Explore the channels and floodplains of the Macquarie Marshes system, by kayak.
The Macquarie Marshes on the floodplains of the Macquarie River, north of Warren, are an iconic part of the Western Plains region. Providing an important habitat for waterbird breeding and a home for a large number of other wildlife and plant species, the marshes are considered to be wetlands of international importance.
Most of the system is privately owned, with the landholders using the marshland to graze cattle. The NSW Office of Environment works closely with the landholders, and manages an allocation of 'environmental water' to support the important environmental characteristics of the marshes. At appropriate times, the water is released from the Burrendong Dam to flow down the Macquarie River system and eventually reaches the floodplains of the marshes.
Late last year, marshland conservation officer Tim Hosking and environmental water manager Debbie Love went on a kayak trip through The Mole, a property on the southern part of the marshes. Their purpose was to observe the impact of the environmental water on the wetland ecosystem.
ABC Open producer Ana Tovey accompanied them on their journey into this unique environment.