Nanna Anne recently visited the Macquarie Marshes (Wambool – Macquarie River) in central north-west NSW which is part of the traditional land of the Wailwan People. Here is her story:
The Macquarie Marshes is one of the largest remaining inland semi-permanent wetlands in south-eastern Australia. The Marshes are home to over 75 waterbird species,156 woodland bird species, 29 mammal species, 15 frog species, 60 reptile species, and 11 native fish species. [NSW National Parks].
I grew up at Coonamble and was introduced to the magic of birds by local resident Sue Robinson who was an avid bird watcher and lover of the marshes. I have wanted to kayak on the Macquarie Marshes for 40+ years, so I jumped at the chance to join two friends on a five hour kayak tour.
We filled up with petrol in Warren and camped for two nights at Willie Retreat on the western end of Gibsons Way. Willie Retreat is basic but with very clean bathrooms. It has a group house with bunk beds. Camping at this time of year means no bare feet because of the burrs. The manager was very friendly and helpful.
Due to the common reed (Phragmites australis), it is very hard to see into the marshes. There is a viewing tower about three kilometres from Willie Retreat, a two kilometre circular boardwalk 25 kilometres from Willie Retreat, and a variety of kayak and walking tours. We did all but the walking tour.
The kayak tour wanders through a huge variety of habitats – from vast shallow reed and aquatic plant beds to more narrow creek beds and open water. One of the highlights of the tour for me (apart from the huge variety of birds we saw) was moving from the shallow reed beds to the creek. The water coming from the shallow plant beds was filtered and oxygenated and crystal clear, the creek was muddy and faster flowing.
These marshes help to keep the whole of the Macquarie/Barwon/Darling river system healthy. A reduction in the frequency, size and duration of flows to the Macquarie Marshes and the diversion of floodwaters within the marshes are key water management issues. For the Marshes to remain healthy they need regular water releases from Burrendong Dam. Lets hope the recommendations of the Connectivity Report, written by an expert panel for the NSW Government, are adopted.
Macquarie Marshes Kayak Tours only operates during spring. To view the marshes at other times there is a viewing platform and the boardwalk at ‘Burrima’ which are open all year. You need a gate access code to access the boardwalk (cost of $25/car).