Visit Fraser Coast

Fay Smith Wetlands, Maryborough

Tucked into the heart of Maryborough, the Fay Smith Wetlands offer a quiet and rewarding escape into one of the last remaining wetland reserves in the area — a 10-hectare paperbark sanctuary alive with birdsong, native wildlife, and genuine natural beauty.

Fay Smith Wetlands at a glance
FeatureDetail
LocationCorner of Neptune and Victory Streets, Maryborough QLD
Trail accessWalking trails and boardwalk accessible from Neptune Street
Reserve size10 hectares
Bird species recordedOver 70 species identified within the wetlands
Habitat typesPaperbark swamp, Red bloodwood and Swamp mahogany woodlands, reed-filled creek
EntryCheck with Fraser Coast Regional Council for current access details
Best forBirdwatching, nature walks, wildlife spotting

A living wetland in the heart of Maryborough

Nestled between Neptune and Victory Streets in Maryborough, the Fay Smith Wetlands are a genuine urban nature reserve — and a rare one at that. Covering 10 hectares, this is one of the last remaining wetland areas in the Maryborough district, offering visitors a surprisingly rich encounter with native flora and fauna close to the city centre. Whether you're a dedicated birdwatcher or simply looking for a peaceful morning walk, the wetlands reward anyone who takes the time to explore them.

What will you find in the wetlands?

The reserve is dominated by paperbark swamp, with woodland communities featuring species such as Red bloodwood, Swamp mahogany, Queensland blue gum and various Acacias scattered throughout. One of the most charming features of the reserve is a former drain that has gradually transformed into a natural creek, now lined with reeds, bulrushes and bottlebrushes. This evolved waterway has become a thriving corridor for wildlife, and it's well worth pausing along the boardwalk to watch the activity around its banks.

Birdwatching at Fay Smith Wetlands

With over 70 bird species recorded within the reserve, Fay Smith Wetlands punches well above its weight as a birdwatching destination. The combination of paperbark swamp, woodland and a reed-lined creek creates a range of distinct micro-habitats that support a wide variety of native birds throughout the year. The dense, tangled undergrowth provides natural shelter and nesting habitat, making the reserve a particularly valuable green space for local birdlife. The Fraser Coast as a whole is recognised as having more than 250 bird species, and the Maryborough area contributes meaningfully to that tally.

Walking trails and boardwalk

A series of walkways, boardwalks and trails wind through the wetlands, making it easy to explore the reserve at a leisurely pace. The trails begin at Neptune Street, with the boardwalk designed to bring you close to the wildlife without disturbing the habitats — ideal for quiet observation with binoculars and a field guide in hand. The network also makes the wetlands genuinely accessible for visitors who prefer a flat, easy walk through nature.

Who was Fay Smith?

The wetlands are dedicated to and named in honour of Fay Smith, a passionate environmentalist who was a prominent figure in local conservation for more than 30 years. Fay championed tree planting, foreshore protection, environmentally conscious farming practices, and the protection of land against degradation and pollution. Her legacy lives on in this thriving reserve, and a visit here is as much a tribute to her dedication as it is an encounter with nature.

Combining your visit with Maryborough's other attractions

Fay Smith Wetlands pairs beautifully with a broader exploration of Maryborough, a heritage city with a rich history, distinctive Victorian-era streetscapes and a vibrant arts and culture scene. After your morning walk through the wetlands, the city's heritage precincts, museums, mural trail and riverside parks are all within easy reach. Maryborough also sits within the broader Fraser Coast region — meaning K'gari (formerly Fraser Island), Hervey Bay's world-class whale watching and the Great Sandy Strait (Biosphere) are all accessible for a longer regional visit.

Where exactly are the Fay Smith Wetlands located?
Where exactly are the Fay Smith Wetlands located?
The Fay Smith Wetlands are located in Maryborough at the corner of Neptune and Victory Streets. The walking trails and boardwalk start from Neptune Street, making the reserve easy to find and reach from the Maryborough city centre.
How many bird species can be seen at Fay Smith Wetlands?
How many bird species can be seen at Fay Smith Wetlands?
Over 70 species of birds have been identified within the Fay Smith Wetlands reserve. The mix of paperbark swamp, woodland and a reed-lined creek creates diverse habitat that supports a wide variety of native birds throughout the year.
Is there a cost to visit the Fay Smith Wetlands?
Is there a cost to visit the Fay Smith Wetlands?
Entry details for the Fay Smith Wetlands are best confirmed directly with Fraser Coast Regional Council prior to your visit, as access conditions may change. The reserve is a publicly managed space, so checking the council's website or contacting them directly will give you the most up-to-date information.
What other wildlife besides birds can be found in the wetlands?
What other wildlife besides birds can be found in the wetlands?
Alongside its impressive bird count, the Fay Smith Wetlands are also home to multiple species of insects, reptiles and frogs. The dense paperbark swamp and the evolved creek habitat — filled with reeds, bulrushes and bottlebrushes — provide ideal conditions for a wide variety of native fauna.
How large is the Fay Smith Wetlands reserve?
How large is the Fay Smith Wetlands reserve?
The reserve covers 10 hectares and encompasses a range of habitat types, including paperbark swamp and woodlands featuring species such as Red bloodwood, Swamp mahogany, Queensland blue gum and Acacias. Despite its modest size, it supports a surprisingly rich diversity of plants and animals.