Just outside of downtown Kiama, Spring Creek Wetlands is an excellent spot to see nature doing its thing.
We recently took a stroll along the creek and spent some time twitching in the bird hide.
Oh, and we saw/smelt bats too, [IYKYK]!
Here’s what you need to know before you go:
Family Friendly :: Yep, most of the paths are paved or boardwalk. It might be a little bumpy if you bring the pram.
Accessibility :: The wetlands are located just across from Bombo Beach in Kiama.
Heading from Terralong Street towards Jamberoo, turn right onto Dido Street, then onto Glenbrook Drive. The park entrance is just off a small car park.
Length :: The main trail from the carpark is really only a 10-15 minute walk each way. There are also some man-made grassy trails around the area if you’d like to spend more time exploring. Just keep an eye out for wriggly sticks aka snakes.
Duration :: You can probably see it all in 30 mins to an hour.
REHABILITATION AT ITS FINEST
Spring Creek Wetlands has a pretty cool backstory.
The Council picked up the site in 1992, aiming to bring it back to its natural state.
With a bunch of help from local groups and Council staff, it’s now thriving, lush, green, and full of life.
It’s a safe haven for all sorts of wildlife, including migratory birds and the threatened Green and Gold Bell Frog.
HOW TO EXPLORE
From the car park look for the signboard explaining all the deets about the wetlands.
There’s lots of info about the wetlands themselves as well as all the cool critters who call it home.
From there you can follow a couple of different paths. One will lead you right to the bird hide and the other along the other side of the creek right out to Riddell Street which is behind Kiama cemetery.
FYI if you plan on stepping off the path and onto the grass we recommend wearing shoes that don’t mind a little splashing, it’s not like the ground is soaked all the time, but it is called a wetland for a reason…hehe
WHAT TO EXPECT
Lots of greenery, pretty walking trails and some cool photos both inside and outside the bird hide.
There are also some park benches to take in the moment as well.
Heads up, as the wetlands sit right off the Highway, don’t expect total peacefulness. You’re not gonna be getting an earful of rush hour traffic but the occasional horn honk or loud truck is a quick reminder you’re not toottttally bushwhacking.
WILDLIFE SPOTTING
Okay, the real reason we recommend heading here is for the awesome opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Not only is the bird hide a fab place for a piccy it’s also a prime location for laying eyes on waterbirds and common bush birds including Golden-headed Cisticola, Black-fronted Dotterel, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike and Mistletoebird, Swans and many other local species.
And we did mention we saw some bats in the trees here as well! It was daytime so they were mostly sleeping [although they were pretty noisy considering] and we could definitely recognise their distinctly batty smell, it was actually so awesome to see them hanging out so close above us.
We weren’t lucky enough to hear/ see those Green and Gold Bell Frogs but we’re so grateful that places like this are providing homes for them.
Good To Know :: Although this is a smallish adventure, it’s one we recommend for any local bird lovers. Make sure to bring your binoculars!
Why We Love It :: It’s such a unique little place, with fresh and salty water, rainforest, wetlands, and heaps of wildlife.
What’s Nearby :: Kiama. A town so wonderful it actually won the 2024 Top Tourism Town Awards. Here you’ll find cafes, beaches, shops, the iconic blowhole and plenty more. Check out our guide to Kiama here.
