An oasis for feathered and finned inhabitants, Sydney Olympic Park’s 10-hectare wetland is a place transformed from human needs to ecological protection. It demonstrates the unique characteristics of a neighbourhood that balances nature and community development, where an abundance of birds and humans live together.

See how the tidal flows into the Waterbird Refuge at Bicentennial Park are carefully optimised for its feathered and finned inhabitants while minimising wetland odours.

This is a significant waterbird habitat with a high abundance and diversity of resident and migratory birds. You might spot Pacific Golden Plovers, which were recorded feeding in the wetland in October 2012 for the first time in more than 15 years, and migrate from breeding grounds in the northern hemisphere to Australia each spring.

More likely you’ll spot migratory Bar-tailed Godwits and Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, as well as resident Black-winged Stilts. Grey Teals, Australian Pelicans and native fish including Silver Bream and Luderick. Endangered Coastal salt marsh vegetation is expanding around wetland fringes.

Together with the surrounding mangrove forest, the wetland is listed as a ‘wetland of National Importance’ by the Australian Government because of its high ecological values.