Bens Walk

-34.87883 , 150.58830

Australia

Ben's Walk is a scenic track leading through a reserve on the outskirts of Nowra, easily visited from the Princes Highway (A1). The habitats include forest, rocky outcrops, creeks and grassland. Located beside the Shoalhaven River, the site hosts forest and wetland birds typical of the South Coast of New South Wales, including the scarce and local Rockwarbler which is endemic to the state. The bird life amounts to over 150 species, with as many as 50 recorded on a single visit.

Ben's Walk commemorates Ernest 'Ben' Walsh (1884-1960) who set up the walk during the depression of the 1930s to provide employment for labourers. They were tasked with creating a track to link the Nowra showground with West Nowra. The track involves a zigzag path descending through the forest and a suspension bridge over Nowra Creek.  

The site also has traces of indigenous Australian presence, including rock art and shelters. 

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Stephen Matthews : -34.8788/150.5883 (2025-09-06 06:42:56 )

Site name was set by Stephen Matthews as "Bens Walk" (2025-09-06 06:42:56 )

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 12:31:39
Ben's Walk is a scenic track leading through a reserve on the outskirts of Nowra, easily visited from the Princes Highway (A1). The habitats include forest, rocky outcrops, creeks and grassland. Located beside the Shoalhaven River, the site hosts forest and wetland birds typical of the South Coast of New South Wales, including the scarce and local Rockwarbler which is endemic to the state. The bird life amounts to over 150 species, with as many as 50 possible recorded on a single visit. Ben's Walk commemorates Ernest 'Ben' Walsh (1884-1960) who set up the walk during the depression of the 1930s to provide employment for labourers. They were tasked with creating a track to link the Nowra showground with West Nowra. The track involves a zigzag path descending through the forest and a suspension bridge over Nowra Creek.   The site also has traces of indigenous Australian presence, including rock art and shelters. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 10:37:15
Ben's Walk is a scenic track leading through a reserve on the outskirts of Nowra, easily visited from the Princes Highway (A1). The habitats include forest, rocky outcrops, creeks and grassland. Located beside the Shoalhaven River, the site hosts forest and wetland birds typical of the South Coast of New South Wales, including the scarce and local Rockwarbler which is endemic to the state. The bird life amounts to over 150 species, with as many as 50 possible on a single visit. Ben's Walk commemorates Ernest 'Ben' Walsh (1884-1960) who set up the walk during the depression of the 1930s to provide employment for labourers. They were tasked with creating a track to link the Nowra showground with West Nowra. The track involves a zigzag path descending through the forest and a suspension bridge over Nowra Creek.   The site also has traces of indigenous Australian presence, including rock art sites and art and shelters. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 10:36:43
Ben's Walk is a scenic track leading through a reserve on the outskirts of Nowra, easily visited from the Princes Highway (A1). The habitats include forest, rocky outcrops, creeks and grassland. Located beside the Shoalhaven River, the site hosts forest and wetland birds typical of the South Coast of New South Wales, including the Rockwarbler the scarce and local Rockwarbler which is endemic to the state. The bird life amounts to over 150 species, with as many as 50 possible on a single visit. Ben's Walk commemorates Ernest 'Ben' Walsh (1884-1960) who set up the walk during the depression of the 1930s to provide employment for labourers. They were tasked with creating a track to link the Nowra showground with West Nowra. The track involves a zigzag path descending through the forest and a suspension bridge over Nowra Creek.   The site also has traces of indigenous Australian presence, including rock art sites and shelters. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 10:36:19
Ben's Walk is a scenic track leading through a reserve on the outskirts of Nowra, easily visited from the Princes Highway (A1). Located (A1). The habitats include forest, rocky outcrops, creeks and grassland. Located beside the Shoalhaven River, it hosts the site hosts forest and wetland birds typical of the South Coast of New South Wales, including the Rockwarbler which is endemic to the state. The bird life amounts to over 150 species, with as many as 50 possible on a single visit. Ben's Walk commemorates Ernest 'Ben' Walsh (1884-1960) who set up the walk during the depression of the 1930s to provide employment for labourers. They were tasked with creating a track to link the Nowra showground with West Nowra. The track involves a zigzag path descending through the forest and a suspension bridge over Nowra Creek.   The site also has traces of indigenous Australian presence, including rock art sites and shelters. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 08:04:35
