Home - Hunter Wetlands

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1 Wetlands Place,

Shortland NSW 2307

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Phone

(02) 4951 6466
Cafe: 0403537211

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COVID Safe Wetlands

Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia is currently closed due to lockdown in the Newcastle LGA.

THE BUNYIP BIRD

We are celebrating our Australasian Bitterns. Play our online game, or come in and see for yourself!

'The Wetlands – a blessed sanctuary'

Come and see Rod Bathgate’s latest art exhibition on display in our Visitor Centre.

FREE Guided Walks

Tuesdays 10.00 am & Saturdays 10.30 am (30 – 40 minutes)

Guided walks take visitors on a journey of history and conservation; offer a fascinating look at the flora and fauna of the Hunter Wetlands site; and provide a rich experience to foster a greater understanding of the importance of Wetlands.

Cost: Free with entry fee

Birdlife

With over 200 species of birds, the Wetlands the perfect spot to see something new, and snap a great photo at close range.

Something for everyone

Visit the Wetlands to play on the epic discovery playground, dipnet, canoe, birdwatch or enjoy a meal at the delicious cafe with water views.

Volunteer

Our entire Wetlands is maintained by volunteers. We would love to have you bring your own special skills to our beautiful natural haven.

Art Gallery

Our beautiful Gallery Space hosts different exhibitions throughout the year. All artworks have a Wetlands theme or connect back to nature.

Weddings

We have beautiful grounds for wedding ceremonies, photos and offer catering. Plus we have a registry room for the small wedding.

There is always something to do

Discover things to do

$20 Membership 2021-2022 entry

Become a member now

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Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia is at Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia.

1 day ago

🚣‍♀️ After Lockdown 🚣‍♀️Get your friends together and experience the magic of wetlands from the water as you explore picturesque Ironbark Creek in your own two or three-person canoe. Paddle your way along the meandering 2km trail to the rainforest shelter for a tranquil picnic lunch.🚣‍♀️ More info - https://wetlands.org.au/things-to-do/🚣‍♀️ Who will you bring? Tag them in the comments below! ... See MoreSee Less

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Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia

3 days ago

🦆 Wetlands History - Geoff Winning 🦆Geoff was a vital member of the early band of people who worked to save the wetlands at Shortland and then design and develop the facilities we allenjoy today. Geoff personally shaped the new ponds and many of the paths and trails we still use.During the first 10 years Geoff wore many hats and at one time was the Executive Manager and Financial Controller of the Centre as well as the Site Manager and the manager of the research team.After leaving to start his own consulting business, Geoff was always generous with his advice and in recent years was very involved in helping to determine and explain the hydrology of our wetlands and to advise on the installation of flow control systems.We are forever grateful for Geoff's contribution to the wetlands. 🦆 More History at - https://wetlands.org.au/about-us🦆What do you most enjoy about the wetlands now? Tell us in the comments below... ... See MoreSee Less

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hunterwetlands

🚣‍♀️ After Lockdown 🚣‍♀️ Get yo

🚣‍♀️ After Lockdown 🚣‍♀️

Get your friends together and experience the magic of wetlands from the water as you explore picturesque Ironbark Creek in your own two or three-person canoe.

Paddle your way along the meandering 2km trail to the rainforest shelter for a tranquil picnic lunch.

🚣‍♀️ More info - https://wetlands.org.au/things-to-do/

🚣‍♀️ Who will you bring? Tag them in the comments below!

🦆 Wetlands History - Geoff Winning 🦆 Geoff

🦆 Wetlands History - Geoff Winning 🦆

Geoff was a vital member of the early band of people who worked to save the wetlands at Shortland and then design and develop the facilities we all
enjoy today. Geoff personally shaped the new ponds and many of the paths and trails we still use.

During the first 10 years Geoff wore many hats and at one time was the Executive Manager and Financial Controller of the Centre as well as the Site Manager and the manager of the research team.

After leaving to start his own consulting business, Geoff was always generous with his advice and in recent years was very involved in helping to determine and explain the hydrology of our wetlands and to advise on the installation of flow control systems.

We are forever grateful for Geoff's contribution to the wetlands.

🦆 More History at - https://wetlands.org.au/about-us

🦆What do you most enjoy about the wetlands now? Tell us in the comments below...

🦆 AFTER LOCKDOWN 🦆 The Wetlands is a great

🦆 AFTER LOCKDOWN 🦆

The Wetlands is a great place for groups of any age to visit. Whether you’re interested in canoeing, orienteering, Australian native plants or just taking a leisurely walk, the Wetlands has something to offer all members of your group.

