Seaham Swamp walk
Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve
Overview
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.
- Where
- Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve in North Coast
- Distance
- 0.6km return
- Time suggested
- 20 - 40min
- Grade
- Grade 5
- Opening times
Seaham Swamp walk is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
- Please note
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching.
- Please note this route is not well signposted.
Enjoy a short walk through ironbark forest with lovely views of the adjacent Seaham Swamp. A great option for walking with kids, this 300m track is ideal for birdwatching and nature-spotting. Keep your eyes peeled – it’s likely you’ll spy a range of waterfowl and migratory birds, and perhaps a goanna or grey kangaroo too.
Continue on to the swamp itself or the nearby Seaham Swamp Bird Hide to catch sight of its birdlife and maybe even some of the more elusive residents like eastern snake-necked turtles.
Located in Seaham, north-west of Raymond Terrace and about 40km from Newcastle, the track begins at the old stone church on Seaham Road. This walk also boasts other fascinating heritage attractions like the colonial-era Tom’s Cottage, complete with a corrugated-iron roof. And don't be put off by the Grade 5, it's an easy walk for the whole family even though there's no directional signage.
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/walking-tracks/seaham-swamp-walk/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 walk.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
0.6km return
Time
20 - 40min
Quality of markings
No directional signage
Experience required
No experience required
Gradient
Flat
Steps
Occasional steps
Quality of path
Formed track, some obstacles
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Seaham Swamp walk is in Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve. To get there:
- From Raymond Terrace, follow Seaham Road north towards Seaham
- Continue along Seaham Road for approximately 12km and park next to the old stone church on the right
- Walk through the gap in the fence to find the walking track – please note this walk is not well signposted.
Parking
Parking is available next to the old stone church on Seaham 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
Maps and downloads
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 walk 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.