Jerrabomberra Wetlands NR

-35.31255 , 149.15881

Australia

Jerrabomberra is a flood pain at the junction of Jerrabomberra Creek and the Molonglo River. It was an important site for the Ngunnawal people, the traditional custodians of the land. The current wetland was created by damning the Molonglo River to fill Lake Burley Griffin in 1964, and declared a Wetland Reserve in 1990.

The reserve consists of a lake with scrapes, extensive reed beds and a creek, plus small areas of scrub and forest. Wetland birds include ducks, grebes, gallinules, pelicans, cormorants, spoonbills, ibises, herons, crakes and waders. The reedbeds, grasslands and scrub have warblers, grassbirds, cisticolas, trillers, orioles, cuckooshrikes, woodswallows, martins, scrubwrens, whistlers and parrots.  

This is one of the world's most convenient wetland reserves to visit, being within ten minutes' drive from the both the airport and the city centre. With over 230 species recorded, it is the richest area in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : -35.3125/149.1588 (2021-01-03 16:14:08 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Jerrabomberra Wetlands NR" (2021-01-03 16:14:08 )

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-12-10 07:22:04
Jerrabomberra is a flood pain at the junction of Jerrabomberra Creek and the Molonglo River. The It was an important site for the Ngunnawal people, the traditional custodians of the land are the Ngunnawal people.land. The current wetland was created by damning the Molonglo River to fill Lake Burley Griffin in 1964, and declared a Wetland Reserve in 1990. The reserve consists of a lake with scrapes, extensive reed beds and a creek, plus small areas of scrub and forest. Wetland birds include ducks, grebes, gallinules, pelicans, cormorants, spoonbills, ibises, herons, crakes and waders. The reedbeds, grasslands and scrub have warblers, grassbirds, cisticolas, trillers, orioles, cuckooshrikes, woodswallows, martins, scrubwrens, whistlers and parrots.   This is one of the world's most convenient wetland reserves to visit, being within ten minutes' drive from the both the airport and the city centre. With over 230 species recorded, it is the richest area in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-12-10 07:03:42
Jerrabomberra is a flood pain at the junction of Jerrabomberra Creek and the Molonglo River. The traditional custodians of the land are the Ngunnawal people. The current wetland was created by damning the Molonglo River to fill Lake Burley Griffin in 1964, and declared a Wetland Reserve in 1990. The reserve consists of a lake with scrapes, extensive reed beds and a creek, plus small areas of scrub and forest. Wetland birds include ducks, ducks, grebes, gallinules, pelicans, cormorants, spoonbills, ibises, herons, crakes, grebes crakes and waders. The reedbeds, grasslands and scrub have warblers, grassbirds, cisticolas, trillers, orioles, cuckooshrikes, woodswallows, martins, scrubwrens, whistlers and parrots.   This is one of the world's most convenient wetland reserves, reserves to visit, being within ten minutes' drive from the both the airport and the city centre. With over 230 species recorded, it is the richest area in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-12-09 12:01:12
Jerrabomberra is a flood pain at the junction of Jerrabomberra Creek and the Molonglo River. The traditional custodians of the land are the Ngunnawal people. The current wetland was created by damning the Molonglo River to fill Lake Burley Griffin in 1964, and declared a Wetland Reserve in 1990. The reserve consists of a lake with scrapes, extensive reed beds and a creek, plus small areas of scrub and forest. Wetland birds include ducks, gallinules, pelicans, cormorants, spoonbills, ibises, herons, crakes, grebes and waders. The reedbeds, grasslands and scrub have warblers, grassbirds, cisticolas, trillers, orioles,cuckooshrikes, orioles, cuckooshrikes, woodswallows, whistlers and parrots.   This is one of the world's most convenient wetland reserves, being within ten minutes' drive from the both the airport and the city centre. With over 230 species recorded, it is the richest area in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-12-09 11:57:55
Jerrabomberra is a flood pain at the junction of Jerrabomberra Creek and the Molonglo River. The traditional custodians of the land are the Ngunnawal people. The current wetland was created by damning the Molonglo River to fill Lake Burley Griffin in 1964, and declared a Wetland Reserve in 1990. The reserve consists of a lake with scrapes, extensive reed beds and a creek, plus small areas of scrub and forest. Wetland birds include ducks, gallinules, pelicans, cormorants, spoonbills, ibises, herons, crakes, grebes and waders. The reedbeds, grasslands and scrub have warblers, grassbirds, cisticolas, trillers, cuckooshrikes, orioles,cuckooshrikes, whistlers and parrots.   This is one of the world's most convenient wetland reserves, being within ten minutes' drive from the both the airport and the city centre. With over 230 species recorded, it is the richest area in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-12-09 11:21:41
Jerrabomberra is a flood pain at the junction of Jerrabomberra Creek and the Molonglo River. The traditional custodians of the land are the Ngunnawal people. The current wetland was created by damning the Molonglo River to fill Lake Burley Griffin in 1964, and declared a Wetland Reserve in 1990. The reserve consists of a lake with scrapes, extensive reed beds and a creek, plus small areas of scrub and forest. Wetland birds include ducks, gallinules, pelicans, cormorants, spoonbills, herons, crakes, grebes and waders. The reedbeds and reedbeds, grasslands and scrub have warblers, grassbirds, cisticolas, trillers, cuckooshrikes, whistlers and parrots.   This is one of the world's most convenient wetland reserves, being within ten minutes' drive from the both the airport and the city centre. With over 230 species recorded, it is the richest area in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-12-09 11:21:02
Jerrabomberra is a largely artificial wetland, flood pain at the junction of Jerrabomberra Creek and the Molonglo River. The traditional custodians of the land are the Ngunnawal people. The current wetland was created by damning the Molonglo River to fill Lake Burley Griffin in 1964. The traditional custodians of the land are the Ngunnawal people. 1964, and declared a Wetland Reserve in 1990. The reserve consists of a lake with scrapes, extensive reed beds and a creek, plus small areas of forest. Wetland birds include ducks, gallinules, pelicans, cormorants, spoonbills, herons, crakes, grebes and waders. The reedbeds and grasslands have warblers, grassbirds, cisticolas, trillers, cuckooshrikes, whistlers and parrots.   This is one of the world's most convenient wetland reserves, being within ten minutes' drive from the both the airport and the city centre. With over 230 species recorded, it is the richest area in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-12-09 11:05:15
Jerrabomberra is a largely artificial wetland, created by damning the Molonglo River to fill Lake Burley Griffin in 1964. The traditional custodians of the land are the Ngunnawal people. The reserve consists of a lake with scrapes, extensive reed beds and a creek, plus small areas of forest. Wetland birds include ducks, gallinules, pelicans, cormorants, spoonbills, herons, crakes, grebes and waders. The reedbeds and grasslands have warblers, grassbirds, cisticolas, trillers, cuckooshrikes, whistlers and parrots.   This is one of the world's most convenient wetland reserves, being within ten minutes' drive from the both the airport and the city centre. With over 230 species recorded, it is the richest area in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Freckled Duck (Stictonetta naevosa)
Pink-eared Duck (Malacorhynchus membranaceus)
Buff-banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis)
Australian Crake (Porzana fluminea)
Spotless Crake (Zapornia tabuensis)
Black-fronted Dotterel (Charadrius melanops)
Red-kneed Dotterel (Erythrogonys cinctus)
Latham's Snipe (Gallinago hardwickii)
Little Eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides)
Red-rumped Parrot (Psephotus haematonotus)
White-winged Triller (Lalage tricolor)
Olive-backed Oriole (Oriolus sagittatus)
Dusky Woodswallow (Artamus cyanopterus)
Golden-headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis)
Little Grassbird (Poodytes gramineus)
Fairy Martin (Petrochelidon ariel)