Ben's Walk is a reserve on the outskirts of Nowra, easily visited from the Princes Highway (A1). Located beside the Shoalhaven River, it hosts forest and wetland birds typical of the South Coast of New South Wales, including the Rockwarbler which is endemic to the state. The bird life amounts to over 150 species, with as many as 50 possible on a single visit. Ben's Walk commemorates Ernest 'Ben' Walsh (1884-1960) who set up the walk during the depression of the 1920s 1930s to provide employment for labourers. They were tasked with creating a track to link the Nowra showground with West Nowra. The track involves a zigzag path descending through the forest and a suspension bridge over Nowra Creek.     The site also has traces of indigenous Australian presence, including rock art sites and shelters. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 07:43:04
Ben's Walk is a reserve on the outskirts of Nowra, easily visited from the Princes Highway (A1). Located beside the Shoalhaven River, it hosts forest and wetland birds typical of the South Coast of New South Wales.Wales, including the Rockwarbler which is endemic to the state. The bird life amounts to over 150 species, with as many as 50 possible on a single visit. Ben's Walk commemorates Ernest 'Ben' Walsh (1884-1960) who set up the walk during the depression of the 1920s to provide employment for labourers. They were tasked with creating a track to link the Nowra showground with West Nowra. The track involves a zigzag path descending through the forest and a suspension bridge over Nowra Creek.  
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 06:55:19
Ben's Walk is a reserve on the outskirts of Nowra, easily visited from the Princes Highway (A1). Located beside the Shoalhaven River, it hosts forest and wetland birds typical of the South Coast of New South Wales. The bird life amounts to over 150 species, with as many as 50 possible on a single visit. Ben's Walk commemorates Ernest 'Ben' Walsh (1884-1960) who set up the walk during the depression of the 1920s to provide employment for labourers. They were tasked with creating a track to link the Nowra showground with West Nowra. The track involves a zigzag path descending through the forest and a suspension bridge over Nowra Creek.  
  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Chestnut Teal (Anas castanea)
White-headed Pigeon (Columba leucomela)
Brown Cuckoo-Dove (Macropygia phasianella)
Wonga Pigeon (Leucosarcia melanoleuca)
Azure Kingfisher (Ceyx azureus)
Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus)
Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis)
Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo (Zanda funerea)
Superb Lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae)
Variegated Fairywren (Malurus lamberti)
Noisy Friarbird (Philemon corniculatus)
Rockwarbler (Origma solitaria)
Eastern Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus)
Golden Whistler (Pachycephala pectoralis)
Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris)
Olive-backed Oriole (Oriolus sagittatus)
Australasian Figbird (Sphecotheres vieilloti)
Australian Rufous Fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons)

Superb Lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-09-06 10:45:16)

Variegated Fairywren (Malurus lamberti) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-09-06 10:07:55)

Chestnut Teal (Anas castanea) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-09-06 07:36:50)

Rockwarbler (Origma solitaria) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-09-06 07:29:44)

Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo (Zanda funerea) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-09-06 07:24:34)

Azure Kingfisher (Ceyx azureus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-09-06 07:24:18)

Brown Cuckoo-Dove (Macropygia phasianella) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-09-06 07:11:36)

Australasian Figbird (Sphecotheres vieilloti) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-09-06 07:11:26)

Olive-backed Oriole (Oriolus sagittatus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-09-06 07:11:02)

Eastern Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-09-06 07:10:42)

Australian Rufous Fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-09-06 06:59:08)

Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-09-06 06:58:35)

Golden Whistler (Pachycephala pectoralis) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-09-06 06:58:19)

Noisy Friarbird (Philemon corniculatus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-09-06 06:57:38)

Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-09-06 06:57:27)

Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-09-06 06:56:48)

Wonga Pigeon (Leucosarcia melanoleuca) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-09-06 06:56:34)

White-headed Pigeon (Columba leucomela) was added by Stephen Matthews (2025-09-06 06:55:58)

  • Timing and strategy

Most of the forest birds are resident. Summer visitors include Rainbow Bee-eater and Sacred Kingfisher. 

