Walk Summary
This is a great walk for birders, wildlife photographers and all lovers of nature. The walk combines three main trails that wind around the wetlands and grassy surrounds.
Location Canberra, ACT
Distance 4.5 km
Time 1 - 2 hours
Difficulty Easy
“The filling of Lake Burley Griffin in 1964 led to an artificially high water table on the Molonglo River floodplain. Jerrabomberra Wetlands was the result. This waterbird wonderland now hosts a diverse panorama of plant and animal life, including over 170 different bird species.”
The Woodlands and Wetlands Conservation Trust
Getting to Jerrabomberra Wetlands
Jerrabomberra Wetlands sits on the Molonglo River floodplain adjacent to Lake Burley Griffin. It is part of a larger protected nature area managed by ACT Parks and the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust.
The main trails begin from the parking area at the end of Dairy Road. There is a dedicated parking area at the end of Dairy Road in Fyshwick, just minutes from Canberra’s CBD. You can also find roadside parking along Eyre Street in Kingston.
Walk Overview
Jerrabomberra Wetlands sits on the Molonglo River floodplain, just minutes from Canberra's CBD. It is home to many local bird species and a haven for migrating birds from inland Australia and as far away as Japan.
There's other wildlife here too, including mobs of kangaroos camouflaged among the tall dry grass.
The walk combines three main trails — the Billabong Trail, Woodland Loop and Kelly's Loop — but you can mix them up to suit your timetable and interests.
Along the Trails
The walk around Jerrabomberra Wetlands is an easy one and mostly flat. Boardwalks in some areas are well-suited to wheelchair users and prams pushers, but other sections can become quite muddy after rain.
Information boards are scattered around the trails, telling visitors more about the birds and habitats, while strategically placed viewing hides allow birders and photographers to get close to the birds without disturbing them.
Although the wetlands are close to the city, what always strikes me is how peaceful the area is. Apart from the occasional cyclist, it's often possible to spend long stretches of the walk accompanied only by birdsong and the rustle of reeds.
Birdlife at Jerrabomberra Wetlands
The wetlands attract a mix of resident, migratory and endangered bird species, providing opportunities to spot waterbirds, raptors and bush birds all in one area. - Lathams snipe a favourite here
Upwards of 170 different bird species have been recorded here including the protected and elusive (for me at least), Latham’s Snipe.
Among those most commonly seen on the water are Black Swans, Pacific Black Ducks, spoonbills, cormorants, Great Egrets and White-faced Herons.
Australasian Darters, reed warblers and swamphens can regularly be spotted among the reeds and shoreline.
Along the track edges and woodland fringes, look for smaller birds such as Superb Fairy-wrens, New Holland Honeyeaters and finches.
Migratory shorebirds use the wetlands as feeding and resting habitat, while raptors such as Whistling Kites and Brown Falcons are sometimes seen overhead.
For recent bird sightings at Jerrabomberra Wetlands and surrounds head to eBird.
Other wildlife at Jerrabomberra
There's more than birdlife to be found around the wetlands and surrounding reserve. Eastern Grey Kangaroos are commonly seen here particularly in the early morning and late afternoon.
Long-necked turtles, water rats and the occasional platypus inhabit the waterways, as do various insect and fish species.
And listen out for the frogs including the Pobblebonk, or Eastern Banjo Frog. You'll know it when you hear it!
Trail Tips
Start from the parking area at the end of Dairy Road, Fyshwick. Roadside parking is also available along Eyre Street, Kingston.
Early morning or late afternoon is best for wildlife activity and photography.
Spring and autumn are particularly good for birdwatching.
Wear suitable shoes after rain, as the tracks can get very muddy.
Parts of the trail are shared, so watch out for cyclists.
Insect repellent is recommended, especially around marshy areas.
Dogs are not permitted.