Dusky Woodswallow (Artamus cyanopterus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-12-09 11:58:47)

Little Eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-12-09 11:12:35)

Olive-backed Oriole (Oriolus sagittatus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-12-09 11:11:34)

White-winged Triller (Lalage tricolor) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-12-09 11:11:11)

Red-kneed Dotterel (Erythrogonys cinctus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-12-09 11:10:35)

Golden-headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-12-09 11:10:22)

Little Grassbird (Poodytes gramineus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-12-09 11:09:58)

Black-fronted Dotterel (Charadrius melanops) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-12-09 11:08:36)

Buff-banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-12-09 11:08:15)

Spotless Crake (Zapornia tabuensis) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-12-09 11:07:56)

Pink-eared Duck (Malacorhynchus membranaceus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-12-09 11:07:10)

Freckled Duck (Stictonetta naevosa) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-12-09 11:06:55)

Fairy Martin (Petrochelidon ariel) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-12-09 11:06:24)

Red-rumped Parrot (Psephotus haematonotus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-12-09 11:06:07)

Australian Crake (Porzana fluminea) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-12-09 11:05:55)

Latham's Snipe (Gallinago hardwickii) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-12-09 11:05:34)

  • Timing and strategy

Many species of interest are resident. The Austral summer brings waders such as Latham's Snipe, Sharp-tailed and Pectoral Sandpipers.