Bring your group:
🦆 Schools
🦆 Preschools and playgroups
🦆 Creative art groups
🦆 Community groups and clubs
🦆Aged care groups
🦆NSIS groups

You can organise your own program or we would love to create a wetland experience for your group of ten or more people.

Find out more - https://www.wetlands.org.au/visit-us/#groups

🦆 Know a local group that is itching for an outdoor adventure? Tag them in the comments below!

Have you done our 2021 website survey yet? If you

Have you done our 2021 website survey yet?

If you have a spare minute or two, we'd love to grab your feedback for our website. We're aiming to give you guys the best user experience possible!

Complete the survey at - https://wetlands.org.au/wetlands-website-survey-2021/

Tag a mate to fill it out too!

🐸 FROG ID PLEASE 🐸 Recently we got sent thi

🐸 FROG ID PLEASE 🐸

Recently we got sent this cute little frog picture and were asked what he is!

Thanks to the crew over Hunter Region Landcare Network we found out that he is a Striped Marsh Frog!

"A large species of frog reaching up to 7.5 cm in body length. It has a brown back with dark brown longitudinal stripes, and sometimes a cream-coloured or reddish stripe along the middle."

🐸 Find out more - https://australian.museum/learn/animals/frogs/striped-marsh-frog/

🐸 Learn about our reptile friends - https://www.wetlands.org.au/get-involved/#ent-book

🐸 Need something identified? Drop a picture in the comments below and we will see what we can do!

🤩 GRAB YOUR ENTERTAINMENT BOOK TODAY 🤩 You

🤩 GRAB YOUR ENTERTAINMENT BOOK TODAY 🤩

You will benefit from a FREE upgrade to Multi City when you purchase a Single City + 1 extra month for FREE!
That’s a $50 saving and a 13-month Membership.

This is a limited time offer, ending on Wednesday 29th September at 11.59am AEST

🤩 Get your copy - https://www.wetlands.org.au/get-involved/#ent-book

🤩 Who is your most thrifty friend? Tag them in the comments below!

🦆 Wetlands History - Brian Gilligan 🦆 Brian

🦆 Wetlands History - Brian Gilligan 🦆

Brian was a leader in the campaign to secure the site at Shortland for The Shortland Wetlands Centre, he inspired many with a forward-thinking vision for a wetland centre developed on property that had been poorly used and re-purposed many times.

As the Director of the newly opened Shortland Wetlands he inspired many to contribute to programs and site development, both as professionals and as volunteers.

His commitment to science education, conservation and to wetlands, in particular, made him perfect for Shortland Wetlands. He was a great communicator.

Even when he left SWC for a role with the EPA in 1992, he was always generous with support and advice to our organisation.

Learn more about the Wetlands history - https://wetlands.org.au/about-us/

Donate to keep the project alive - https://wetlands.org.au/get-involved/#donations

What do you know about the history of the wetlands? Tell us in the comments below!

🦆 Can you spare a minute to help the wetlands 🦆

Complete our survey on your website wants and needs - https://wetlands.org.au/wetlands-website-survey-2021/

We want to give our visitors the best possible online experience when they visit our website so we’re asking for your feedback.

Reasons to help:
🦆 It will take you less than 5 minute
🦆 It gives back to your community
🦆 It’s Something to do during lockdown

Fill it out - https://wetlands.org.au/wetlands-website-survey-2021/

Thanks for your continued support, we appreciate you!

🦆 Tag a friend and get them to fill it out too!

🦆 Wetlands History - Why our visitors centre is

🦆 Wetlands History - Why our visitors centre is called The Max Maddock Visitors Centre 🦆

Dr Maxwell Noel Maddock was the visionary founder of the Hunter Wetlands Centre. His passion for education was lifelong and inspired several generations to become involved in wetland conservation, environmental education and ornithology (the branch of zoology devoted to studying birds).

His leadership and drive inspired local interest groups to come together to transform an abandoned sporting into a restored wetlands and visitor centre.

Today Hunter Wetlands Centre is recognised a Ramsar wetland of international importance and is conserved as Australia’s first community-owned wetland centre!

Max is fondly remembered and dearly missed!

🦆 Learn more about the Wetlands history - https://wetlands.org.au/about-us/

🦆Donate to keep the project alive - https://wetlands.org.au/get-involved/#donations

Know someone who made an outstanding contribution to the wetlands? Tell us about them in the comments below 🥰

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