Belmore Swamp

-31.11077 , 152.94858

Australia

Belmore Swamp is a vast wetland located on the lower Macleay Valley floodplain near Kempsey, New South Wales. Over 200 species have been recorded here, owing to the mix of habitats which range from the open water of the main swamp, extensive reed beds, paperbark swamp forest, wet pasture, and eucalypt forest on the hillslopes to the south and west. When conditions are favourable, waterfowl occasionally gather in their thousands, including ducks, swans, herons, egrets, ibis, grebes, stilts, cormorants etc. Black-necked Stork and Glossy Ibis are regularly recorded and it is a good spot to try for Brolga near their southerly range limit in coastal NSW. The reed beds are home to crakes, rails and bitterns, and a variety of bush birds can be found in the adjacent paperbark forest, including Forest Kingfisher. It is an excellent site for raptors, with 18 of Australia's 24 diurnal raptor species having been recorded here. From October to March, if the water levels are suitable, migratory waders including Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper can be found along the muddy edges. During times of inland drought, species typically found much further west are occasionally recorded, including Brown Songlark, Red-capped Robin, Masked and White-browed Woodswallows and Black-tailed Nativehen. In 2005 a Northern Shoveler, a rare vagrant to Australia, was observed on the main swamp. 

The swamp and surrounds are entirely situated on private agricultural land, however a public road bisects it, providing ample viewing opportunities from the roadside. The swamp continues to suffer from the effects of intensive cattle grazing and associated farming practices, particularly when it dries out following periods of low rainfall. However, it remains a very important site for many local and migratory species and can be diverse and productive for birdwatching during good seasons. 

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 changed by Liam Murphy : -31.1108/152.9486 (2021-07-10 08:54:28 )

Coordinates were changed by Liam Murphy : -31.1115/152.9485 (2021-07-10 08:52:50 )

Coordinates were changed by Liam Murphy : -31.1120/152.9486 (2021-07-10 05:42:59 )

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : -31.1046/152.9473 (2021-01-03 20:58:33 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Belmore Swamp" (2021-01-03 20:58:33 )

Edited by Liam Murphy on 2021-07-10 08:44:04
Belmore Swamp is a vast wetland located on the lower Macleay Valley floodplain near Kempsey, New South Wales. Over 200 species have been recorded here, owing to the mix of habitats which range from the open water of the main swamp, extensive reed beds, paperbark swamp forest, wet pasture, and eucalypt forest on the surrounding hillslopes.hillslopes to the south and west. When conditions are favourable, waterfowl occasionally gather in their thousands, including ducks, swans, herons, egrets, ibis, grebes, stilts, cormorants etc. Black-necked Stork and Glossy Ibis are regularly recorded and it is a good spot to try for Brolga near their southerly range limit in coastal NSW. The reed beds are home to crakes, rails and bitterns, and a variety of bush birds can be found in the adjacent paperbark forest, including Forest Kingfisher. It is an excellent site for raptors, with 18 of Australia's 24 diurnal raptor species having been recorded here. From October to March, if the water levels are suitable, migratory waders including Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper can be found along the muddy edges. During times of inland drought, species typically found much further west are occasionally recorded, including Brown Songlark, Red-capped Robin, Masked and White-browed Woodswallows and Black-tailed Nativehen. In 2005 a Northern Shoveler, a rare vagrant to Australia, was observed on the main swamp.  The swamp and surrounds are entirely situated on private agricultural land, however a public road bisects it, providing ample viewing opportunities from the roadside. The swamp continues to suffer from the effects of intensive cattle grazing and associated farming practices, particularly when it dries out following periods of low rainfall. However, it remains a very important site for many local and migratory species and can be diverse and productive for birdwatching during good seasons. 
Edited by Liam Murphy on 2021-07-10 07:45:37
Belmore Swamp is a vast wetland located on the lower Macleay Valley floodplain near Kempsey, New South Wales. Over 200 species have been recorded here, owing to the mix of habitats which range from the open water of the main swamp, extensive reed beds, paperbark swamp forest, wet pasture, and eucalypt forest on the surrounding hillslopes. When conditions are favourable, waterfowl occasionally gather in their thousands, including ducks, swans, herons, egrets, ibis, grebes, stilts, cormorants etc. Black-necked Stork and Glossy Ibis are regularly recorded and it is a good spot to try for Brolga near their southerly range limit in coastal NSW. The reed beds are home to crakes, rails and bitterns, and a variety of bush birds can be found in the adjacent paperbark forest, including Forest Kingfisher. It is an excellent site for raptors, with 18 of Australia's 24 diurnal raptor species having been recorded here. From October to March, if the water levels are suitable, migratory waders including Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper can be found along the muddy edges of the swamp.edges. During times of inland drought, species typically found much further west are occasionally recorded, including Brown Songlark, Red-capped Robin, Masked and White-browed Woodswallows and Black-tailed Nativehen. In 2005 a Northern Shoveler, a rare vagrant to Australia, was observed on the main swamp.  The swamp and surrounds are entirely situated on private agricultural land, however a public road bisects it, providing ample viewing opportunities from the roadside. The swamp continues to suffer from the effects of intensive cattle grazing and associated farming practices, particularly when it dries out following periods of low rainfall. However, it remains a very important site for many local and migratory species and can be diverse and productive for birdwatching during good seasons. 
Edited by Liam Murphy on 2021-07-10 07:44:45
Belmore Swamp is a vast wetland located on the lower Macleay Valley floodplain near Kempsey, New South Wales. Over 200 species have been recorded here, owing to the mix of habitats which range from the open water of the main swamp, extensive reed beds, paperbark swamp forest, wet pasture, and eucalypt forest on the surrounding hillslopes. When conditions are favourable, waterfowl occasionally gather in their thousands, including ducks, swans, herons, egrets, ibis, grebes, stilts, cormorants etc. Black-necked Stork and Glossy Ibis are regularly recorded and it is a good spot to try for Brolga near their southerly range limit in coastal NSW. The reed beds are home to crakes, rails and bitterns, and a variety of bush birds can be found in the adjacent paperbark forest, including Forest Kingfisher. It is an excellent site for raptors, with 18 of Australia's 24 diurnal raptor species having been recorded here. From October to March, if the water levels are suitable, migratory waders including Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper can be found along the muddy edges of the swamp. During times of inland drought, species typically found much further west are occasionally recorded, including Brown Songlark, Red-capped Robin, Masked and White-browed Woodswallows and Black-tailed Nativehen. In 2005 a Northern Shoveler, a rare vagrant to Australia, was observed on the main swamp.  The swamp and surrounds are entirely situated on private agricultural land, however a public road bisects it, providing ample viewing opportunities from the roadside. The swamp continues to suffer from the effects of intensive cattle grazing and associated farming practices, particularly when it dries out following periods of low rainfall. However, it remains a very important site for many local and migratory species and can be diverse and productive for birdwatching during good seasons. 

