Sydney Park Wetlands

Welcome to Sydney Park Wetlands, a premier establishment and park located at Erskineville, Sydney Park Road in Australia. As a prominent point of interest and tourist attraction, our institution offers a unique experience that combines natural beauty with a rich history.

One of our most notable features is our water reuse project, which has received recognition through prestigious industry prizes. We have implemented a sustainable water management system that allows us to reuse water to replenish the wetlands, irrigate the expansive 44-hectare park, and supply the neighboring depot. With the support of a $11.2 million upgrade funded by the federal government, we are able to capture and clean approximately 850 million liters of stormwater annually for downstream release or potential reuse. This project represents our commitment to reducing sediments and nutrients from stormwater runoff and meeting 10% of our water demand through local water capture and reuse by 2030.

Our water harvesting system diverts and stores stormwater that would otherwise drain away, treating it to provide a sustainable water supply for the wetlands, Sydney Park, and potentially other water users in the local area. This innovative approach not only helps us maintain the health of our wetlands but also contributes to flood mitigation, stormwater management, and urban heat reduction. Additionally, the wetlands act as a magnet for wildlife, attracting a diverse range of species to our urban spaces.

With four distinct wetland areas, our institution plays a vital role in preserving and enhancing ecosystems. Before the implementation of our water reuse project, these wetlands lacked a sustainable water supply, making their transformation even more remarkable. The native grasses surrounding the wetlands, known as bioretention swales, serve as natural filters, reducing contaminants flowing downstream into Botany Bay.

Thanks to the permanent water supply, our wetlands have become an important habitat for native wildlife during dry periods. Visitors can spot various bird species, including the black-winged stilt, black-fronted dotterel, black swans, and the Japanese migratory bird, Latham’s snipe. The dense cladium planting in the middle of the wetlands provides a home for Australasian reed-warblers, superb fairy-wrens, and other waterfowl. In recent years, the wetlands have also become a haven for frogs and eastern long-necked turtles.

Beyond its natural wonders, Sydney Park Wetlands holds historical significance. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the park served as a major source of clay, giving rise to several family-run brick, pottery, and tile works that formed a crucial local industry. Notably, Bedford Brickworks was established here in 1893 and operated until 1970 when it was taken over by the Austral Brick Company. Following this period, the former brick pits were repurposed as a local tip from the late 1940s to the 1980s. The transformation from a barren wasteland to the thriving wetlands you see today is a testament to our dedication to environmental conservation and restoration.

Come and explore Sydney Park Wetlands, where nature's beauty intertwines with a rich history. Immerse yourself in the lush landscapes, observe the diverse wildlife, and learn about the remarkable journey of this exceptional institution.