Gwydir Wetlands State Conservation Area Moree

Located approximately 60 kilometres northwest of Moree, these magnificent wetlands are one of the most significant inland wetlands systems in NSW. Since records began in the 1920s, at least 75 waterbird species (50 breeding) have been recorded in the Gwydir Wetlands. At one time, this wetland extended over 100,000 hectares, west from Moree to the Barwon Darling River in the far west. Today it exists as a mere remnant, being only 15 per cent of its former extent. In a move to halt continual wetlands loss, four local landowners listed portions of their wetlands under the International Ramsar Wetlands Agreement in 1998. Today, these wetlands are preserved as the Gwydir Wetlands State Conservation Area (SCA). A simple bird hide is located at the 'Waterbird Lagoon', where visitors can observe the wetland's birdlife and if observant, the threatened, endangered and migratory species that call these wetlands home. The shallow lagoon varies in depth but can reach up to 90 centimetres; a lightweight canoe is a great way to get around. The National Parks and Wildlife Service provide a toilet and shaded seating area for your comfort. This trip is recommended in dry weather.