"A brilliant way to spend a day"
"You'll see some swans" I was told as we began paddling (or more correctly, punting) the canoe through the wetlands. Expecting about twenty or thirty, I was excited when one came into view. Then suddenly we were surrounded. Majestic black birds resembling crowns with a distinctive beak red as a jewel were floating around enjoying a morning weed feed. There were literally hundreds of them!

So enthralled was I by this sight and by their whistling honking communications, I missed the approach of another inhabitant. But seconds later, with the gentle folding of enormous wings another Jabiru had gracefully landed to join his mate. This devoted pair were unconcerned by the audience and they commenced to fish the plentiful food supply. At a distance of about ten metres it is possible to appreciate the beauty of this uncommon stork. The shiny dark teal neck feathers had always appeared black when viewed from a distance.

Drifting further we passed remnants of old boundary fences - wire long gone - as the wetlands have become a joint venture of neighbours. One landholder has even constructed a hide for birdwatchers. Numerous Black Ducks and Wood Ducks gathered on the deeper water near the hide, quacking their annoyance at any swan that came too close. It is easy to see why this was a popular hunting ground for the indigenous people in past centuries.

We turn a corner and here the water is rippling with shoals of immature mullet that tickle as they swim over my drifting fingers. This is a major fish and prawn breeding ground for the area. 

Next we come to a place where the weed has been grazed down by the swan flock - but with 120 acres they seem to manage selective grazing very efficiently.

As we approach some of the many 'one tree islands' - usually a casuarina or mangrove with a swamp rush growing at the base, a swan will sometimes leave a nest mound to join his/her mate standing guard. Ornithological texts state that nesting occurs from February to March in the northern habitat zone and from May to September in the southern region. It appears however that this site is used for breeding at all times of the year.

Further on at the edge of Long Ridge, a shy Swamp Wallaby peers through the reeds, and an Azure Kingfisher successfully evades the camera. Scrub Turkey mounds are evident from the waterline to the top of the ridge. Finger (or Thumbnail) Orchids and Staghorns grow in the taller trees. Numerous Wrens and other small birds dart about while Dragonflies hover over the water surface. An Osprey soars overhead. 

With the sudden appearance of the jetty just ahead, it is easy to understand the need for guided tours - you could get lost in this wilderness! The two hours or so I was privileged to spend in this ecological paradise is equal to my previous nature "high" which was eyeballing a mighty Humpback Whale.

Where is this place? It's the largely unknown area just minutes from Macksville off Congarinni North Road. Dennis and Marilyn Ryan have developed "Valley of the Mist" Bush Tucker Tours and Canoe Wetland Tours. To preserve the essence of the area, canoe tours are limited to four clients at any time. 

These rare and beautiful subtropical East Coast wetlands have the potential to rival Kakadu in ecological significance and as a tourist attraction. Their importance to the Nambucca Valley is priceless.

Reprint of a recent letter received from
Joy Lane - Taylors Arm  -  NSW Australia

HOME  |  TOURS  |  PRODUCTS  |  WILDLIFE  |  BRILLIANT  |  LOCATION  |  ENQUIRIES

© Nambucca Graphics -  All rights reserved