ACTIVITIES SHORTLAND

The story of the Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia is nothing less than inspirational.

Until the mid 1980s this vibrant wetland refuge was a dump in every sense of the word!  Over the previous century, the massive Hunter estuary wetland system known as Hexham Swamp had been progressively filled for rubbish, railways and recreation, leaving only fragmented patches of remnant wetlands across the estuary. A significant patch of wetland in Shortland was converted to football fields and a clubhouse. This one-time home ground of the Hamilton Rugby Club was to become the eventual site of the Hunter Wetlands Centre.

Today, Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia is a vibrant wetland ecosystem bursting with life. The site is regarded as a wetland of national and international importance and the centre enjoys a growing reputation for excellence in wetland conservation, education and ecotourism.

This remarkable transformation was due to the determination and persistence of the local community and some far-sighted organisations, who have joined forces to protect and restore this remarkable wetland for the benefit of all who depend on it… and those who simply enjoy it!.

The Hunter Wetlands Centre is a conservation sanctuary, with over 200 wildlife species identified on site. Located on 45 hectares of internationally significant wetlands under the Ramsar agreement, it is the perfect nature-based tourism destination to explore, discover and relax and is only 10 minutes from Newcastle central business district, in the Hunter Region of New South Wales. The Hunter Wetlands Centre offers a range of activities for people of all ages ranging from wildlife, walking trails and guided tours, canoeing, segway tours, dip netting, feeding talks, bird watching, events, children's discovery playground and much more. The Hunter Wetlands Centre is a self-funded community owned, not for profit organisation. It is and accredited Visitor Information Centre.