SKYDIVING SEAHAM

Seaham Swamp Bird Hide is a haven for birdwatching. Visit this great Seaham attraction to see a variety of Hunter region waterfowl, both out in the swamp and sheltering in the hide.

0.3km (one way) - 0.33 hour Enjoy a short walk through ironbark forest with lovely views of the adjacent Seaham Swamp. A great option for walking with kids, this easy 300m track is ideal for birdwatching and nature-spotting. Keep watching as you stroll - it's likely you'll spy a range of waterfowl and migratory birds, and perhaps a goanna or grey kangaroo too.

Whether you're interested in birdwatching, Aboriginal heritage, bushwalking or natural history, the Hunter region's Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve offers a memorable experience. Birdwatching enthusiasts have already caught onto this little gem, which is a habitat for numerous waterfowl.

A former courthouse building (1869) is the site of a local history museum which focuses on Clarence Town as a terminal of navigation and river port. It's collection encompasses shipbuilding, exploration, maps, documents photographs, memorabilia, household items, timber-getting, agriculture and the history of the settlement of Williams River. In addition to the above, a native cottage garden is in the process of being established, together with a replica pioneer settlers cottage about to be constructed, materials on site, containing names, photographs (where available), and information on Pioneer Settlers; all surrounded by native trees. In this manner there will be provided a background to Clarence Town's heritage and a support to the Historical Museum.

The town of Duckenfield is located on the banks of the Hunter River surrounded by rich pasture and farmlands. It was originally part of the estate of the wealthy landowner and businessman John Eales from 1799 to 1871. You can still view two of the estate's houses, Berry Park House and Berry House along Duckenfield Road. Duckenfield sits six kilometres from the historic river port of Morpeth and has beautiful views across the plains to the Hunter River. The town and neighbouring Berry Park offer a mix of Georgian architecture and modern housing. The area has bred fine racehorses and is known as a horse-breeding region today....

The town of Duckenfield is located on the banks of the Hunter River surrounded by rich pasture and farmlands. It was originally part of the estate of the wealthy landowner and businessman John Eales from 1799 to 1871. You can still view two of the estate's houses, Berry Park House and Berry House along Duckenfield Road. Duckenfield sits six kilometres from the historic river port of Morpeth and has beautiful views across the plains to the Hunter River. The town and neighbouring Berry Park offer a mix of Georgian architecture and modern housing. The area has bred fine racehorses and is known as a horse-breeding region today....

The Good Samaritan Donkey Sanctuary was established in 1990 to care for rescued donkeys. Specifically, it offers shelter, food, refuge and care for abandoned, neglected, mistreated or ill donkeys. The sanctuary is at Glen William, approximately 30 kilometres south of Dungog in the picturesque Upper Hunter Valley. They would love to have you visit them and the Sanctuary has long been a favourite among groups. ...

The area which became known as Clarence Town was first settled by white settlers following the visit of Lieutenant Colonel Paterson who travelled up the river now known as the Williams River in 1801. The area was originally known as Erringhi ('place of wild duck' in the local dialect) but the name was changed to Clarence Town in 1832 after the Duke of Clarence, who in 1883 became King William the fourth. The ship building industry began to grow, as timber in the area was plentiful. Many ocean going vessels were loaded with timber for destinations in many parts of the world. The earliest economic activity in the Clarence Town area was cedar cutting, performed with convict labour from 1801. Clarence Town is located 20 kilometres south of Dungog. The village grew around the early river ports, which were used to transport timber from the area to Maitland, Newcastle and beyond. The village of Clarence Town was surveyed and proclaimed in 1823. The Clarence Town river port and ship building industry quickly began to grow, as timber in the area was plentiful and of good quality. Clarence Town’s location was determined by the fact that it was the head of navigation of that river and had a natural river crossing existing at the site of the present bridge. This was the William IV, a replica of which was built for Australia’s Bicentenary. In the absence of proper roads, Clarence Town became the head of navigation for goods transported further north to Dungog and Gloucester by bullock wagons and drays. Many historic buildings still remain but the main attraction of town is the Williams River. Its wide banks and calm conditions make it popular....

Located in Port Stephens, near Newcastle in the NSW Hunter region, Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve offers birdwatching, bushwalking and Aboriginal heritage. Birdwatching enthusiasts have already caught onto this little gem, which is a habitat for numerous waterfowl. Locals will also tell you it’s a great place for a walk at any time of year, and historically significant in more ways than one. Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve boasts an impressive variety of freshwater wetland habitats, from open water and mud flats to melaleuca forest, open woodlands and pasture. Bring along a picnic, a camera and your trusty walking shoes and you’re all set for a delightful day in the great outdoors....

The boat ramp at Bridge Reserve (adjacent to the Williams River Holiday Park) at Clarence Town is a great spot to access the Williams River. One option is to travel upriver under the historic “Brig ‘O Johnson” Bridge and continue north along the Williams River towards Rowlands Falls. Your journey upstream will be through farmland and there is abundant of bird life to see. Clarence Town has a shipbuilding industry where Australia’s first ocean-going steamer was built. An important part of the regions economy in days gone by. The early establishment of relatively small farms on the river, and the ease of river transport led to rapid growth. Along with tobacco factories and steam driven flour mills, one of the earliest National Schools was founded here in 1849 - Source History in the Williams River Valley....

Seaham Swamp Bird Hide is a haven for birdwatching. Visit this great Seaham attraction to see a variety of Hunter region waterfowl, both out in the swamp and sheltering in the hide. Located in a small wetland reserve adjacent to Seaham village, this all-weather bird hide allows you to watch from a platform, ensuring you get great views and photos of the birds without disturbing them. Check out the surrounding signage with interesting information on the birds of Seaham Swamp or stop at one of the picnic tables for a snack amidst imposing rough-trunked ironbark trees. For another view of the swamp try stretching your legs along Seaham Swamp walk....