Winter Wetlands
A private sanctuary for native flora and fauna
The Winter Wetlands are a small wetlands built around a shallow spreading dam in the south corner of Forest Gate Farm. They are at their most beautiful in Late Autumn /Winter, when the dam is full to overflowing and extends throughout the reeds.
The Winter Wetlands is a project that has been built to provide a sanctuary for native birds and wildlife, either within the many many native trees, shrubs and grasses that have been planted, or within the small radiata pine plantation sourced from the mature Radiatas across the road in the nearby Kuitpo Forest. Over 60 different species of birds have been seen at Forest Gate farm.
Guests can enjoy a picnic amongst the trees in a small sheltered picnic area, or roast marshmallows over the fire on the top of the dam wall overlooking the vista (but NOT IN fire-ban season). The little radiata pine plantation also serves as a perfect wedding photography venue.
Nightwalks can be enjoyed within the sanctuary itself (make sure to bring a torch to light the way) or daywalks in the Kuitpo forest across the road. Nightime wildlife that can often be seen includes koalas, bandicoots, antechinuses, ringtail and brushtail possums, tawny owls and frogmouths. In the evening, there are always many kangaroos to be found nearby. A resident Western Grey will often surprise visitors too.
Looking south across the dam in the Winter Wetlands.
A private space to picnic beneath the trees.
Looking north- west across the dam, as some ducks paddle across the far bank.
Reflections on the dam on a still afternoon.
View of the sanctuary island in the middle of the dam, that provides shelter for baby birds / ducks in the evenings.
The fire place next to the dam, stacked with wood, is available in non-fire ban seasons.
A sheltered picnic area next to the camp grounds.
Looking north across the dam in the Winter Wetlands, guests can also see the paddocks with cows and sheep. The farmhouse is in the far background
Trees and birdlife in the wetlands surrounding the dam.
2024 Winter Wetlands Overnight Stay
In 2024, the Winter Wetlands will be available for self contained RV campervans with their own toileting facilities. Guests can have an overnight experience, inclusive of night walks and overnight vigils.
Due to the nature of the vegetation in the Winter Wetlands Sanctuary and manoeuvrability of vehicles, size restrictions apply. The sites that we will be offering in the Winter Wetlands will suit small / medium RV campervans, but will not be suitable for caravans.
Please note that overnighting in the Winter Wetlands Sanctuary is unavailable to children and pets due to our insurance policy, and will only be available to adults.
Click on the map below for more information about site sizes, accessibility, restrictions and their location relative to the pine plantation, the native area, picnic shelter shed and camp fires.
