Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve
Overview
Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve, in the NSW Southern Highlands, is a great place for walking, picnicking, birdwatching and enjoying the tranquillity of this wetland area.
Read more about Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve
A Southern Highlands wetland sounds unlikely, but it does exist. When Bong Bong weir was constructed in the 1920s to supply water to Moss Vale, a lagoon and swamp area formed at that part of Wingecarribee River. Only 12 years later it was declared a wildlife sanctuary. Now, over 90 species of birds, a third of which are waterbirds, have made it their temporary or permanent home.
Whether you’re keen on birdwatching or just looking for a peaceful place to enjoy walking and a quiet picnic, Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve awaits you.
The land was originally part of 1,000ac granted in 1819 to Charles Throsby in recognition of his exploration of a route from the Southern Highlands to the Bathurst district. This area is also where Bong Bong village, the first settlement in the Southern Highlands, once stood. Although the village no longer exists, you can view historic Throsby Park from the reserve, where colonial buildings remain intact.
Highlights in this park
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Cecil Hoskins picnic area
Cecil Hoskins picnic area, near Moss Vale, is located beside Wingecarribee River in Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve. It’s an ideal spot for birdwatching,...
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Weir View walking track
Weir view walking track at Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve is a short easy walk along the southern bank of the lagoon with scenic views and great birdwat...
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Wingecarribee River walking track
Wingecarribee River walking track is a short easy walk from Cecil Hoskins picnic area, near Moss Vale. Enjoy scenic river views and birdwatching oppor...
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General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Contact
- in the Country NSW region
Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre
02 4887 8270
Contact hours: 9am to 4pm daily. Closed Christmas Day. - 1301 Nowra Road, Fitzroy Falls NSW 2577
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Email: FitzroyFalls.VisitorCentre@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre