Hunter Wetlands Centre
Last updated October 2026
Wetland centre in Shortland with reptile shows, daily magpie geese feeding, canoe hire and bush walks.
A community-owned, not-for-profit wetland centre 10 minutes from Newcastle CBD. Kids can see magpie geese fed at 10.30am daily, meet blue-tongue skinks, turtles and pythons at the weekend Reptile Encounters show (11am Saturday and Sunday, $5 plus entry) and join guided walks. Canoe and kayak hire on Ironbark Creek costs $20 to $30 for two hours, for children 4 and older with an adult. Entry is $6 for ages 4 to 15, free for 3 and under, $9.50 for 16 and over, and $25 for a family. Open 9am to 4pm daily (last entry 3pm), as of October 2026.
Facts checked against the venue's own website on 14 October 2026.
Details
Address: 1 Wetlands Place, Shortland NSW 2307
Location: Shortland, Newcastle, NSW
Phone: 02 4951 6466
Website: https://wetlands.org.au/
Price: Child 4-15 entry $6 | Child 3 and under $0 | General entry 16+ $9.5 | Family (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) $25 | Reptile Encounters show (plus entry) $5 | 2-3 person canoe hire, 2 hours $30
Ages: 0–17 years
Category: Zoos, Wildlife & Aquariums
More Zoos, Wildlife & Aquariums in Newcastle
- Hunter Valley Wildlife Park - Nulkaba
- Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters - Anna Bay
- Oakvale Wildlife Park - Salt Ash
- Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary - One Mile
Other Things to Do Near Shortland
- Hunter Wetlands National Park - Nature & Outdoors
- Islington Park - Playgrounds & Parks
- Jewells Tavern - Pub & Bistro
- King Edward Park - Playgrounds & Parks