EXPLORE // Korrongulla Wetland
Take a stroll in this small local wetland filled with lagoons and coastal forest.
Pop into the suburb of Primbee just past Warrawong and you’ll find the Korrongulla Wetland.
An annex of the Wollongong Botanic Gardens, this area is home to local endangered plant communities as well as threatened local animal species.
We spent a morning making our way along the track that runs most of the way around the lagoon in the middle of the wetland and we’re sharing all you need to know before you go.
Family Friendly :: The path around the wetlands is mostly flat so is suitable for big and little legs. It is a dirt path with plenty of lumps and bumps so we wouldn’t recommend prams.
Also, as it is home to loads of different local wildlife there is a chance that snakes will be out and about so make sure to keep your kids close by and avoid leaving the track to walk through the bush.
Accessibility :: Korrongulla Wetland is located in Primbee on the corner of Nicole Rd and Government Rd. There is a parking lot attached to Wetherall Park, which is right outside the entry gate to the wetland and has plenty of space for parking. There is also ample street parking around the entrance.
The closest bus station is Windang Rd at Nicolle Rd. Coming from the south you can catch buses 37, 51 and 53 and coming from the north you can catch buses 51, 53 and 57.
Duration :: There is only one path throughout the wetland and we spent about 40 minutes on our visit walking around. That was with plenty of stops for birdwatching, butterfly spotting and picture snapping.
ENDANGERED PLANTS AND THREATENED SPECIES
The Korrongulla Wetland is full of endangered ecological communities. Although some parts of the area have been degraded, through local regeneration work there has been hope for regrowth and resilience.
The local endangered plants you can spot around the wetland include the Bangalay Sand Forest species like Bangalay, Coast Banksia, Blackbutt and Lillypilly.
There are also Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest species including Swamp Oak and Sea Rush as well as Sydney Freshwater Wetlands plants like Swamp Paperbark and Tall Saw-Sedge.
The wetland is home to some threatened some animal species as well including the Green and Golden Bell Frog. It’s also a major breeding ground for Little Pied and Pied Cormorant Birds.
HOW TO EXPLORE
From the gate that marks the entrance to the wetland, there’s more or less only one path that can be followed. The path follows around the lagoon that lies in the middle of the wetland and is a mostly flat dirt track.
At one stage the path used to make a total ring around the lagoon but as nature has taken over and reeds and swamp have covered a portion of the path it’s now more of a very large horseshoe.
You will know when you have reached the end of the path as it will look a little something like the picture below.
We wouldn’t recommend making your way through the swampy area as it is very wet and muddy. The area is also likely to be home to snakes and other creepy crawlies who we would prefer not to disturb for both their convenience and our own safety.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The lagoon in the middle of the wetland is a real stunner. Home to plenty of local bird species you can expect to catch loads of flapping friends chilling on the teeny tiny islands in the middle.
Because of this, the wetland is often a popular spot for many bird watchers, so you’re also likely to spot them as well with their binoculars or large camera lenses snapping away.
The only downside to this area is the noise. As it borders on the Primbee Bypass it’s almost impossible to escape the sound of cars rolling past, but you’ll likely get used to it as you continue along.
WILDLIFE SPOTTING
You’ll most definitely see plenty of birds as you make your way around. If you have a local bird-lover friend we would recommend bringing them along for maximum spot-age and identification.
On our last visit, we also saw butterflies and plenty of lizards basking away in the sun. We didn’t lay eyes on any of the threatened Green and Golden Bell Frogs but we’re certain we heard their unique growling and grunting sounds in the water around us.
We were also lucky enough NOT to spot any snakes, but just remember the area has been known as a home for those wriggly sticks so keep your eyes open as you walk and stay on the trodden path.
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT
This is only a short-ish stroll but it is also a wonderful way to explore an area of the Illawarra you might not have before.
Stop to take in your surroundings, snap up loads of photos and see if you can identify any familiar plant species.
Locals are also really passionate about the area and keeping the wetlands protected. Once you’ve been it’s easy to see why they care for it so much. On your visit, please make sure to leave the pets at home and of course don’t leave any rubbish behind.
Good To Know :: The keyword here is ‘wetland’. Don’t come on rainy days and even the day after it rains, and you should prepare to get a little muddy. The last time we visited was about two days after a downpour and the trail was mostly dry by then. So best to give it a couple of days after rain before heading over.
Why We Love It :: Areas like these are vital for our local plant and animal species. It’s also an important area for local Aboriginal people as well. It’s been through some ups and downs over the years and we hope to see it continue to grow and regenerate in the future.
What’s Nearby :: Next to the Wetland is Wetherall Park which has a small playground and some cricket nets. Over the hill, next to the primary school and about a 5–10-minute walk away from the wetland, you will find The Rosy Lea Cafe. This is a charming little neighbourhood cafe serving up top-notch coffee and yummy eats, 6 days a week. Perfect for a post-walk pick-me-up.