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)

Spotless Crake (Zapornia tabuensis)
Brolga (Antigone rubicunda)
Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus)
Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus)
Black-backed Bittern (Ixobrychus dubius)
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
Forest Kingfisher (Todiramphus macleayii)
Forest Raven (Corvus tasmanicus)

Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola) was added by Liam Murphy (2021-07-10 08:49:43)

Forest Raven (Corvus tasmanicus) was added by Liam Murphy (2021-07-10 08:49:16)

Brolga (Antigone rubicunda) was added by Liam Murphy (2021-07-10 08:49:04)

Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) was added by Liam Murphy (2021-07-10 08:48:52)

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) was added by Liam Murphy (2021-07-10 08:48:41)

Spotless Crake (Zapornia tabuensis) was added by Liam Murphy (2021-07-10 08:47:25)

Forest Kingfisher (Todiramphus macleayii) was added by Liam Murphy (2021-07-10 08:47:12)

Black-backed Bittern (Ixobrychus dubius) was added by Liam Murphy (2021-07-10 08:46:26)

Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus) was added by Liam Murphy (2021-07-10 08:46:10)

Belmore Swamp is most productive from spring through to early autumn (Sep-Mar), when birds are breeding and the migratory species are present, however resident species can be found there year-round if there is enough water and food resources available. As usual, early morning is best, especially from Nov-Mar when it can get quite hot after mid-morning. To make the most of birding this site, it is recommended to slowly drive along Seale Road from where the low-lying swampy habitat starts on the western side, through the paperbark forest and down to the main wetland (or vice-versa if coming from the east), stopping every few hundred metres or so for as long as you like and birding from near your vehicle. This can take anywhere between 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on how much there is to see.The slight bend in the road where the paperbark forest opens out into reedbeds can be particularly productive and has a safe pullover. During times of drought, Belmore Swamp can completely dry out and become almost devoid of life, but tends to bounce back quickly following periods of good rainfall. A spotting scope is highly beneficial at this site.