Dawn and dusk are especially rewarding since there are fewer casual visitors and crepuscular species such as crakes are more active.

There are four hides or blinds: Snipe, Bittern, Ardea and Fulica. The first three are located close to the car park on the northwest side of the lake. The names are not especially significant except for the 'Snipe' hide which does offer especially good views of Latham's Snipe as well as crakes. From here, one can walk clockwise around the lake. On the south side, a boardwalk leads through the reedbeds and eventually rejoins the cycling track near the bridge across Jerrabomberra Creek. This circuit will take around an hour including birding. From the creek, one can cross the bridge and turn right to reach the Fulica hide which overlooks another wetland area.

The overall area is not large, but given the richness of habitats, birders can easily spend two to three hours here.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-12-09 12:03
Many species of interest are resident. The Austral summer brings waders such as Latham's Snipe, Sharp-tailed and Pectoral Sandpipers. Dawn and dusk are especially rewarding since there are fewer casual visitors and crepuscular species such as crakes are more active. There are four hides or blinds: Snipe, Bittern, Ardea and Fulica. The first three are located close to the car park on the northwest side of the lake. The names are not especially significant except for the 'Snipe' hide which does offer especially good views of Latham's Snipe as well as crakes. From here, one can walk clockwise around the lake. On the south side, a boardwalk leads through the reedbeds and eventually rejoins the cycling track near the bridge across Jerrabomberra Creek. This circuit will take around an hour including birding. From the creek, one can cross the bridge and turn right to reach the Fulica hide which overlooks another wetland area. The overall area is not large, but given the richness of habitats, birders can easily spend two to three hours here.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-12-09 11:50
Many species of interest are resident. The Austral summer brings waders such as Latham's Snipe, Sharp-tailed and Pectoral Sandpipers. Dawn and dusk are especially rewarding since there are fewer casual visitors and crepuscular species such as crakes are more active. There are four hides or blinds: Snipe, Bittern, Ardea and Fulica. The first three afre are located close to the csr park.car park on the northwest side of the lake. From here, one can walk clockwise around the lake. On gthe soiuthe the south side, a boardwalkleads throughthe boardwalk leads through the reedbeds and evntualy eventually rejoins the cycing cycling track near the bridge across Jerrabomberra Creek. This circuit will take around an hour including birding. From the creek, one can cross the bridge and turn right to reach the Fulica hide which overlooks another wetland area. The overall area is not large, but given the richness of habitats, birders can easily spend two to three hours here.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-12-09 11:45
Many species of interest are resident. The Austral summer brings waders such as Latham's Snipe, Sharp-tailed and Pectoral Sandpipers. Dawn and dusk are especially rewarding since there are fewer casual visitors and crepuscular species such as crakes are more active. There are four hides or blinds: Snipe, Bittern, Ardea and Fulica. Fulica. The first three afre close to the csr park. From here, one can walk clockwise around the lake. On gthe soiuthe side, a boardwalkleads throughthe reedbeds and evntualy rejoins the cycing track near the bridge across Jerrabomberra Creek. This circuit will take around an hour including birding. From the creek, one can cross the bridge and turn right to reach the Fulica hide which overlooks another wetland area. The overall area is not large, but given the richness of habitats, birders can easily spend two to three hours here.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-12-09 11:33
Many species of interest are resident. The Austral summer brings waders such as Latham's Snipe, Sharp-tailed and Pectoral Sandpipers. Dawn and dusk are especially rewarding since there are fewer casual visitors and crepuscular species such as crakes are more active. There are four hides or blinds: Snipe, Bittern, Ardea and Fulica.
  • How to get there

By car, the reserve can be reached from central Canberra via Parkes Drive, Moorhead Drivde and the M23 motorway. From the M23, turn onto Dairy Road in Fyshwyck, leading to the reserve car park.

By bicycle, one can enter from Eyre Street in the suburb of Kingston and cycle to the hides.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-12-10 07:24
By car, the reserve can be reached from central Canberra via Parkes Drive, Moorhead Drivde and the M23 motorway. From the M23, turn onto Dairy Road in Fyshwyck, leading to the reserve car park. By bicycle, one can enter from Eyre Street in the suburb of Kingston. Kingston and cycle to the hides.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-12-09 12:17
The By car, the reserve may can be accessed: 1. reached from central Canberra via Parkes Drive, Moorhead Drivde and the M23 motorway. From the M23, turn onto Dairy Road which branches off in Fyshwyck, leading to the M23 in Fyshwyck. This is convenient for access by road since it leads to a reserve car park. 2. From By bicycle, one can enter from Eyre Street in the suburb of Kingston. This is convenient for cycling since a cycling track leads across the creek to the main hides. Kingston.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-12-09 11:25
The reserve may be accessed: 1. From Dairy Road which branches off the M23 in Fyshwyck. This is convenient for access by road since it leads to a car park. 2. From Eyre Street in the suburb of Kingston. This is convenient for cycling since a cycling track leads across the creek to the main hides.

