Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve?
What makes it 70% Kids-Friendly: Children can do bug-detective workshops, join the Young Rangers club or spot kangaroos from easy loops, but there are no toilets, playgrounds, shade structures or kiosks inside the wetlands.
Positives:
- Free and open access: No entry fee and multiple flat, stroller-friendly trails make it easy on the budget.
- Wildlife close to path: Bird hides and boardwalks bring kids within metres of ducks, turtles and kangaroos.
- Hands-on learning: Workshops and audio guides engage children in ecology and local history.
Challenges:
- Lack of onsite facilities: No toilets, picnic tables or café—pack snacks, water and bring a portable mat for breaks.
- Limited shade: Most trails and picnic spots are exposed—bring hats and sunscreen on sunny days.
- Weather impact: Boardwalks can be muddy or flooded after rain—check conditions and wear boots.
What is Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve?
- A 174-hectare protected urban wetland and floodplain reserve along the Molonglo River in Canberra’s southeast
- A mosaic of freshwater lagoons, marshes and open woodlands designated for the conservation of native flora and fauna
- A key habitat for waterbirds, amphibians and small mammals, managed by the ACT Parks and Conservation Service in partnership with local conservation groups
What is so special about Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve for with kids?
- Free, stroller-friendly boardwalks for easy wildlife spotting
- Covered bird hides close to ducks, turtles and kangaroos
- Hands-on pond bug workshop engages young scientists
- Audio tours add stories on trenches and ecology
- Open grass banks for picnics without built-in tables
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A half-day allows time for a wildlife walk, bug workshop and a picnic without rushing young kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve
Walk Kelly’s Swamp Loop:
Follow a flat 1 km boardwalk expecting kangaroos and waterbirds.
Tip: Go early when birds are active and bring binoculars or a child-friendly bird guide.
Spot wildlife from bird hides:
Use the Tadorna and Fulica hides to watch pelicans, ducks and turtles.
Tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best sightings and keep voices low.
Join the Bush & Water Bug Detective program:
Kids sample pond water to identify invertebrates and learn wetland ecology.
Tip: Book online in advance and wear old shoes and a change of clothes.
Picnic by the Billabong:
Spread a blanket on the grass near the water and enjoy local views.
Tip: Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and let kids run safely on the open lawn.
Listen to the free audio tour:
Play narrated stories on your phone about WWI trenches and wetland life.
Tip: Download the tour before you arrive to avoid mobile signal gaps.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve
- Park at Dairy Road: This entry offers the shortest walk to the main hides and picnic bank.
- Time your visit: Plan the bug program around low tide or after rain to see more invertebrates.
- Divide and conquer: One adult can watch hides while the other leads kids on the audio tour to hold attention.
Reviews of Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve
RunningHeart Paul
Amazing parks and wetlands with plenty of birds amd wildlife
Fiona Howell
Lovely walk around the wetlands. Plenty of birds and kangaroos!
Marked Moments Photography
Wonderful to find hides to photograph wildlife so close to the car park and yet not so close that it disturbs the animals. Fantastic bird photography opportunities if you’ve got a long enough lens, and great great atmospheric environmental/contextual shots working at a shorter range. Love mist in offer during the spring.
Pulsar
Big nature reserve near the airport, with bridges, metal pathways, and bike trails around a lot of the reserve. Not my favorite nature reserve in Canberra, but not my least favorite either. The weather wasn’t very good. On a nice day, it could be beautiful and sunny, I think.
Catherine Brown
A beautiful spot for a walk with plenty of places to sit and listen to the amazing wildlife. We downloaded the app and listened to interesting information about the wetlands and the wildlife. The paths are stable to walk on, with some even being suitable for bikes and wheelchairs. We enjoyed the different viewing cabins with posters of the birds and animals. Toilets not readily available on weeke...
When is the best time to visit Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve (Canberra, Australia)?
Spring brings nesting birds and wildflowers. Watch for frogs after rain. In summer pack sunscreen and insect repellent. Winter mornings are cold—layer up. Avoid trails after heavy rain due to mud.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | AUD 0 |
| Bush & Water Bug Detective program (2 kids) | AUD 28 |
| Tales & Trails story-time (optional, 2 kids) | AUD 28 |
| Picnic supplies | AUD 20 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 76 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve
Address: Dairy Rd, Fyshwick ACT 2609, Australia
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About Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
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