CUMBERLAND BIRD OBSERVERS CLUB
Birdwatching in Sydney since 1979
Affiliated with BirdLife Australia
Saturday 23 September 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (nearly full)
ANNUAL RAPTOR COUNT, SCHEYVILLE
Meeting place
Meet at Scheyville National Park Headquarters carpark. Vehicle access is from Scheyville Rd (not from Old Pitt Town Rd, despite what the GPS tries to tell you).
Leader
Trevor Waller | 0467 977 508
Habitat
Open
Grade
Grade 1. Birding from around cars with possible short walks.
Facilities
Plenty of parking with toilets nearby. Only a couple of picnic tables.
Friday 8 to Sunday 10 September 2023 (bookings closed)
WEEKEND AWAY - CANBERRA AREA
Meeting place
We will use the Alivio Tourist Park in O'Connor in Canberra as our base for the weekend (although you can stay elsewhere in Canberra or surrounds if you prefer). Details to be provided closer to the event. Bookings can be made by emailing Heather on outings@cboc.org.au. Accommodation bookings can be made at any time.
Leader
Jeff Byron | 0408 869 228
Habitat
Bushland, wetlands
Grade
Grade 2 and 3
Facilities
TBC
Wednesday 6 September 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (waiting list open)
BLUE GUM CREEK RESERVE, ANNANGROVE
Meeting place
End of O'Keefe Road, Annangrove
Leader
Paul Johnstone | 0434 350 409
Habitat
Forest
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 2 km on flat bush trail.
Facilities
Plenty of parking. No toilets or picnic tables at the reserve, but morning tea wil be 15 mins away at Maralya Park where there are toilets and picnic tables.
Sunday 27 August 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (nearly full)
FIELD OF MARS, SUGARLOAF POINT and BORONIA PARK
Meeting place
Meet at Field of Mars Reserve, Pittwater Rd, East Ryde
Leader
Cathy Goswell | 0418 865 421
Habitat
Forest, mangrove
Grade
Field of Mars: Grade 1. Approx 0.6 km Boardwalk loop.
Sugar Loaf Point: Grade 3. Approx 3 km on bush tracks with short steep hill sections, some rough surfaces and a few steps.
Facilities
Plenty of parking with toilets nearby and some picnic tables.
​
Saturday 19 August 2023 | 8.50am for a 9am start (nearly full)
BEGINNERS and NEW MEMBERS, CROSSLANDS RESERVE, HORNSBY HEIGHTS
Meeting place
Crosslands Picnic Area, 441 Somerville Road, Hornsby Heights. Please note that some GPSs try to take you to the western side of the creek so it is best to put Somerville Road into the GPS. It is a steep hill down to the reserve at the end of the road.
Leader
Trevor Waller | 0467 977 508
Habitat
Parkland and bushland
Grade
Grade 1. Approx. 2 km. Mostly flat on paved paths.
Facilities
Plenty of parking with toilets a few minutes walk away. Some picnic tables.
Wednesday 2 August 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (bookings closed)
FRED CATERSON RESERVE, CASTLE HILL
Meeting place
Enter Fred Caterson Reserve via Gilbert Rd, Castle Hill. Continue along Caterson Drive until you reach a car park at Fields 2 and 3. Do not turn left at any time.
Leader
Heather Cavanagh and David Cree | 0419 432 720
Habitat
Bushland
Grade
Grade 3. Approx 3 km on bush paths, tracks and road with some uneven ground and gentle hills.
Facilities
Plenty of parking with toilets nearby. No picnic tables but some seating near the oval.
Sunday 30 July 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (bookings closed)
ROYAL NP – WATTAMOLLA CLIFFS and BONNIE VALE (near Bundeena)
Meeting place
Meet at the P2 car park at Wattamolla. The turnoff to Wattamolla is on the left, 10kms from Audley when coming from the north. The car park is about 5km further on, accessed from a right hand turn as you go down the hill, before you get to the bottom carpark. Entry fee of $12 applies unless you have a NP pass. Note that there is no mobile reception at Wattamolla.
Second location is at Bonnie Vale picnic area, off Sea Breeze Lane, Bundeena.
Leader
Greg McLaclan | 0405 578 967
Habitat
Heath, forest
Grade
Wattamolla Cliffs: Grade 2. Mainly flat with a few steps and a gentle hill. Approx 2 kms.
Bonnie Vale: Grade 2. Level walking on easy bush tracks. Approx 3 km.
