To the north, tropical rainforests stand tall, and to the west, arid deserts stretch across Australia. In between those two extremes are temperate wetlands, and we are fortunate enough to have one right in the heart of Canberra.
The Jerrabomberra Wetlands and Nature Reserve, located about 2.5 miles from Canberra’s City Centre, is a floodplain between the Molonglo River and Jerrabomberra Creek. The reserve is a refuge for migrating birds from the northern hemisphere and inland Australia.
Five bird observation hides and three walking trails allow visitors to see more than 200 species of birds, including water birds, woodland and grassland birds, and birds of prey. Frogs, turtles, water dragons, platypus, echidnas, and kangaroos also make their homes here. For cyclists, a bike trail cuts through the northern edge of the reserve.
I wandered through the wetlands, marvelling at all the birds. Three loop trails led me through woodlands and around Kelly’s Swamp and Jerrabomberra Billabongs. (A billabong is an Australian term for the pond left behind once a creek or river changes course.) Boardwalks snaked through tall reeds and grasses, surrounding me on every side. I felt as if I were far, far away from the city.
The Jerrabomberra Wetlands and Nature Reserve, located about 2.5 miles from Canberra’s City Centre, is a floodplain between the Molonglo River and Jerrabomberra Creek. The reserve is a refuge for migrating birds from the northern hemisphere and inland Australia.
Five bird observation hides and three walking trails allow visitors to see more than 200 species of birds, including water birds, woodland and grassland birds, and birds of prey. Frogs, turtles, water dragons, platypus, echidnas, and kangaroos also make their homes here. For cyclists, a bike trail cuts through the northern edge of the reserve.
I wandered through the wetlands, marvelling at all the birds. Three loop trails led me through woodlands and around Kelly’s Swamp and Jerrabomberra Billabongs. (A billabong is an Australian term for the pond left behind once a creek or river changes course.) Boardwalks snaked through tall reeds and grasses, surrounding me on every side. I felt as if I were far, far away from the city.
Jerrabomberra Wetlands is comparatively small; I walked all three trails in less than two hours. But, oh, what a magical place to spend a morning!
RSS Feed
