Quick question: have you ever been to the Macquarie Marshes? 

Whatever your answer you may like to know that a chance to experience this magnificent wetland while it’s brimming with water will take place on Saturday 21 October at the official opening of Burrima Boardwalk.

Situated 49 km from Carinda and 128 km from Warren at 12800 Carinda Road, ‘Burrima’ is a 257 hectare privately owned property near the edge of the Northern Nature Reserve. The property is managed by the Macquarie Wetlands Association which aims to restore and conserve wetland and floodplain habitat, and showcase this section of the marshes to the general public.

A two kilometre elevated walkway was constructed on the property in 2020 at the end of the drought to provide an immersive experience through river red gum forest, mixed marsh and dense reed. Bird and aquatic life can be spotted from the boardwalk and an observation tower allows visitors to view across the northern marsh reed bed, part of the largest reed bed in southern Australia.

On Saturday 21 October this boardwalk will be officially opened by Member for Barwon Roy Butler, with support from Warren Mayor Milton Quigley, Deputy Director at Regional NSW Gerry Collins and Tony Wass, president of MWA. 

“A lot of planning has gone into the opening and our committee is looking forward to thanking all those who played a part in building the boardwalk, and showcasing this area of the magnificent Macquarie Marshes,” Mr Wass said. “We ask that people arrive early so they can be guided to the information centre and enjoy a complimentary morning tea before the official proceedings begin at 10:00 am.”

After the opening, visitors will be able to explore the walkway either independently or with some of the owners and other guides. Plein Air artists will be dotted along the boardwalk and Dubbo-based artist Kim Goldsmith is offering a soundwalk experience for those interested in creative ways of listening to the environment. “Participants will hear the wetland in ways they will have never heard them before as we dip beneath the surface of the Marshes using specialist microphones and headphones,” Ms Goldsmith said. Booking for the soundwalks can be made at https://eco-pulse.art/ecowalk/

For anyone looking for a different perspective, helicopter rides will be available as well, with Bryce Guest from North West Helicopters taking passengers on 15 minute rides above the Marshes, for $100 per person. Bookings can be taken on the day with cash (preferable) or direct deposit available.

The Burrima gates will open at 9:00 am and entry is free. Morning tea will be catered by Carinda Far West Store and Marra Creek Public School will provide a BBQ sausage sandwich and bottle of water for a gold coin donation.

Macquarie Wetland Association Inc. and Warren Shire Council wish to acknowledge the following funding from NSW Government including the Regional Growth - Environment and Tourism Fund for the funding of the boardwalk, Department of Regional NSW for all weather road construction and Department of Regional NSW for the opening event.

For more information email [email protected], call 0447 924 043 or search Burrima Boardwalk on Facebook.