Saturday 22 July 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (waiting list open)
SECOND PONDS CREEK RESERVE, ROUSE HILL
Meeting place
Meet at Withers Rd at Second Ponds Creek, adjacent to the Rouse Hill Rural Fire brigade
Leader
Edwin Vella | 0402 067 619
Habitat
Wetland and forest
Grade
Grade 3. Approx 6 km of walking on a gentle slope.
Facilities
Plenty of roadside parking. Closest toilets are at the nearby Bunnings or Mitre 10. No picnic tables.
Saturday 15 July 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (nearly full)
MISTRAL POINT SEAWATCH, MAROUBRA and CENTENNIAL PARK (extra date)
Meeting place
Meet at the northern end of Marine Parade, Maroubra
Leader
Trevor Waller | 0467 977 508
Habitat
Coastal, parklands
Grade
Mistral Point: Grade 2. Approx. 200 m walk to rock platform with some easy rock passage.
Centennial Park: Grade 1. Approx 2 km on flat paved paths.
Facilities
Street parking at Mistral Point, but it can be busy on the weekend. Short walk to toilets. No picnic tables.
Plenty of parking at Centennial Park but it can get busy. Toilets available. Some picnic tables but not usually used by the group.
Sunday 9 July 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (waiting list open)
BUSHELLS LAGOON and SWALLOWS REACH
Meeting place
Meet at the junction of Blacktown Road and Brewers Lane, Freemans Reach
Leader
Adrian Dick | 0451 825 403
Habitat
Wetlands and forest
Grade
Bushells Lagoon: Grade 2. Approx 2 km on wide bush track with gentle hill down to the lagoon.
Swallows Reach: Grade 2. Approx 2 km walking on a mainly flat bush track.
Facilities
Plenty of street parking near Bushells Lagoon. No toilets or picnic tables. Plenty of parking at Swallows Reach with toilets and some picnic tables.
Wednesday 5 July 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)
CENTENNIAL PARK
Meeting place
Near the crossroads of Parkes Drive and Dickens Drive, Centennial Park.
Leader
Corinne Tomkinson | 0488 001 802
Habitat
Parkland
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 3 km on relatively flat, even parklands.
Facilities
Plenty of parking, which can get busy on weekends. Toilets at various locations. Some picnic tables.
Saturday 24 June 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (bookings closed)
MISTRAL POINT SEAWATCH, MAROUBRA and CENTENNIAL PARK
Meeting place
Meet at the northern end of Marine Parade, Maroubra
Leader
Trevor Waller | 0467 977 508
Habitat
Coastal, parklands
Grade
Mistral Point: Grade 2. Approx. 200 m walk to rock platform with some easy rock passage.
Centennial Park: Grade 1. Approx 2 km on flat paved paths.
Facilities
Street parking at Mistral Point, but it can be busy on the weekend. Short walk to toilets. No picnic tables.
Plenty of parking at Centennial Park but it can get busy. Toilets available. Some picnic tables but not usually used by the group.
Wednesday 7 June 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (nearly full)
AUSTRALIAN BOTANICAL GARDENS,
MT ANNAN
Meeting place
Meet near the Visitors Centre. Parking is in the P3 carpark on Cunningham Drive, Mt Annan.
Leader
Heather Cavanagh and David Cree | 0419 432 720
Habitat
Grassland, lakes and forest
Grade
Grade 1. Approx 3 km flat walking.
Facilities
Plenty of parking. Toilets near carpark. No picnic tables near the carpark.
Sunday 28 May 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)
MILL CREEK PICNIC AREA & DEVINES HILL WALK, DHARUG NP
Meeting place
Meet at Mill Creek Picnic Area on Mill Creek Rd off Wisemans Ferry Rd, Gunderman. Turn left before the car camping area and go past the turn-off to group camping, to the picnic area. Allow time for the ferry crossing if coming via Wisemans Ferry.
Leader
Gabrielle Rees | 0414 947 138
Habitat
Mill Creek: Bushland, creek, grassy areas.
Devines Hill: Sandstone rock formation and bushland convict history of the Great North Rd.
Grade
Mill Creek Picnic Area: Grade 2. Approx 2 km on a dirt rocky trail and a flat dirt road.
Devine Hill: Grade 3. A 3-4 km walk on a steep graded firetrail.
Facilities
Toilets and plenty of parking at Mill Creek Picnic area. Some picnic tables, but best to bring a chair.
