Weir View walking track
Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve
Overview
Weir view walking track at Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve is a short easy walk along the southern bank of the lagoon with scenic views and great birdwatching opportunities near Moss Vale.
- Where
- Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve
- Accessibility
- Hard
- Distance
- 0.9km return
- Time suggested
- 15 - 45min
- Grade
- Grade 2
- Price
- Free
- What to
bring - Hat, drinking water, sunscreen
- Please note
- The weather in the area can be extreme and unpredictable, so please ensure you’re well-prepared for your visit.
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching.
When you follow Weir View walking track along the lagoon’s southern bank, it’s hard to believe that this natural environment abundant with birdlife hasn’t been here for eons. In fact, the lagoon only appeared after Bong Bong weir was constructed in the 1920s, though it didn’t take long for the newly formed wetland to become recognised as a wildlife sanctuary.
So while you’re stretching your legs, clearing your head or allowing the kids to let off steam along this lovely walking track, keep an eye out for all the birds and animals that now make this reserve their home.
Weir View walking track offers scenic views across the water to the wooded slopes on the southern side of the reserve. It’s a short easy walk with a flat surface and no stairs, making it ideal for walkers of all ages and fitness levels. Keep your binoculars handy and see how many different bird species you can spot while birdwatching.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/weir-view-walking-track/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve in the Country NSW region
Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Weir View walking track.
Track grading
Grade 2
Learn more about the grading system Features of this track-
Time
15 - 45min
-
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
-
Gradient
Flat
-
Distance
0.9km return
-
Steps
No steps
-
Quality of path
Formed track
-
Experience required
No experience required
Getting there and parking
On entering Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve:
- Locate the start of the walking track
Parking
Parking is available nearby Weir View Walking Track. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
When the weather is milder, hike from the reserve to Bong Bong.
Spring
Bring your binoculars for a spot of birdwatching and look for migratory bird species that stop over to feed and rest in the reserve.
Summer
Enjoy a summer evening picnic and listen to birdcalls. By the time the sun goes down, they'll be in competition with the frogs.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
12°C and 25.3°C
Highest recorded
38.8°C
Winter temperature
Average
1.8°C and 12.5°C
Lowest recorded
-6.4°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
June
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
333mm
Facilities
Drinking water is limited or not available in this area, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - hard
Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty.
Permitted
Fishing
A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.
Prohibited
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Nearby towns
Bowral (39 km)
Spring is tulip time while summer has fragrant roses and autumn, flowering bulbs. Bowral Tulip Festival runs from the end of September until early October; the Autumn Garden Festival is held in May.
Moss Vale (16 km)
Moss Vale is the rural centre of the Southern Highlands, with its regional livestock saleyards, farmers market and agricultural show. The meandering tree-lined main street and lush gardens make it one of the most picturesque towns in the region.
Nowra (63 km)
Nowra is a historic city and the commercial heart of the Shoalhaven. It's on the Shoalhaven River close to beaches and national parks.
Learn more
Weir View walking track is in Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Aboriginal culture
The reserve lies within the traditional land of the Bong Bong people. Cultural, linguistic and spiritual knowledge associated with this area continues to be passed on today. NPWS works in collaboration with local Aboriginal communities to protect this rich heritage.
The weir and the wherefore
Bong Bong weir was built in the 1920s to create a water supply for Moss Vale. The lagoon and swamp areas, which developed as a result of this weir, were declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1932. During the 1965-8 drought, Wingecarribee Council considered destroying the weir to allow water to be released for Berrima Cement Works, situated downstream. This proposal was so strongly opposed by the local community, however, that the idea was abandoned. The reserve supports stands of Paddys River box, native to the Moss Vale district and south of Jenolan, as well as snow gum banksia and a range of other native species. The lagoon itself is deep enough for large aquatic plants to thrive, such as tall spikerush, ribbonweed, yellow bladderwort and water milfoil. Other aquatic species include water snowflake, starwort, water primrose, river buttercup and nardoo.
- Weir View walking track Weir view walking track at Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve is a short easy walk along the southern bank of the lagoon with scenic views and great birdwatching opportunities near Moss Vale.
- Wingecarribee River walking track Wingecarribee River walking track is a short easy walk from Cecil Hoskins picnic area, near Moss Vale. Enjoy scenic river views and birdwatching opportunities in Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve.
Wetland creatures
Over 90 bird species inhabit the reserve and around one third of these, including pacific black ducks, black swans, dusky moorhens and grey teals, are waterbirds that are dependent on the lagoon. So if you're keen on bird watching, be sure to bring your binoculars along. Platypus and kangaroos also make their homes in and around the lagoon. The reserve also supports stands of Paddys River box, native to the Moss Vale district and south of Jenolan, as well as snow gum banksia and a range of other native species. The lagoon itself is deep enough for large aquatic plants to thrive, such as tall spikerush, ribbonweed, yellow bladderwort and water milfoil. Other aquatic species include water snowflake, starwort, water primrose, river buttercup and nardoo.
- Weir View walking track Weir view walking track at Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve is a short easy walk along the southern bank of the lagoon with scenic views and great birdwatching opportunities near Moss Vale.
- Wingecarribee River walking track Wingecarribee River walking track is a short easy walk from Cecil Hoskins picnic area, near Moss Vale. Enjoy scenic river views and birdwatching opportunities in Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve.
Who was Cecil Hoskins?
When the reserve was gazetted in 1975, it was named after Sir Cecil Hoskins. This man was a local resident for 40 years who not only had a keen interest in creating parks and gardens, but also contributed to the purchase of the land for the reserve.
