Where

Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve in Country NSW

Accessibility

Hard

Distance

0.9km return

Time suggested

15 - 45min

Grade

Grade 2

What to
bring

Hat, drinking water, sunscreen

Please note

• The weather in the area can be extreme and unpredictable, so please ensure you’re well-prepared for your visit.
• Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching.

When you follow Weir View walking track along the lagoon’s southern bank, it’s hard to believe that this natural environment abundant with birdlife hasn’t been here for eons. In fact, the lagoon only appeared after Bong Bong weir was constructed in the 1920s, though it didn’t take long for the newly formed wetland to become recognised as a wildlife sanctuary.

So while you’re stretching your legs, clearing your head or allowing the kids to let off steam along this lovely walking track, keep an eye out for all the birds and animals that now make this reserve their home.

Weir View walking track offers scenic views across the water to the wooded slopes on the southern side of the reserve. It’s a short easy walk with a flat surface and no stairs, making it ideal for walkers of all ages and fitness levels. Keep your binoculars handy and see how many different bird species you can spot while birdwatching.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Visitor info

Getting there and parking

Best times to visit

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Facilities

Maps and downloads

Learn more

Aboriginal culture

The reserve lies within the traditional land of the Bong Bong people. Cultural, linguistic and spiritual knowledge associated with this area continues to be passed on today. NPWS works in collaboration with local Aboriginal communities to protect this rich heritage.

The weir and the wherefore

Bong Bong weir was built in the 1920s to create a water supply for Moss Vale. The lagoon and swamp areas, which developed as a result of this weir, were declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1932. During the 1965-8 drought, Wingecarribee Council considered destroying the weir to allow water to be released for Berrima Cement Works, situated downstream. This proposal was so strongly opposed by the local community, however, that the idea was abandoned. The reserve supports stands of Paddys River box, native to the Moss Vale district and south of Jenolan, as well as snow gum banksia and a range of other native species. The lagoon itself is deep enough for large aquatic plants to thrive, such as tall spikerush, ribbonweed, yellow bladderwort and water milfoil. Other aquatic species include water snowflake, starwort, water primrose, river buttercup and nardoo.

Wetland creatures

Over 90 bird species inhabit the reserve and around one third of these, including pacific black ducks, black swans, dusky moorhens and grey teals, are waterbirds that are dependent on the lagoon. So if you're keen on bird watching, be sure to bring your binoculars along. Platypus and kangaroos also make their homes in and around the lagoon. The reserve also supports stands of Paddys River box, native to the Moss Vale district and south of Jenolan, as well as snow gum banksia and a range of other native species. The lagoon itself is deep enough for large aquatic plants to thrive, such as tall spikerush, ribbonweed, yellow bladderwort and water milfoil. Other aquatic species include water snowflake, starwort, water primrose, river buttercup and nardoo.

Who was Cecil Hoskins?

When the reserve was gazetted in 1975, it was named after Sir Cecil Hoskins. This man was a local resident for 40 years who not only had a keen interest in creating parks and gardens, but also contributed to the purchase of the land for the reserve.