Seaham Swamp Bird Hide
Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve
Overview
See an array of birdlife at Seaham Swamp Bird Hide. A top Seaham attraction and picnic spot, this birdwatching haven is open all year round.
- Where
- Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve in North Coast
- Accessibility
- Easy
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
- Please note
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching.
Seaham Swamp Bird Hide is a haven for birdwatching. Visit this great Seaham attraction to see a variety of Hunter region waterfowl, both out in the swamp and sheltering in the hide.
Located in a small wetland reserve adjacent to Seaham village, this all-weather bird hide allows you to watch from a platform, ensuring you get great views and photos of the birds without disturbing them.
Check out the surrounding signage with interesting information on the birds of Seaham Swamp or stop at one of the picnic tables for a snack amidst imposing rough-trunked ironbark trees. For another view of the swamp try stretching your legs along Seaham Swamp walk.
Map
Map legend
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/birdwatching-and-wildlife-facilities/seaham-swamp-bird-hide/local-alerts
Park info
- in Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve in the North Coast region
Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Seaham Swamp Bird Hide.
Getting there and parking
Seaham Swamp Bird Hide is located in the northern precinct of Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve. To get there:
- From Raymond Terrace, follow Seaham Road north towards Seaham.
- Turn right into East Seaham Road and continue for approximately 150m
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
There's informal parking at the bird hide on a gravel strip next to the road.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Autumn's gorgeous blue skies make it an ideal time for picnicking. Bring the hamper and grab a picnic table for a great lunch backed by the sound of the birds.
Spring
Spring is the ideal time for birdwatching at Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve. You'll likely see lots of baby birds around and maybe even a dedicated mother teaching her chicks to swim.
Summer
Visit in summer and head to the Seaham Swamp Bird Hide to catch an array of birds in their seasonal plumage.
Winter
Be energised by the crisp winter weather and set out on the lovely Seaham Swamp walk through beautiful ironbark forest.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
16°C and 29°C
Highest recorded
44.6°C
Winter temperature
Average
6°C and 19°C
Lowest recorded
-4.7°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
February and March
Driest month
August
Facilities
Picnic tables
Carpark
Step-free access
There's step-free access to the bird hide. From the parking area, you'll need to cross over gravel and a strip of grass to reach the concrete ramp that leads to the bird hide.
- Step-free outdoor pathways
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - easy
There's step-free access to the bird hide. From the parking area:
- You'll need to cross over a flat gravel section and a strip of grass to reach the ramp that leads to the bird hide.
- The ramp to the bird hide is made of concrete and has a maximum gradient of 1:14. There are handrails on both sides.
Prohibited
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Learn more
Seaham Swamp Bird Hide is in Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A colonial cottage
Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve is also home to a historic slab cottage known as Tom McLellan’s Cottage, or simply Tom’s Cottage. Come see a fine example of a typical colonial era rural dwelling which was moved to its current location in the early 1900s. Though it’s named for Tom, the cottage was actually first built as a retirement home for his mother, Mary McLellan.
A rich Aboriginal heritage
The reserve lies within the area of the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council. In years gone by, it and the adjoining Williams River would have provided important resources to Aboriginal residents, such as waterfowl and fish. Looking at the reserve’s abundant melaleucas today, it’s fascinating to think those very trees would have delivered paperbark for cooking, while other barks may have been used for coolamons and other wooden implements.
Bird watching paradise
Come and see why countless species live in and migrate to Seaham Swamp year after year. Look carefully and you’ll see species like white-bellied sea eagles, storks and glossy ibis. Listen out for the honking magpie goose and head to Seaham Swamp Bird Hide and see how many others you can spot. And don’t forget your camera – you’re sure to get some terrific photos. You may well see a grey kangaroo or eastern snake-necked turtle on your visit, as well as many wonderful birds. The reserve provides important habitats for a range of creatures on both wet and dry land. Roam the woodlands to see mighty ironbark and forest red gums and spot birds aplenty roosting in broad-leaved paperbarks. Some of these habitats are sadly under pressure, but revegetation is underway thanks to Seaham Primary School students.
- Seaham Swamp Bird Hide See an array of birdlife at Seaham Swamp Bird Hide. A top Seaham attraction and picnic spot, this birdwatching haven is open all year round.
- Seaham Swamp walk Seaham Swamp walk is a great option for walking with kids. This short walk near Newcastle and Raymond Terrace is also a must for birdwatching.
Incredible geology
Interested in natural history? The reserve protects Seaham Quarry, a historic site containing scientifically important sediments from ancient glacial thaw water. These sediments date back 90 -120 million years, and the quarry was dedicated for preservation in 1925 for scientific purposes. Check out the remarkable streaky rock and read the notice from Professor Edgeworth David, the pioneering geologist and explorer who first recognised the sediments’ glacigene origin in 1914.
- Seaham Swamp Bird Hide See an array of birdlife at Seaham Swamp Bird Hide. A top Seaham attraction and picnic spot, this birdwatching haven is open all year round.
- Seaham Swamp walk Seaham Swamp walk is a great option for walking with kids. This short walk near Newcastle and Raymond Terrace is also a must for birdwatching.