frogs.

Get up close to some of these reptiles at one of the regular reptile encounters on Sundays at 11am and during school holidays.

Visit the Discovery Playground

The Discovery Playground located on the far side of the BHP Pond is fantastic and suitable for kids of all ages. It’s conveniently located adjacent to a BBQ shelter and picnic facilities. This is a perfect location to cook up a BBQ lunch or enjoy a picnic from home. Other smaller play areas including a nature play area, can be found around Brambles Pond.

Go for a walk

There are walking trails throughout the 45 hectare Hunter Wetlands. Pick up a map or a self-guided tour brochure at reception or just follow the signs to get to different spots.

Throughout the trails, you’ll see a variety of trees including Paperbarks, Swamp Oaks and Mangroves. In addition, to the walking trails, there are plenty of boardwalks and bird hides to get up close to the native birdlife.

An interesting area to visit is the Bush Tucker Garden. Signs tell you the name of the plants and how Indigenous peoples used them.

Go for a wander to the Egret Tower, a 2-storey structure that allows you to look down at the nesting Egrets and Ibis.

There’s also the Sensory Trail which is a big hit with kids. There are informative signs that explain what plants to touch and smell.

Keep an eye out for the hand-carved totem poles along the trails—all are uniquely designed to represent the animals, plants and natural interactions of each different habitat.

Try dipnetting

A popular past time at Hunter Wetlands is dipnetting. For a gold coin donation, you can pick up a net and bucket that kids can use on the jetty. Kids can catch insects and bugs in the pond. Don’t forget to pick up the laminated guide to help you identify what they catch. 

Watch the Magpie Geese feeding

Daily at 10:30am, a flock of Magpie Geese and other pond birds get fed. Join in for this unique wildlife experience.

Go for a bike ride

You can also bring your bike and criss-cross around the Hunter Wetlands. Just keep to the tracks to reduce your impact on the site. Bringing your bike allows you to explore the far reaches of the park.

Go canoeing

You can also hire canoes with kids aged 4 and over to explore Ironbark Creek at the Wetlands. Rent a 2 or 3 person canoe for 2 hours from the reception and explore the 2 kilometre trail to the rainforest shelter. Canoe hire is only available during suitable tidal conditions so check first. Closed in shoes must be worn by all participants.

Guided walking tours

There are free guided walks on Tuesdays and Saturdays. This walk (30 – 40 minutes) take visitors on a journey of history and conservation; offer a fascinating look at the flora and fauna of the Hunter Wetlands site; and provide a rich experience to foster a greater understanding of the importance of Wetlands. The walk is a courtesy tour for individuals and small family groups. Groups of 6 or more should book their own tour conference@wetlands.org.au.

Guided buggy tours

Can’t walk as far as you would like but you don’t want to miss out on a wetlands experience? Book a buggy tour ahead of your visit! A 30 minute tour is $12.50 for adults, $10.00 for kids – this includes entry fee to Hunter Wetlands Centre.

Explore on a Segway

For a unique way to discover the wetlands, go on a Segway tour with NSW Segway. The Segway Eco Xperience is a unique, sustainable and environmentally friendly method of transport. Bookings essential 0448 866 048.

BBQ, Picnic or Café

Hire a BBQ ($5), bring a picnic or eat at the café. A picnic shelter and BBQ can be hired for birthdays and other celebrations.

Newy with Kids definitely recommends the Hunter Wetlands Centre for a family outing. Just don’t forget the mozzie spray! (But if you do, the Centre supplies spray). During school holidays, Hunter Wetlands organises nature-based activities including self-guided walks and scavenger hunts.

For admission costs and operating hours, visit the Hunter Wetlands Centre website.

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