Sunday 21 May 2023
MERRYLANDS GARDENS
Saturday 20 May 2023 | 7.50am for an 8am start (fully booked)
NURRAGINGY RESERVE, WESTERN SYDNEY PARKLANDS
Meeting place
Meet at the Colebee Centre, Nurragingy Reserve, Knox Road, Doonside.
Leader
Edwin Vella | 0402 067 619
Habitat
Bushland, woodland
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 3 km on level bush tracks.
Facilities
Plenty of parking. Toilets at the Colebee Centre. Some picnic tables near the centre, but these are often being used.
8.30am | Wednesday 3 May 2023 (open for booking)
FLOYD BAY and MIRRAMBEENA
Meeting place
Meet at the end of Hollywood Drive, Lansvale.
Leader
Peter Abraham | 0451 292 512
Habitat
Parkland, wetlands
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 6 km on mainly flat easy concrete paths.
Facilities
Plenty of parking at Floyd Bay but no toilets or picnic tables. Mirrambeena has plenty of parking, toilets and picnic tables.
​
8.30am | Sunday 30 April 2023 (fully booked - waiting list open)
WIANAMATTA REGIONAL PARK
Meeting place
Meet at the car park just inside the gates off Mainwaring St, Ropes Crossing.
Leader
Greg McLachlan | 0405 578 967
Habitat
Ironbark Woodland
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 2 km on flat bush tracks.
Facilities
Plenty of parking just inside the gate. There are toilets and picnic tables in two sections of the park.
8.30am | Saturday 22 April 2023 (fully booking - bookings closed)
EMU GREEN
Meeting place
Meet at Emu Green Reserve, corner of Palomino Road and Russell Street, Emu Plains. Decide where else to go on the day based on the status of the floods and nearby tracks.
Leader
Robyn Pedersen | 0438 989 422
Habitat
A mix of parkland, riverside and bush reserves
Grade
Grade 2. Generally flat on gravel paths or bush tracks with up to 4km walking at Emu Green.
8.30am | Wednesday 5 April 2023 (open for booking)
MITCHELL PARK
Meeting place
Meet at the second picnic table in Mitchell Park. National Park entry fee of $8 applies unless you have a NP pass.
Leader
Corinne Tomkinson | 0488 001 802
Habitat
Bushland, woodland
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 3.2 km on bush tracks and fire trails with occasional gentle slopes.
8.30am | Sunday 2 April 2023 (open for booking)
CASTLEREAGH and WINDSOR DOWNS NRs
Meeting place
Meet opposite the Northern Auto Wreckers, 557 The Northern Rd, Londonderry.
Leader
Daniel McDonald | 0404 374 362
Habitat
Woodland
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 2 km at each site on bush tracks and trails.
Facilities
Plenty of parking. The closest toilets are at McDonalds at 1-21 Cranebrook Rd.
No picnic tables.
8.30am | Saturday 25 March 2023 (open for booking)
SCHEYVILLE NP
Meeting place
Meet at Scheyville National Park Headquarters carpark. Vehicle access is from Scheyville Rd (not from Old Pitt Town Rd, despite what the GPS tries to tell you).
Leader
Heather Cavanagh and David Cree | 0419 432 720
Habitat
Bushland, woodland
Grade
Grade 2. Morning walk of approx. 2.7 km loop on wide, mown tracks that are mostly flat with some gentle hills. Decide what else to do on the day.
Facilities
Plenty of parking. Toilets nearby at the back of the headquarters (follow the signs).
Only a few picnic tables with not much shade.
Friday 10 to Sunday 12 March 2023 (fully booked)
WEEKEND AWAY - LAURIETON AREA
Meeting place
We will use the Reflections and Jacaranda caravan parks at North Haven (which are close to each other) as our base for the weekend. Details to be provided closer to the event. Bookings can be made by emailing Heather on outings@cboc.org.au. Accommodation bookings can be made at any time.
Leader
Heather Pearce | 0412 051 951
Habitat
Various habitats
Grade
Various but mainly Grade 2.
8.30am | Sunday 5 March 2023 (nearly full)
CUMBERLAND LAND CONSERVANCY: WALLAROO & WOMBAT SITES, MULGOA
Meeting place
Meet at the entrance to the property, which is accessed from the turnoff to the Penrith Landfill Depot. This is just south of the Nepean Christian School. Once you turn off Mulgoa Rd, parking is immediately on the left opposite the gate on the right. If the gate is open, drive in and park on the left near the shed.