The reserve may be accessed:

1. From Dairy Road which branches off the M23 in Fyshwyck. This is convenient for access by road since it leads to a car park.

2. From Eyre Street in the suburb of Kingston. This is convenient for cycling since a cycling track leads across the creek to the main hides.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-12-09 12:11
The reserve may be accessed: 1. From Dairy Road which branches off the M23 in Fyshwyck. This is convenient for access by road since it leads to a car park. 2. From Eyre Street in the suburb of Kingston. This is convenient for cycling since a cycling track leads across the creek to the main hides.
  • Other attractions

Eastern Grey Kangaroos and Red-necked Wallabies may be seen in the area, especially at dawn and dusk, along with introduced rabbits and foxes. Butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies are numerous in summer.

The walks are scenic and can be enjoyed by non-birding visitors. Alternatively, there are several museums and shopping venues nearby in Canberra. 

Adjacent to the reserve on the east side of Dairy Road is the Fyshwyck sewage treatment works. The ponds often have ducks, waders and sometimes rarities such as terns. They can be viewed from the roadside, but the site is not accessible, and even viewing birds through the fence can result in being questioned by staff.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-12-10 07:21
Eastern Grey Kangaroos and Red-necked Wallabies may be seen in the area, especially at dawn and dusk, along with introduced rabbits and foxes. Butterflies, dragonflies and damseflies damselflies are numerous in summer. The walks are scenic and can be enjoyed by non-birding visitors. Alternatively, there are several museums and shopping venues nearby in Canberra.  Adjacent to the reserve on the east side of Dairy Road is the Fyshwyck sewage treatment works. The ponds often have ducks, waders and sometimes rarities such as terns. They can be viewed from the roadside, but the site is not accessible, and even viewing birds through the fence can result in being questioned by staff.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-12-09 12:22
Eastern Grey Kangaroos and Red-necked Wallabies may be seen in the area, especially at dawn and dusk, along with introduced rabbits and foxes. Butterflies, dragonflies and damseflies are numerous in summer. The walks are scenic and can be enjoyed by non-birding visitors. Alternatively, there are museums and shopping venues nearby in Canberra.   Adjacent to the reserve on the east side of Dairy Road is the Fyshwyck sewage treatment works. The ponds often have ducks, waders and sometimes rarities such as terns. They can be viewed from the roadside, but the site is not accessible, and even viewing birds through the fence can result in being questioned by staff.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-12-09 11:57
Eastern Grey Kangaroos and Red-necked Wallabies may be seen in the area, especially at dawn and dusk, along with introduced rabbits and foxes. Butterflies, dragonflies and damseflies are numerous in summer. The walks are scenic and can be enjoyed by non-birding visitors. Alternatively, there are museums and shopping venues nearby in Canberra. 

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Not available yet

The trails and boardwalk are used by morning joggers, despite notices asking visitors not to run.

Flies are especially annoying during the summer months. Venomous snakes are resident, including the Eastern Brown Snake which has even been observed around the car park.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-12-09 12:26
The trails and boardwalk are used by morning joggers, despite notices asking visitors not to run. Flies are especially annoying during the summer months. Venomous snakes are resident, including the Eastern Brown Snake which has even been observed at around the car park.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-12-09 12:25
The trails and boardwalk are used by morning joggers, despite notices asking visitors not to run. Flies are especially annoying during the summer months. Venomous snakes are resident, including the Eastern Brown Snake.Snake which has even been observed at the car park.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-12-09 12:07
The trails and boardwalk are used by morning joggers, despite notices asking visitors not to run. Flies are especially annoying during the summer months. Venomous snakes are resident, including the Eastern Brown Snake.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-12-09 11:59
The traiks trails and boardwalk are used by jiggers, morning joggers, despite notices asking visitors not to run. Flies are especially annoying during the summer months.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-12-09 11:27
The traiks and boardwalk are used by jiggers, despite notices asking visitors not to run. Flies are especially annoying during the summer months.
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2024-11-25 to 2024-11-27 Australian Capital Territory, November 2024 Stephen Matthews
Jerrabomberra Wetlands NR - Orniverse