For a screen-free family adventure, visit the Hunter Wetlands Centre at Shortland! This local gem is a 45-hectare haven where your family can reconnect with nature and each other. Explore easy walking and bike trails, spot interesting birdlife and reptiles, and learn about this unique part of the Hunter’s ecology. It’s the perfect place for some inexpensive outdoor fun!
There’s loads to things to do at the Wetlands so plan to be there for a couple of hours.
Check out the reptiles
First up, enter the Visitors Centre and Animal House. Kids will especially love checking out the exhibit tanks in the Visitors Centre. You’ll spot some amazing creatures including turtles, a crocodile and a python. With the interactive displays, the whole family can learn more about the fascinating reptiles, frogs, and eels that call this place home. It’s a great opportunity to get a closer look and uncover some cool facts! For more reptiles visit the Animal House to see blue tongue lizards, bearded dragons, more snakes and a variety of frogs.
Get up close to some of these reptiles at one of the 30-minute Reptile Encounters every Saturday and Sunday at 11am. Cost is $5 per person + Wetlands Entry. Children under 2 are free (children must be accompanied by an adult).
Visit the Discovery Playground
The Discovery Playground, located on the far side of the BHP Pond, is a fantastic kids playground, suitable for all ages. Kids will have a ball exploring the upstairs and downstairs level of the treehouse-style main structure. This playground is 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.
Go for a walk
There are walking trails throughout the 45 hectare Hunter Wetlands, all graded ‘easy’. Pick up a map or a self-guided tour brochure at reception or just follow the signs to get to different spots.
On the trails you’ll see a mix of Paperbark, Swamp Oak, and Mangrove trees. You can get a closer look at the local birdlife from the many boardwalks and bird hides.
An interesting area to visit is the Bush Tucker Garden. Signs tell you the name of the plants and how Aboriginal 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.
Join a guided walking tour
There are free guided walks on Tuesdays and Saturdays. These 30 – 40 minute walks 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. These guided walks are a courtesy tour for individuals and small family groups. Groups of 6 or more can book a special interest tour, including native plants, birds and photography tours, for an extra charge.
Try dipnetting
One of the most popular activities at Hunter Wetlands is dipnetting. For a gold coin donation, you can grab a net and bucket for the kids to use on the jetty. All ages will love catching insects and water bugs in the pond. Don’t forget to pick up a laminated guide to help them identify their finds!
Watch the Magpie Geese feeding
Daily at 10:30am, a flock of up to 100 Magpie Geese and other pond birds get fed. Join in for this unique wildlife experience.
Go for a bike ride
Hunter Wetlands Centre is a great spot for a bike ride! Bring your own bikes and helmets and ride the ‘easy’ graded trails, ensuring you to keep to the tracks to reduce your impact on the site. Bringing your bike allows you to easily explore the far reaches of the site.
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. Take a self-guided paddle, book a private tour guide or join one of the Hunter Wetlands Centre’s monthly canoeing tours.
Have a go at orienteering
Orienteering is an outdoor sport for all ages and abilities. Download a topographical map from the Hunter Wetlands Centre website or pick one up at reception. Then, use the map to find all the checkpoints on the course, which was designed by the Newcastle Orienteering Club. A compass is not required.
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 fun, screen-free, nature-based family outing. Just don’t forget the mozzie spray! (But if you do forget, the Centre supplies spray).
Keep an eye on the Hunter Wetlands facebook page for their upcoming events and school holiday activities.
Good to know
Address: 1 Wetlands Place, Shortland NSW
Opening Hours: Open daily 9am – 4pm. Last entry at 3pm. Closed some public holidays including Anzac Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Ring or check their facebook page for information on other public holidays.
Toilets: Yes
Cafe: Yes
Picnic area: Yes
On-site parking: Yes. Free parking. Sealed disability parking and set down zone.
Accessibility: Lift to ground level from the visitor centre. Wheelchair accessible. Ramp access to the meeting rooms. Guide dogs and accredited assistance dogs are welcome.
Gift shop: Yes
Cost of entry: FREE (Child 3 and under), $6 (Child 4-15 years), $9.50 (16+), $6 (Concession), $25 Family (2 x General Entry + 2 x Children or 1 General Entry + 3 x Children), $7 (Group of 10+), FREE Carers assisting disabled (carers card required), $25 Membership (annual pass included)
Bring: Bring a hat and water. 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 pack your own if you can. Closed-in shoes are recommended, and are mandatory if you want to go canoeing. Don’t forget the bikes! Helmets are mandatory when bike-riding.
Website: Hunter Wetlands Centre
You might also like:
The 20 Best Newcastle Walks & Bush Trails
Enjoy a Nature Day Out at Kooragang Wetlands in Hunter Wetlands National Park