Leader
Mark Fuller | 0424 440 140
Habitat
Open forest/woodland with clearings and small dams.
Grade
Wallaroo: Grade 2. Approx 3 km of relatively flat walking with some gentle hills.
Wombat: Grade 3. Approx 1 km with some steep hills.
Facilities
Plenty of parking. Toilets available. No picnic tables.
8.30am | Wednesday 1 March 2023 (fully booked - waiting list open)
WEST HEAD, KU-RING-GAI CHASE NP
Meeting place
Meet at the lookout at the end of West Head Road. National Park entry fee of $12 applies unless you have a NP pass
Leader
Lindsay Sherman | 0418 624 905
Habitat
Sandstone country
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 3 km of mostly flat walking on tracks and fire trails.
9am | Saturday 25 February 2023 (fully booked - bookings closed. Max 15)
BEGINNERS and NEW MEMBERS,
SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK
Meeting place
Meet by the Cafe at the Waterview Convention Centre overlooking Lake Belvedere.
Leader
Trevor Waller | 0467 977 508
Habitat
Wetlands, parkland, and woodland
Grade
Grade 1. Approx. 2 km walking mainly on flat paths.
Facilities
Plenty of parking at Bicentennial Park near the café, though it can get busy on the weekends. Be aware that is a one-way road. Toilets at the Waterview Café. Not many picnic tables.
9am | Sunday 19 February 2023 (fully booked - waiting list open)
CENTRAL COAST WETLANDS (PIONEER DAIRY) and CANTON BEACH (Self-drive)
Meeting place
Pioneer Dairy parking area, 1897 South Tacoma Rd. Veer left off the Pacific Hwy near the Hyundai dealer before the Wyong River bridge, then follow this around to South Tacoma Rd. After passing under the railway line, the turnoff is on the right.
Leader
Cathy Goswell | 0418 865 421
Habitat
Wetlands and coastal habitat
Grade
Grade 1 or 2 easy walks, depending on tracks chosen.
Facilities
Central Coast Wetlands has plenty of parking, toilets and undercover picnic tables. Canton Beach has street parking and amenities. Bring a scope if you have one.
7am and 9am | Wednesday 1 February 2023 (open for booking - nearly full)
ROOKWOOD CEMETERY and SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK (World Wetlands Day 2 Feb)
Meeting place
Meet towards the end of William Dr, Rookwood Cemetery. Enter via East St, Lidcombe. Second start location at 9am near the Waterview Café at Lake Belvedere, Bicentennial Park, Homebush off Australia Ave.
Leader
Adrian Dick | 0451 825 403
Habitat
Woodland, parkland, wetlands
Grade
Rookwood Cemetery: Grade 1. Approx 2 km of flat walking.
Sydney Olympic Park: Grade 1. Approx. 2 km walking mainly on flat paths.
Facilities
Rookwood: Plenty of parking beside road. No toilets in the area that we are going but there are toilets near St Michael's chapel.
Sydney Olympic Park: Plenty of parking. Toilets available. Some picnic tables depending on location.
8.30am | Sunday 29 January 2023 (fully booked - waiting list open)
DEEP CREEK, NARRABEEN (morning only)
Meeting place
Meet at Deep Creek Reserve, off Wakehurst Parkway, Narrabeen. If coming from the south, the turnoff is immediately on the left after crossing the Deep Creek bridge.
Leader
Heather Pearce | 0412 051 951
Habitat
Bushland
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 3 km walking on narrow, largely flat track, with steps to the bridge going over the creek.
8.30am | Saturday 21 January 2023 (fully booked - waiting list open)
BOBBIN HEAD, KU-RING-GAI CHASE NP
Meeting place
Meet on the western side of the bridge at Bobbin Head picnic area, near the start of the Gibberagong boardwalk
Leader
Daniel McDonald | 0404 374 362
Habitat
Forest
Grade
Grade 3. Approx 3 km on bush tracks with some slightly steeper sections including steps.
Facilities
Plenty of parking with toilets nearby. Some picnic tables, including some undercover.
8.30am | Wednesday 4 January 2023 (open for booking)
SYDNEY PARK, ST PETERS AND TEMPE LANDS (morning only)
Meeting place
Meet at the carpark in Barwon Park Rd, which is next to the tall chimneys.
Leader
Gabrielle Rees | 0414 947 138
Habitat
Bush, parklands and wetlands
Grade
Sydney Park: Grade 1. Approx 3-5 km easy walking along footpaths, grass and elevated wetland walkway.
