Macquarie Marshes wading and nature walk

Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve

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Overview

Wade and walk through vibrant wetlands during this rare opportunity to experience Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve, near Warren, up close.

When

1, 3, 8, 9, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31 October 2025.

Tour time: 9.30am to 12pm.

Where
Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve, Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve in Outback NSW, Country NSW
Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Grade
Hard. Suitable for adults and children 8 years and over. You’ll walk 1km, including wading through water and sticky, sucking mud.
Price

Adult $30 per person. Concession (Student, Australian pension, Veterans Affairs and Seniors card holders) $20 per person. Child (8 to 17 years) $15 per person. Family (2 adults, 2 children) $75.

Meeting point
The meeting place is a wire gate on Carinda Road, and easy to miss. It is 22.5km past the corner of Gibson Way and Carinda Road.
What to
bring
Sturdy shoes, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, drinking water, snacks, binoculars
Bookings
Bookings required. Phone 1300 072 757 for more information or book online.
Availability
Group tours available on request. To book, email or call Pilllga Forest Discovery Centre on 02 6843 4011.
Please note

It’s a good idea to check road conditions before you set off as some roads are unsealed and include a causeway crossing. The tour will be cancelled if road conditions are too wet.

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This guided walk and wade through a variety of habitats is a great chance to learn firsthand about the unique wildlife and history of the Macquarie Marshes area. Wetlands are essential for maintaining biodiversity and they support a wide variety of plant and animal species.

Exploring a marsh is an immersive experience. You might see reeds swaying in the breeze, waterbirds gliding over the water, or perhaps hear the call of a bird hidden deep within the reeds. These marshes are a haven for many migratory species, providing critical stopover points for these birds on their long journeys. Throughout the walk you’ll also learn how water is managed and water flow controlled to ensure the marshes remain vibrant.

Packing the right gear is important when you visit the wetlands. Please wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes that will stay on when you wade through water and mud. Old joggers are a good option. Don’t forget to bring a change of dry clothes and shoes.

You should also bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, at least 1 litre of drinking water and snacks for the day. Bring a camera and binoculars if you have them. A hiking pole will also help when wading through the sticky mud.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast or a casual explorer, this experience will leave you with a deeper appreciation for marsh ecosystems.

It’s a good idea to check road conditions before you set off as some roads are unsealed and include a causeway crossing. The tour will be cancelled if road conditions are too wet.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

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/guided-tours/macquarie-marshes-wading-and-nature-walk/local-alerts

Bookings

Operated by

Image of: NSW National Parks logo
  • NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Park info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Macquarie Marshes wading and nature walk.

Getting there and parking

From Warren:

  • Head north on Carinda Road, keep going past the Gibson Way turnoff. 
  • Look for a set of double gates on the right and an NPWS sign (the NPWS sign does not stand out though)
  • It is approx 22.5km past the Gibson Way turn off
  • If you get to Burrima, you’ve gone too far.

From Carinda:

  • Head west on Carinda Rd, then turn left / south after 17km (approx 12 mins) to stay on Carinda Road.
  • Keep going past Burrima
  • Look for a gate on the left and an NPWS sign (the NPWS sign does not stand out though)
  • It is approx 32.5km past where Carinda Road turns south.

Approaching from the east (Coonamble, Coonabarabran, etc):

  • If you are coming on Gibson Way, there is a causeway which can be 40cm deep or more. 4WDs with good clearance are recommended. If unsure, it's best to go via Warren or Carinda.
  • If you do take Gibson Way, continue across the causeway, then turn right / north onto Carinda Road.
  • The meeting point is approx 22.5km past the Gibson Way turnoff.
  • If you get to Burrima, you’ve gone too far.

Road quality

  • There is a causeway if approaching via Gibson Way. Check local information for causeway depth.
  • Suitable for 2WD vehicles, unless you're coming via Gibson Way. 4WDs with good clearance are recommended if you take Gibson Way.

  • Mixture of sealed and unsealed roads

Parking

Parking is available at the tour start point.

Maps and downloads

Accessibility

Disability access level - no wheelchair access

Not wheelchair-accessible.