Branching Out: Explore Nursery Swamp in Namadgi National Park with Gregory Andrews

Did you know that Nursery Swamp is the largest fen on mainland Australia? It is one of the ACT’s most significant wetland ecosystems, and it’s right here on our doorstep in the ACT. Join nature advocate and owner of Lyrebird Dreaming, Gregory Andrews, on a guided walk through Nursery Swamp in Namadgi National Park.

We’ll walk through dry and wet forest, and massive granite boulders. The walk has boardwalks, logs, stepping stones and wet/boggy areas. It has also amazing views, beautiful Snow Gums and Black Sallee trees. During the walk, Gregory will explain the unique plants, animals and ecological processes that make fens such important habitats. You’ll also learn how Namadgi’s fens, including Nursery Swamp, help filter and store water, contributing to the clean, high-quality water that flows from our taps.

Gregory was Australia’s first Threatened Species Commissioner and has a long history of working in environmental conservation both in Australia and overseas. Along the walk he will share insights into nature conservation, ecological restoration and the importance of protecting Australia’s natural environments in a changing climate with us.

Whether you’re interested in nature, conservation, swamps and fens, or simply visiting one of the most beautiful places in Namadgi with a group of like-minded people, this walk offers an opportunity to connect with the landscape, gain a deeper appreciation of this extraordinary ecosystem, and learn about nature advocacy and practical conservation action.

WALK DETAILS

• Date: Sunday 9 August 2026
• Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm (approx. depends on walk speed & questions)
• Break: 30 minute lunch break and explore at the swamp
• Distance: 8.5 kms
• Elevation gain: 312m
• Rating: Moderate (some bushwalking experience and fitness required).
• Note: the first 2kms of the walk are steep.

MEETING LOCATION

Nursery Swamp carpark, off Orroral Valley Road, Namadgi National Park
https://maps.app.goo.gl/WTFBYT4GipuRJUAH9
-35.652265, 148.961149

WHAT TO BRING/WEAR

• Long, warm pants
• Enclosed waterproof walking shoes or boots with good grip
• A hat and beanie (you may need both!)
• Layered clothing so you can adjust to changing conditions
• A warm jacket, preferably waterproof
• Gloves
• Water and snacks
• A picnic lunch

It might be really cold, it might be a bit cold, it might be cold then warm, it might drizzle or rain then stop – that’s the mountains and their changeable weather for you! Please come prepared for cold, rain and warmth. If you’d like to chat about this more so you can ensure you prepared please contact Kelly (details below).

RESCHEDULING
If the forecast for the day is unsafe, or unpleasant enough that the walk won’t be enjoyable, the walk will be rescheduled. If it’s getting reschedule registered people will be notified as soon as possible, and at least two hours before the meeting time.

WANT TO COME BUT DON’T HAVE TRANSPORT?
There isn’t any public transport out to the walk. If you’d like to come but don’t have transport don’t let that stop you from registering – let Kelly know and she’ll work out a way to get you there!

GREGORY ANDREWS
Gregory Andrews is the founder, owner and Managing Director of Lyrebird Dreaming Pty Ltd https://www.lyrebirddreaming.com/
Gregory represented Australia as an Ambassador and High Commissioner in West Africa, and as a diplomat in China, Japan and United Nations negotiations.  He was Australia’s first-appointed Threatened Species Commissioner and led development and implementation of Australia’s first Threatened Species Strategy. An experienced senior executive, Gregory worked at SES levels in the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Environment, Climate Change, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. In the NGO sector, he grew and reformed a national Indigenous charity. In 2023, Gregory led Indigenous co-design processes to write an Indigenous Employment Strategy for Australia’s Parliament House, a Reconciliation Action Plan for the National Capital Authority, and an Indigenous Community Inclusion Strategy for the Cooks River Alliance in Sydney.
Gregory has lived and worked in remote Indigenous Australia, West Africa, China and Japan. He has a First Class Honours Degree in Economics and a Masters Degree in Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Gregory has shared Aboriginal and European ancestry. His Aboriginal family are from D’harawal country. His key passions are the environment and Indigenous empowerment.

MORE INFORMATION
 kelly.allison@conservationcouncil.org.au
Namadgi tracks including Nursery Swamp: https://www.parks.act.gov.au/find-a-nature-park/namadgi-national-park/namadgi-national-park-walking-tracks

REGISTRATIONS
https://events.humanitix.com/branching-out-nursery-swamp-walk-namadgi-national-park-with-gregory-andrews

MORE INFORMATION
Contact kelly.allison@conservationcouncil.org.au

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This walk was made possible with assistance from the ACT Government under the ACT Environmental Grants Program.

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SAFETY AND RESCHEDULING
Your safety is our first priority. We monitor weather, location and track condition to assess risk and ensure safety. If the weather, or tracks/river condition are considered to pose safety risks to attendees the walk will be rescheduled. Registered people will be notified as soon as possible prior to the walk date/time and given first opportunity to re-register for the new date.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Branching Out: Canberra Nature Walks is an initiative aiming to engage the Canberra community, especially people with no, or very little, experience with our nature, and support them to enjoy all the beautiful nature spaces the ACT has on offer. We know that unfamiliar things can feel intimidating — especially when it comes to woodlands, wildlife, and insects — so we would like to support as many people as possible with making that first step. We hope to ignite a love of Canberra’s nature throughout the community and raise awareness of the importance of healthy ecosystems and the rich biodiversity across the ACT.