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 Liam Murphy on 2021-07-10 08:45
Belmore Swamp is most productive from spring through to early autumn (Sep-Mar), when birds are breeding and the migratory species are present, however resident species can be found there year-round if there is enough water and food resources available. As usual, early morning is best, especially from Nov-Mar when it can get quite hot after mid-morning. To make the most of birding his site this site, it is recommended to slowly drive along Seale Road from where the low-lying swampy habitat starts on the western side, through the paperbark forest and down to the main wetland (or vice-versa if coming from the east), stopping every few hundred metres or so for as long as you like and birding from near your vehicle. The slight bend in the road where the paperbark forest opens out into reedbeds can be particularly productive.vehicle. This can take anywhere between 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on how much there is to see.The slight bend in the road where the paperbark forest opens out into reedbeds can be particularly productive and has a safe pullover. During times of drought, Belmore Swamp can completely dry out and become almost devoid of life, but tends to bounce back quickly following periods of good rainfall. A spotting scope is highly beneficial at this site.
Edited by Liam Murphy on 2021-07-10 08:40
Belmore Swamp is most productive from spring through to early autumn (Sep-Mar), when birds are breeding and the migratory species are present, however resident species can be found there year-round if there is enough water and food resources available. As usual, early morning is best, especially from Nov-Mar when it can get quite hot after mid-morning. To make the most of birding his site it is recommended to slowly drive along Seale Road from where the low-lying swampy habitat starts on the western side, through the paperbark forest and down to the main wetland (or vice-versa if coming from the east), stopping every few hundred metres or so for as long as you like and birding from near your vehicle. The slight bend in the road where the paperbark forest opens out into reedbeds can be particularly productive. This can take anywhere between 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on how much there is to see. During times of drought, Belmore Swamp can completely dry out and become almost devoid of life, but tends to bounce back quickly following periods of good rainfall.  A spotting scope is highly beneficial at this site.
Edited by Liam Murphy on 2021-07-10 08:31
Belmore Swamp is most productive from spring through to early autumn (Sep-Mar), when birds are breeding and the migratory species are present, however resident species can be found there year-round if there is enough water and food resources available. As usual, early morning is best, especially from Nov-Mar when it can get quite hot after mid-morning. To make the most of birding his site it is recommended to slowly drive along Seale Road from where the low-lying swampy habitat starts on the western side, through the paperbark forest and down to the main wetland (or vice-versa if coming from the east), stopping every few hundred metres or so for as long as you like and birding from near your vehicle. The slight bend in the road where the paperbark forest opens out into reedbeds can be particularly productive.This can take anywhere between 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on how much there is to see. During times of drought, Belmore Swamp can completely dry out and become almost devoid of life, but tends to bounce back quickly following periods of good rainfall. 

The turnoff for Seale Road is located 6.7 km along Crescent Head Road from Macleay Valley Way, Kempsey. The swamp starts a further 5 km along Seale Road. The site can also be accessed from the east via Belmore River Road if coming from Gladstone, or Loftus Road if coming from Crescent Head. A private vehicle is required to get to the site. 

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

Edited by Liam Murphy on 2021-07-11 03:40
The turnoff for Seale Road is located 6.7 km along Crescent Head Road from Macleay Valley Way, Kempsey. The swamp starts a further 5 km along Seale Road. The location pin on the above map is the approximate viewing spot for the main part of the swamp. The site can also be accessed from the east via Belmore River Road if coming from Gladstone, or Loftus Road if coming from Crescent Head. A private vehicle is required to get to the site. 
Edited by Liam Murphy on 2021-07-10 08:20
The turnoff for Seale Road is located 6.7 km along Crescent Head Road from Macleay Valley Way, Kempsey. The swamp starts a further 5 km along Seale Road. The location pin on the above map is the approximate viewing spot for the main part of the swamp. The site can also be accessed from the east via Belmore River Road if coming from Gladstone, or Loftus Road if coming from Crescent Head. A vehicle is required to get to the site. 

All habitat either side of Seale Road is on private land and birding must be done from the roadside. Seale Road is narrow and regularly used by large farm vehicles so be sure to park as far to the side of the road as possible to allow safe passage for other road users. 

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 Liam Murphy on 2021-07-10 08:17
All habitat either side of Seale Road is on private land and birding must be done from the roadside. Seale Road is narrow and regularly used by large farm vehicles so be sure to park as far to the side of the road as possible to allow safe passage for other road users. 

The nearby coastal village of Crescent Head is famous for it's surf break, great for swimming, fishing and has a small par-3 golf course, cafés and a bakery. 

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 Liam Murphy on 2021-07-10 08:35
The nearby coastal village of Crescent Head is famous for it's surf break, great for swimming, fishing and has a small par-3 golf course, cafés and a bakery. 

The nearest facilities and accomodation are located in the towns of Kempsey, Crescent Head and Gladstone. 

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 Liam Murphy on 2021-07-10 08:36
The nearest facilities and accomodation are located in the towns of Kempsey, Crescent Head and Gladstone. 

There are no security issues as you will be near your vehicle at all times. The road is narrow and gravel, can be dusty when dry, and the local farmers don't always slow down for birders so take care and give them lots of space. Mosquitos can be a problem in summer, particularly around dusk. Flies can also be an annoyance. There is no shade so be sure to bring sunblock and a hat. 

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 Liam Murphy on 2021-07-10 08:42
There are no security issues as you will be near your vehicle at all times. The road is narrow and gravel, can be dusty when dry, and the local farmers don't always slow down for birders so take care and give them lots of space. Mosquitos can be a problem in summer, particularly around dusk. Flies can also be an annoyance. There is no shade so be sure to bring sunblock and a hat. 
All information about this site was contributed by Orniverse users. Neither Orniverse nor the contributors accept responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.

Local guides


No local guides yet

Gallery


No images found

Reports

Season:
to
Species:
no reports found
Belmore Swamp - Orniverse