The first section of the walk passes through rocky outcrops where the endemic Rockwarbler might be seen. In the ensuing forest, whistlers, fantails, whipbirds, friarbirds and honeyeaters, orioles, gerygones and thornbills are common. Rarer forest birds such as Crested Shrikethrush also occur.

At the bridge over Nowra Creek, Striated Heron, Azure Kingfisher and Dollarbird may be present (see eBird for dates).

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-10-17 11:47
Most of the forest birds are resident. Summer visitors include Rainbow Bee-eater and Sacred Kingfisher.  The first section of the walk passes through rocky outcrops where the endemic Rockwarbler might be seen. In the ensuing forest, whistlers, fantails, whipbirds, friarbirds and honeyeaters, orioles, gerygones and thornbills are common. Rarer forest birds such as Crested Shrikethrush also occur. At the bridge over Nowra creek, Creek, Striated Heron, Azure Kingfisher and Dollarbird may be present (see eBird for dates).
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 11:09
Most of the forest birds are resident. Summer visitors include Rainbow Bee-eater and Sacred Kingfisher.  The first section of the walk passes through rocky outcrops where the endemic Rockwarbler might be seen. In the ensuing forest, whistlers, fantails, whipbirds, friarbirds and honeyeaters, orioles, gerygones and thornbills are common. Rarer forest birds such as Crested Shrikethrush also occur. At the bridge over Nowra creek, Striated Heron, Azure Kingfisher and Dollarbird may be present (see eBird for dates).
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 11:08
Most of the forest birds are resident. Summer visitors include Rainbow Bee-eater and Sacred Kingfisher.  The first section of the walk passes through rocky outcrops where the endemic Rockwarbler might be seen. In the ensuing forest, whistlers, fantails, whipbirds, friarbirds and honeyeaters, orioles, gerygones and thornbills are common. Rarer birds such as Crested Shrikethrush also occur. At the bridge over Nowra creek, Striated Heron, Azure Kingfisher and Dollarbird may be present (see eBird for dates).
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 10:39
Most of the forest birds are resident. Summer visitors include Rainbow Bee-eater and Sacred Kingfisher.  The first section of the walk passes through rocky outcrops where the endemic Rockwarbler might be seen. In the ensuing forest, shistlers, whistlers, fantails, whipbirds, friarbirds and honeyeaters, orioles, gerygones and thornbills are common. Rarer birds such as Crested Shrikethrush also occur. At the bridge over Nowra creek, Azure Kingfisher and Dollarbird may be present (see eBird for dates).
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 10:39
Most of the forest birds are resident. Summer visitors include Rainbow Bee-eater and Sacred Kingfisher.  The first section of the walk passes through rocky outcrops where the endemic Rockwarbler might be seen. seen. In the ensuing forest, shistlers, whipbirds, friarbirds and honeyeaters, orioles, gerygones and thornbills are common. Rarer birds such as Crested Shrikethrush also occur. At the bridge over Nowra creek, Azure Kingfisher and Dollarbird may be present (see eBird for dates).
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 07:41
Most of the forest birds are resident. Summer visitors include Rainbow Bee-eater and Sacred Kingfisher.  The first section of the walk passes through rocky outcrops where the endemic Rockwarbler might be seen.seen. At the bridge over Nowra creek, Azure Kingfisher and Dollarbird may be present (see eBird for dates).
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 07:39
Most of the forest birds are resident. Summer visitors include Rainbow Bee-eater and Sacred Kingfisher.  The first section of the walk passes through rocky outcrops where the endemic Rockwarbler might be seen.
  • How to get there

If arriving on A1 from Bomaderry or the north, take Bridge Street then North Street to Scenic Drive. 

