Southern Wetlands - Wetland Boardwalk

The two wetlands, located at the northern and southern ends of the Gardens, are shallow swamps perched in the swales of the old sand dunes on which the Gardens are situated.

These wetlands support a succession of plants from the deepest water to the damp edge. In the deepest parts are tall clumps of Spike Rush (Eleocharis sphacelata), Lepironia articulata, and Sword Grass (Gahnia sieberiana), while in the shallower waters the Water Ribbons (Triglochin procerum) grows, whilst near the edge are thick masses of Gahnia clarkei. In the damp peaty sand above the normal water level are the ferns Blechnum indicum, and Gleichenia species and the large leafed Banksia robor, and the soft green masses of curley Baloskion tetraphyllum, (syn. Restio tetraphyllus).

Also around the wetland edges are Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta) and the Broad-leafed Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquinervia), as well as the shrubby species Banksia spinulosa, Leptospermun juniperinum and Callistemon citrinus. The Swamp Mahogany trees which are an important food source for the local koala population.

A boardwalk has been constructed to enable visitors to view the rich plant life of the southern wetland and to allow access to the southeasten section of the Gardens site, currently an area of open woodland, where future development is planned.

The boardwalk, which is 2.4m wide and constructed of hardwood, was designed and built in 2006 by Gardens volunteers, with financial support from Lake Macquarie Council and Tomago Aluminium. Pile driving equipment was lent by the Kooragang wetlands project.