Towra Point Nature Reserve
Quibray Bay viewing platform and a Ramsar-listed wetland of migratory shorebirds make Towra Point Nature Reserve in Kurnell a birdwatching destination. The reserve is Sydney's largest estuarine wetland complex, with mangroves, mudflats and seagrass beds, and about 34 of the 80 listed migratory species have been recorded there.
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About Towra Point Nature Reserve
Quibray Bay Viewing Platform at Towra Point Nature Reserve
Towra Point Nature Reserve has a Quibray Bay viewing platform, which is the main lookout open to the public on the reserve. A short boardwalk leads to the platform, with wild acacia and banksia growing on either side before the path opens out onto the viewing area. From the platform, visitors get scenic views across the conservation areas close to Sydney. Because the wider reserve is closed to the public, this platform is the land-based way to watch the wetlands at Towra Point Nature Reserve.
Migratory Shorebird Habitat at Towra Point Nature Reserve
Towra Point Nature Reserve is a haven for migrating shorebirds, and some of the birds that feed on its intertidal flats travel over 12,000km from Siberia, China and Japan. Species recorded at Towra Point Nature Reserve include little tern, royal spoonbill, pied oystercatcher and Pacific golden plover. Approximately 34 of the 80 species of migratory birds listed for protection have been recorded using the wetlands. Its mangroves, mudflats, freshwater wetlands and seagrass beds provide breeding, feeding and roosting sites for many threatened and migratory birds, which makes Towra Point Nature Reserve well suited to wetland birdwatching and nature photography.
Towra Spit Beach and Fishing Rules at Towra Point Nature Reserve
Towra Spit Beach sits inside the Towra Point Aquatic Reserve, which surrounds Towra Point Nature Reserve. Line fishing is permitted at Towra Spit Beach, while spearfishing, beach collecting and anchoring are prohibited there. The beach's mix of RAMSAR protected wetlands, sand flats, mangroves and seagrass beds makes the area fragile, so boaters must keep clear of the seagrass beds. Towra Spit Beach is a popular summer destination with boaties, and it offers views from Botany Bay to Sans Souci.
Facilities at Towra Point Nature Reserve
Visitor tips for Towra Point Nature Reserve
- ✓Check the NSW National Parks alerts page before you visit, because a 1080 fox baiting program ran from 30 August 2025 to 31 March 2026 and that period has ended.
- ✓The Kurnell Visitor Centre is closed to visitors, so make enquiries by phone on 02 9668 2010 or by email at npws.sydneysouth@environment.nsw.gov.au.
Getting to Towra Point Nature Reserve
The Quibray Bay viewing platform is on Captain Cook Drive in Kurnell NSW 2231. Towra Spit Beach can only be reached by boat. The Kurnell Visitor Centre address is 21 Cape Solander Drive, Kurnell NSW 2231. Parking is available at the reserve.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Kurnell
- 📍Botany Bay
- 📍Sans Souci
- 📍Cape Solander
Frequently asked questions about Towra Point Nature Reserve
Can I bring my dog to Towra Point Nature Reserve?
Dogs are not permitted at Towra Point Nature Reserve. Protecting migratory shorebirds such as pied oystercatchers is the reason for this rule.
Are there off-leash areas for dogs at Towra Point Nature Reserve?
Towra Point Nature Reserve has no off-leash dog area because dogs are not allowed anywhere in the reserve.
Is Towra Point Nature Reserve wheelchair accessible?
Towra Point Nature Reserve welcomes people with access needs, and visitors are asked to contact the venue or organiser for details on access.
What makes Towra Point Nature Reserve special compared to other parks in Sydney?
Towra Point Nature Reserve is the largest and most diverse estuarine wetland complex in Sydney. It holds around half of the remaining mangrove area near Sydney and is listed as an internationally significant RAMSAR site.