Where

Towra Point Nature Reserve in Sydney and surrounds

Accessibility

No wheelchair access

What to
bring

Hat, sunscreen, drinking water

Please note

• Stay within marked areas and remember to take your binoculars if you want to bird watch.
• Use one of the public moorings when you pull up with your boat to protect the fragile seagrass beds.
• Dogs are not permitted and its critical that endangered migratory shorebirds remain protected while nesting, roosting and feeding on the beach.

A honeycomb-coloured stretch of sand surrounding a wildlife reserve, Towra Spit Beach is a wonderful spot for bird watchers, if you have a boat to get there.

16km south west of Sydney, Towra Spit Beach’s mix of RAMSAR protected wetlands, sand flats, mangroves and seagrass can only be reached by boat. Be sure to use one of the public moorings when you pull up with your boat to protect the fragile seagrass beds.

The beach can be very busy on weekends and public holidays. If you're lucky enough to enjoy this tranquil beach on your own during the week then pack a picnic to enjoy by its calm waters. Visitors will mostly be of the winged kind; rare migrating birds wade the coastline. Dogs are not permitted and its critical that endangered migratory shorebirds like the pied oystercatchers remain protected while nesting, roosting and feeding on the beach.  

Located inside Towra Point Aquatic Reserve, line fishing is permitted but spearfishing, beach collecting, anchoring, and other activities are not. 

The silhouettes of Captain Cooks and Tom Uglys bridges are a reminder that you're not far from the city, even though you'll feel miles away.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Visitor info

Maps and downloads

Learn more

A bird watching haven

Some of the birds that feed on the intertidal flats around Towra Point migrate over 12,000km, coming from as far away as Siberia, China and Japan. Nearly all the migratory birds here are wading birds or shorebirds.

You may spot a little tern, royal spoonbill, pied oystercatcher, or a Pacific golden plover when you visit the reserve; this is a great place for birdwatching and nature photography. Nearly all of the migratory birds use the Towra Point area are wading birds or shorebirds. Approximately 34 of the 80 species of migratory birds listed for protection have been recorded as using the Towra Point wetlands.

Aboriginal country

The beautiful coastal landscape of Towra Point is country for various Dharawal, Dharug and Eora nations. It has provided an abundant source of natural food, being especially rich in seafood and fresh drinking water, for thousands of years. This nature reserve is now a dedicated Aboriginal Place, in recognition of the natural and spiritual significance to this remarkable civilisation. Aboriginal sites, including middens and earth mounds, are all a part of Towra’s fascinating historic landscape.

Captain Cook’s landing

The site of one of the first contacts between European and Aboriginal peoples, Towra Point is a hugely important place for Australia as we know it today. In April 1770, the Cook expedition explored the area and mapped Towra Lagoon as a source of fresh water. Botany Bay was also the site of some of Australia's first botanical collections by Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander; much of what they saw can still be seen here today.

Sights to behold

Boating and kayaking through the maze of waterways is one way to see Towra Point Nature Reserve. Be sure to check the guidelines for the sanctuary and refuge zones to help preserve these wetlands of international significance. Towra Spit Beach is a popular destination in summer with boaties, who are tempted by the views stretching from Botany Bay to Sans Souci.