Central Macquarie Marshes (Route 4)
Monkeygar Swamp: This reedbed is home to a wide variety of waterbird species. Species include Magpie Geese, Swamp Harrier, Pheasant Coucal, Glossy Ibis, various egrets, crakes and other waterfowl.
The adjacent mudflats, particularly on the eastern side, can support wader species like Sharp-tailed Sandpipers and Black-tailed Godwits. Keep and eye out for the family of Brolgas that are often seen nearby.
Terrigal Creek, Little Terrigal Creek and Sandy Camp channel crossings, Gibson’s Way: These crossings along Gibson’s Way are great spots in the springtime to see Great Egrets, Nankeen Night herons, many species of cormorants, various ducks and some great bush birds too.
‘Ninnia’ – Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve, Sandy camp-Carinda Road: This portion of woodland north of Sandy Camp is great for western woodland birds like Singing Honeyeater, Crested Bellbird, Southern Whiteface, Chestnut-crowed Babbler, Jacky Winter and Ground Cuckoo Shrike (on the edges).
Access information and facilities:
The Carinda-Warren road is bitumen so is all-weather. Carinda-Sandy Camp is unsealed so is dry-weather only.
Be especially careful in the single-lane roads during cotton harvesting season – this road is used by some big trucks!
Note that nearly all land adjacent to the road reserve (unless TSR) is privately managed. Do not enter private land unless you have obtained permission from the relevant landholder.