AdBlock Detected

It looks like you're using an ad-blocker!

Our team work realy hard to produce quality content on this website and we noticed you have ad-blocking enabled.

Hunter Wetlands Centre Newcastle

Birds at Hunter Wetlands Centre

Hunter Wetlands Centre

Located in Shortland just outside of Newcastle, the Hunter Wetlands Centre is a community based project returning this once industrial wasteland back to important wetlands. Numerous migratory birds pass through here as well as local birds that use it as a nesting place.

There is ample parking and a café provides snacks for either before or after your visit.

Several short walks wind around the ponds and stands of trees, providing different aspects of the area and differing habitats for birds. We found the tracks very easy to negotiate and well maintained.

After our walk we sat in the café overlooking the central pond and watched the birds as they flocked around the central pond..

For other stories about Newcastle and the Hunter Region, please click on this link.

Our photos are available for purchase on

Hunter Wetlands National Park

Birdlife Hunter Wetlands National Park

We have previously had a kayaking tour through the Hunter Wetlands National Park. This gave us a great perspective from the water. Walking through the wetlands was to give us a different one.

The road into the wetlands is a one lane bridge. Be careful when using it in case someone is coming the other way.

We parked at Riverside Park as this was centrally located and allowed us to do several of the walks as a loop.

There are toilet and picnic facilities available along with a small jetty. A great spot for a picnic.

The walk is flat and either gravel / bitumen roadway or metal walkway through water areas.

Board Walk over the Wetlands Hunter Wetlands National Park
Board Walk over the Wetlands

The walk takes you past the Hunter River and its mangroves and then turns and runs through swamp with reeds and bird life. This is a great opportunity to take some great photos of birds.

Mangroves and Hunter River Hunter Wetlands National Park
Mangroves and Hunter River
Hunter Wetlands National Park
Hunter Wetlands

Also in the Hunter Wetlands National Park is an old World War Two radar station. There are boards that describe its use and importance during the war. The old concrete structures are fairly intact despite being defaced with graffiti. Unfortunately access is not permitted and the entrances are barred.

Old Radar Station Hunter Wetlands National Park
Old Radar Station

To see what else there is to do in the Hunter Valley, please see some of our other stories.