Waterbird Lagoon bird hide
Gwydir Wetlands State Conservation Area
Overview
Waterbird Lagoon bird hide in Gwydir Wetlands State Conservation Area is a must for birdwatchers. Located near Moree and Narrabri, see rare birdlife flock to Waterbird Lagoon when it fills with water.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Grade
- Easy
- Opening times
5am to 9pm daylight savings time or 8pm at all other times
- What to
bring - Hat, snacks, drinking water, suitable clothing, insect repellent
- Please note
Access is during dry weather only, so it’s worth checking road conditions with Moree Tourist Information Centre before you set out.
Waterbird Lagoon bird hide gets you close-up to the rich birdlife, frogs and wildlife of one of the most significant wetland systems in NSW.
Up to 75 bird species flock to this Murray-Darling Basin wildlife haven when its semi-permanent waterholes fill with water. Nestled among rushes at the edge of one of the lagoons, the bird hide is the perfect spot to see birds go about their business, undisturbed.
Watch egrets, cormorants, darters, ibis, spoonbills and nankeen night herons step through the shallows. Remember to look up to see majestic white-bellied sea eagles soar overhead. If you’re lucky, you may even spot magpie geese, brolgas and endangered black-necked storks (Jabiru) – Australia’s only stork.
Bring your lunch for a peaceful picnic in the bird hide, or beneath a nearby gum tree. When you’re ready for a different point of view, take the unmarked 1km return stroll around the wetland and open woodland of belah trees. Launch your kayak into the lagoon if the water’s high. Linger till dusk to watch the sky light up in a dramatic sunset as frogs call all around you.
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/waterbird-lagoon-bird-hide/local-alerts
Park info
- in Gwydir Wetlands State Conservation Area in the Country NSW region
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Waterbird Lagoon bird hide.
Getting there and parking
Waterbird Lagoon is in Gwydir Wetlands State Conservation Area, around 60km north-west of Moree. To get there from Moree:
- Drive west on Gwydir Highway towards Collarenebri for 11km.
- Turn right onto Watercourse Road and drive 49km until you reach the Waterbird Lagoon bird hide turn-off.
- Turn right into the reserve, drive 3km, and park at the picnic area.
Road access and conditions
- High-clearance 4WD vehicles are recommended.
- Road access may be closed after wet weather. Please contact Moree Tourist Information Centre or the Narrabri office for road conditions before you visit.
- Gates to the park are locked outside opening times.
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- Most roads suitable for 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- Dry weather only
Parking
Parking is available at the picnic area near the bird hide.
Facilities
Picnic tables
Carpark
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
Permitted
- Canoeing and kayaking is permitted when water levels in the wetlands are high enough. You’ll need to bring your own canoe or kayak.
- Wading in the lagoon is permitted, but try not to disturb wildlife. Keep noise and splashing to a minimum.
Prohibited
Camping, camp fires and solid fuel burners, and gathering firewood are not permitted in Gwydir Wetlands State Conservation Area.
Fishing
Generators
Horses
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.