If based or parked in Nowra, it is a short walk or bicycle ride to the site via North Street or Junction Street.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 07:17
If arriving on A1 from Bomaderry or the north, take Bridge Street then North Street to Scenic Drive.  If based or parked in Nowra, it is a short walk or bicycle ride to the site via North Street or Junction Street.

The main entry point is on Scenic Drive at the Nowra Showground, beginning at the information panel featuring Ernest 'Ben' Walsh. From here there is a fine view over the Shoalhaven River and beyond. The walk is normally open at all times.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 10:49
The main entry point is on Scenic Drive at the Nowra Showground, beginning at the information panel featuring Ernest 'Ben' Walsh. From here there is a fine view over the Shoalhaven River and beyond. The walk is normally open at all times.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 09:46
The main entry point is at the Nowra Showground, beginning at the information panel featuring Ernest 'Ben' Walsh. The From here there is a fine view over the Shoalhaven River and beyond. The walk is normally open at all times.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 08:05
The main entry point is at the Nowra Showground.Showground, beginning at the information panel featuring Ernest 'Ben' Walsh. The walk is normally open at all times.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 07:21
The main entry point is at the Nowra Showground. The walk is normally open at all times.
  • Other attractions

Resident reptiles include Lace Monitor, Australian Water Dragon, Eastern Water Skink, Yellow-faced Whipsnake and Golden-crowned Snake.

Scenic and only moderately strenuous, the walk can be enjoyed by birding and non-birding visitors alike.

The town of Nowra offers extensive shopping and dining, including the Nowra Fresh market which offers local produce (located on the east side of Princes Highway near Moss Street). The nearby Cambewarra, Two Figs and Coolangatta Estate wineries offer tastings and meals on certain days.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-07 14:24
Resident reptiles include Lace Monitor, Australian Water Dragon, Eastern Water Skink, Yellow-faced Whipsnake and Golden-crowned Snake. Scenic and only moderately strenuous, the walk can be enjoyed by birding and non-birding visitors alike. The town of Nowra offers extensive shopping and dining, including the Nowra Fresh market which offers local produce (located on the east side of Princes Highway near Moss Street). Nearby wineries include the The nearby Cambewarra, Two Figs and Coolangatta Estate wineries which offer tastings and meals on certain days.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 13:32
Resident reptiles include Lace Monitor, Australian Water Dragon, Easter Eastern Water Skink, Yellow-faced Whipsnake and Golden-crowned Snake. Scenic and only moderately strenuous, the walk can be enjoyed by birding and non-birding visitors alike. The town of Nowra offers extensive shopping and dining, including the Nowra Fresh market which offers local produce (located on the east side of Princes Highway near Moss Street). Nearby wineries include the Cambewarra, Two Figs and Coolangatta Estate wineries which offer tastings and meals on certain days.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 13:32
Resident reptiles include Lace Monitor, Australian Water Dragon, Easter Water Skink and Skink, Yellow-faced Whipsnake and Golden-crowned Snake. Scenic and only moderately strenuous, the walk can be enjoyed by birding and non-birding visitors alike. The town of Nowra offers extensive shopping and dining, including the Nowra Fresh market which offers local produce (located on the east side of Princes Highway near Moss Street). Nearby wineries include the Cambewarra, Two Figs and Coolangatta Estate wineries which offer tastings and meals on certain days.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 13:30
Resident reptiles include Lace Monitor, Australian Water Dragon, Easter Water Skink and Golden-crowned Snake. Scenic and only moderately strenuous, the walk can be enjoyed by birding and non-birding visitors alike. The town of Nowra offers extensive shopping and dining, including the Nowra Fresh market which offers local produce (located on the east side of Princes Highway near Moss Street). Nearby wineries include the Cambewarra, Two Figs and Coolangatta Estate wineries which offer tastings and meals on certain days.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 10:48
Scenic and only moderately strenuous, the walk can be enjoyed by birding and non-birding visitors alike. The town of Nowra offers extensive shopping and dining, including the Nowra Fresh market which offers local produce (located on the east side of Princes Highway near Moss Street). Nearby wineries include the Cambewarra, Two Figs and Coolangatta Estate wineries which offer tastings and meals on certain days.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 10:46
The walk is scenic Scenic and only moderately strenuous, the walk can be enjoyed by birding and non-birding visitors alike. The town of Nowra offers extensive shopping and dining, including the Nowra Fresh market which offers local produce (located on the east side of Princes Highway near Moss Street). Nearby wineries include the Two Figs and Coolangatta Estate wineries which offer tastings and meals on certain days.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 07:12
The walk is scenic and only moderately strenuous, enjoyed by birding and non-birding visitors alike. The town of Nowra offers extensive shopping and dining, including the Nowra Fresh market which offers local produce (located on the east side of Princes Highway near Moss Street). Nearby wineries include the Two Figs and Coolangatta Estate wineries which offer tastings and meals on certain days.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 07:07
The town of Nowra offers extensive shopping and dining, including the Nowra Fresh market which offers local produce (located on the east side of Pinces Princes Highway near Moss Street). Nearby wineries include the Two Figs and Coolangatta Estate wineries which offer tastings and meals on certain days.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 07:07
The town of Nowra offers extensive shopping and dining, including the Nowra Fresh market which offers local produce (located on the east side of Pinces Highway near Moss Street). Nearby wineries include the Two Figs and Coolangatta Estate wineries which offer tastings and meals on certain days.