Tempe Lands: Grade 2. Approx 2 km loop on dirt track.
Facilities
Sydney Park: Plenty of parking. Toilets and coffee cart nearby. Need to bring chairs.
Tempe Lands: No toilets or facilities, but parks with toilets nearby.
CBOC 2023 OUTINGS CALENDAR
For those of you who like to plan ahead, here is the 2023 Outings Calendar.
​
Note that this will be removed once the full outings program is published and may need to change from time to time. Please refer to the Outings page for the most recent update. ​For further information, contact Heather on outings@cboc.org.au
9am | Saturday 19 November 2022 (open for booking)
CAPERTEE VALLEY
N.B. There will also be an outing to Dunn's Swamp on the Sunday as some members are making a weekend of it.
Meeting place
Meet at the corner of Glen Alice and Glen Davis Rds, Capertee Valley
Leader
Cathy Goswell | 0418 865 421
Habitat
Open woodland and pastureland
Grade
Grade 2. Short walks on hardened uneven surfaces and gentle uphill sections.
Facilities
Plenty of parking in the triangle in the middle of the Glen Davis/Glen Alice intersection. Toilets and picnic tables at Glen Davis campground or Glen Alice Community Hall.
8.30am | Wednesday 7 September 2022 (open for booking)
CHILTERN TRAIL and WARRIEWOOD WETLANDS
Meeting place
Meet at start of Chiltern Trail near the end of Chiltern Rd, Ingleside.
Leader
Heather Pearce | 0412 051 951
Habitat
Bushland and Wetlands
Grade
Chiltern Trail: Grade 3, approx 2 km return on a fire trail.
Warriewood:
Grade 2. Max 4 km. Mostly flat on gravel paths and boardwalks. Some steps on Irrawong Reserve section.
Facilities
Parking on the side of the road near Chiltern Trail. No toilets or picnic tables.
Warriewood Wetlands has parking, which can sometimes be busy. Toilets at nearby Warriewood Square. No picnic tables.
8.30am | Wednesday 6 July 2022 (cancelled due to the wet weather)
MULGOA NR and NEPEAN WEIR
Meeting place
Meet at corner of Dillwynia Drive and Cormorant Cres, Glenmore Park.
Leader
Carol and Peter Abbott
Habitat
Bushland and river
Grade
Grade 2. Mostly level walking on wide paths. Some small inclines at Mulgoa NR. Approx. 1.5-2 km walk at Mulgoa, approx. 600m walk at Nepean Weir.
Facilities
Limited street parking at Mulgoa NR. No toilets or picnic tables. Plenty of parking at north end of Nepean Weir. No toilets or picnic tables at that end. We generally stop en-route for toilets.
8.30am | Saturday 23 April 2022 (fully booked)
"WIVENHOE" PRIVATE PROPERTY AT COBBITTY
Meeting place
Meet in the large carpark at the far end of Mater Dei Road off Macquarie Grove Road, Cobbitty.
Leader
Peter Ridgeway | 0401 481 037
Habitat
Woodland, grassland and riverflats.
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 3 km on fire trail with occasional small stones, and some gentle hills. No steps.
Facilities
Plenty of parking with toilets nearby. No picnic tables.
​
8.30am | Saturday 2 April 2022 (open for booking - nearly full)
SHAWS RIDGE TRAIL, WINMALEE and GLENBROOK LAGOON
Meeting place
Meet at the northern end of White Cross Road, Winmalee. Carry morning tea.
Leader
Pat Thorn | 0414 248 941
Habitat
Forest
Grade
Shaws Ridge Track: Grade 2. Approx 4 km on a fairly flat bush track.
Glenbrook Lagoon: Grade 2. Approx 1-2 km on a fairly flat track.
Facilities
There is parking in the cul-de-sac at the end of White Cross Rd. No toilets or picnic tables at either site. There are toilets at the Winmalee Village Centre, White Cross Road, which is en route to the meeting place.
​
8.30am | Wednesday 2 February 2022 (nearly full)
WORLD WETLANDS DAY: SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK WATERBIRD REFUGE, NARAWANG WETLANDS AND MASON PARK
Meeting place
Meet at the south east end of the Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre carpark on Bennelong Parkway.
Leader
Cathy Goswell | 0418 865 421
Habitat
Wetlands, parkland, and woodland
Grade
SOP: Grade 2. Depending on the sites, up to 3 km of relatively flat walking.
Mason Park: Grade 1. Approx 1km on flat pathway.
