Want a short walk packed with nature and with amazing views? Go for a stroll at Pirrita Island in Swansea.
It’s not actually an island but the northern end of the Swansea peninsula and the site of a new lakeside boardwalk.
It’s an easy yet stunning walk to do with your kids. It’s flat and suitable for prams and wheelchairs. It also has amazing views of Lake Macquarie, Swansea Channel and Elizabeth Island.
If you’re wondering where Piritta name comes from, it’s the Awabakal word for oysters which originate from the mangroves. It’s a fitting name as this walk winds through the lakeside mangroves.
This beautiful walk starts at Dobinson Drive in Swansea near Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park.
Drive along through the white wooden bridge. Here you’ll find a parking area with picnic area complete with tables and BBQ facilities.
From here, follow the paved path. It soon become gravel but it’s still easy to push strollers and wheelchairs.
On the day, we visited it was a bit wet in low-lying areas so wear sandshoes or be prepared for wet thongs.
Keep an eye out for birds in the marshlands.
Keep walking a bit further and on your right, you’ll see a little lakeside cove. It has a stone breakwater and looks like it was constructed at some stage as a shallow swimming spot.
Keep walking along the gravel path and the lake views get better.
You’ll soon come to an accessible viewing platform with amazing views of the lake.
You can spot the Awaba power station in the distance.
At this viewing point, you’ll then see the start of the boardwalk. There are two steps at the front and a ramp on the right-hand side.
This is the new 230-metre accessible boardwalk, which winds through the mangroves.
Along the boardwalk, you’ll walk through the mangroves as it winds around.
It’s a wide path but hold on to your kids as the sides are open.
The path eventually splits into the path and a viewing platform. Hang out here and enjoy the views.
This point of the Peninsula is called Miner’s Point and is named after the coal mining families who lived in this area between 1915 and 1974.
Head back on the path for the final part of the boardwalk.
You’ll come out to a parking lot and lakeside reserve. This is called Pirrita Island carpark on Google Maps.
There are also picnic tables here. It’s a lovely spot for a picnic.
There are also toilets and a rubbish bin at this location.
If it’s a hot day, bring your swimmers. We spotted a few people swimming just off the lake edge.
At this stage, you can walk further south to Osmond Reserve
If you don’t want to a long walk, you can do a variation on the walk but just drive to Pirrita Island carpark (as it’s referred to on Google Maps).
From there you can just walk along the boardwalk and back and you don’t need to walk along the gravel path. It’s a much shorter walk.
The main walk from the carpark on the east side is about 800 metres and takes about 15 – 20 minutes. It took us longer as we stopped along the way.
The walk is fantastic and will be made even better once interpretative signage is installed along the boardwalk which will describe the history of Pirrita Island as well as the flora and fauna that you’ll find here.
Good to Know
Distance: 800 metres. Takes about 15 – 20 minutes.
Bring: Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and water. Bring binoculars for birdwatching, and swimmers and a towel if you feel like a dip.
Facilities: At start of walk, there is a BBQ and picnic tables. If you need toilets, you’ll have to drive to them. There’s a sign for public toilets but the closest toilets are actually near the Swansea boat ramp. At the end of the walk, there are toilets and picnic tables at Pirrita Island carpark.
Dog-Friendly: You can bring your dog along on the walk but they will need to be on a leash. There is also an off-leash dog area at the car park at Park Street.
Getting There: You can start the walk at either the parking lot by the white bridge or Pirrita Island Carpark.
Find on map
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In 2012, Reena founded Newy with Kids to share information about family-friendly Newcastle. Originally from Canada, she had no idea about what to do with her toddler and after searching unsuccessfully for a local family guide, decided to start her own. Since that time, both the toddler and Newy with Kids have grown keeping Reena busy. If you see her out and about, say hi.