The Nowra Visitor Centre on Bridge Street offers a friendly welcome and information for those new to the area, including birding advice and leaflets (the whole Shoalhaven region is rich in biodiversity and birding hotspots).

The town of Nowra has accommodation and dining, the closest restaurant being Silver Spoon on Junction Street, which offers good Thai food. Also recommended is Leaf in Nowra at Nowra Fresh, offering a range of Asian cuisine.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-10-17 11:49
The Nowra Visitor Centre on Bridge Street offers a friendly welcome and information for those new to the area, including birding advice and leaflets (the whole Shoalhaven region is rich in biodiversity and birding hotspots). The town of Nowra has accomodation accommodation and dining, the closest restaurant being Silver Spoon on Junction Street, which offers good Thai food. Also recommended is Leaf in Nowra at Nowra Fresh, offering a range of Asian cuisine.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 11:10
The Nowra Visitor Centre on Bridge Street offers a friendly welcome and information for those new to the area, including birding advice and leaflets (the whole Shoalhaven region is rich in biodiversity and birding hotspots). The town of Nowra has accomodation and dining, the closest restaurant being Silver Spoon on  Junction on Junction Street, which offers good Thai food. Also recommended is Leaf in Nowra at Nowra Fresh, offering a range of Asian cuisine.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 09:47
The Nowra Visitor Centre on Bridge Street offers a friendly welcome and information for those new to the area, including birding advice and leaflets. leaflets (the whole Shoalhaven region is rich in biodiversity and birding hotspots). The town of Nowra has accomodation and dining, the closest restaurant being Silver Spoon on  Junction Street, which offers good Thai food. Also recommended is Leaf in Nowra at Nowra Fresh, offering a range of Asian cuisine.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 07:33
The Nowra Visitor Centre on Bridge Street offers a friendly welcome and information for those new to the area, including birding advice and leaflets. The town of Nowra has accomodation and dining, the closest restaurant being Silver Spoon on  Junction Street, which offers good Thai food. Also recommended is Leaf in Nowra at Nowra Fresh, offering a range of Asian cuisine.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 07:09
The town of Nowra has accomodation and dining, the closest restaurant being Silver Spoon on  Junction Street, which offers good Thai food.

As in Australia generally, venomous snakes might be encountered. Visitors should keep to the path and watch out for snakes on the track. Mosquitoes may be annoying, especially along the creek.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-06 08:07
As in Australia generally, venomous snakes might be encountered. Visitors should keep to the path and watch out for snakes on the track. Mosquitoes may be annoying, especially along the creek.
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Bens Walk - Orniverse