Thanks Mick. A friend and I tried to find the entrance from the Birding
Routes brochure recently without success. The other document looks more
detailed and useful.
Chris
On Mon, Jan 18, 2016 at 11:06 AM, Mick Roderick <>
wrote:
> Hi Liz (and cc'ing the list for info),
> It is a lot simpler, but you still need to follow the instructions pretty
> carefully, as it is easy to miss key turn offs (it is much simpler in the
> way that there are no longer any escorts for vehicles). Mid last year the
> Hunter Bird Observers Club (HBOC) published a detailed description of
> access, accompanied by a map. See:
> http://www.hboc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Hexham-Swamp-access-June-2015.pdf
> It was also included in the recent HBOC Newcastle Wetlands Birding Route,
> which will also give you some alternative places to visit:
>
> http://www.hboc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/NewcastleWetlands_BirdRoute_web.pdf
> Note that there is now no "Construction Gate Access" and that you simply
> drive along the access road as far as you can, until you come to the rail
> facility gate (it is obvious). Turn right there over the cattle grid
> and follow the track, taking the right hand turn as described in the above.
> If you miss this turn you will come to a small water treatment plant (in
> which case you know you've gone too far). Just make sure you also turn left
> onto the main pipeline track and do not go straight ahead to the private
> property as is marked as green on the map.
> I was out there yesterday and there aren't many birds. It's been raining
> here for a few years now(!) and there is water everywhere (we also had our
> second east coast low in 8 months recently). Of interest there were
> sharpies, greenshanks, stilts etc in the paddocks just before you turn left
> to take the pipeline track. I was mostly looking for Yellow Wagtails but
> saw none (there is perhaps too much growth on the tracks after all the
> rain?).
> But if there's any place that can change literally overnight it's Hexham
> Swamp! So enjoy your visit. There has been a Brolga reported in the broader
> area, so keep your eyes out for that.
> Mick
>
>
> From: Liz Temple <>
> To:
> Sent: Monday, 18 January 2016, 10:17
> Subject: [Birding-Aus] Hexham swamp
>
> Hello
>
> I read the item dated 16 January 2014 on your website regarding access to
> Hexham Swamp. I found this very useful some time ago when my birder cousin
> was visiting, from Adelaide. I have heard that the access is much simpler
> now and all one needs to know is the entry point, as the rail construction
> is more or less complete. I was wondering if you could give an update to me
> or on your website, as I would love to go back to the swamp. I imagine that
> it is best if everyone doesn't know how to access the swamp, for fear of
> degrading the site.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Regards
>
> Liz Temple
>
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