Recently we had visitors that came out to the Kooragang Wetlands for a “family nature day” out!
Welcome to Ash Island
Reena from The Mummy Project started her family visit at Riverside Park and found other families enjoying a picnic, fishing and enjoying themselves. “Judging by the number of fishing rods, it’s a popular spot to drop a line.”
“There’s plenty of picnic facilities and places for kids to run around as well as toilet facilities.”
Picnic area at Riverside Park
Enjoying a day of fishing
These are some of the things she had to say while enjoying the day out:
“For those unsure of where this is, picture the McDonalds on Pacific Highway at Hexham. Ash Island is accessible by turning right and crossing the narrow bridge. It’s the location of the Kooragang Wetlands, a nature reserve which is part of Hunter Wetlands National Park.”
Overview Map
“With over 780 hectares of reserve, there’s plenty of area to explore as well as kilometres of walking and cycling tracks.
Stop by the Welcome Boardwalk to pick up a brochure which includes a map of the wetlands.”
Welcome Board
“This is the 131 Radar Station Ash Island built in 1942 to protect Newcastle during World War II. It was a station linked up with two others, one in Nelson Bay and the other in Catherine Hill Bay as part of a system to detect enemy aircraft.”
Radar Station
Radar Station Information Board
“If your kids are into nature, this is the place to take them. Since 1993, the Kooragang Wetlands Rehabilitation Project has worked to rehabilitate the reserve into a habitat for fish, shorebirds, frogs and other wildlife in the Hunter estuary. There’s fields of pasture and saltmarsh all around.”
Cows at City Farm
“This is my favourite part of Ash Island and is the most suitable for walking with children as it’s flat and easy to navigate especially if you have a stroller. For those with curious toddlers, hold on to them or else you might be fishing them out of the mud.”
Walk through the mangroves
“At the end of the track is the restored 1890s Schoolhouse. Around the house, there’s a number of pretty places to stop and have a picnic.”
The Schoolmaster’s House
If you would like to learn more about local kid-friendly activities, events and attractions, make sure to check out The Mummy Project.
If you would like to get in touch with the Kooragang Wetlands Office, you can find us on the Contact page.
Photo credits: Reena Bilen
