World Wetlands Day 2026

World Wetlands Day is celebrated on the 2nd of February every year with the purpose of encouraging people to venture into and learn more about our wonderful wetlands and the vital role they play in our every day lives and the health of the planet.

This year the theme is "Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Heritage" highlighting how wetlands environments are deeply entwined with our community and identity and, particularly, how indigenous people's long, ongoing connection has taught us how to care for these precious wetlands ecosystems.

To celebrate our favourite day of the year, Hunter Wetlands Centre has an entire weekend of wetlands activities for all ages and abilities. There are immersive indigenous culture tours, hands on wildlife encounters, an on-water history tour, an early bird photo walk with renowned local wildlife photographer Steph Owen, art exhibitions, films and guided or self guided walks around the wetlands.

Our big day Sunday starts with an Early Bird opening at 7.30 for bright eyed Members! Don't forget you can join on the day!

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World Wetlands Day WEEKEND Line Up at Hunter Wetlands Centre

31 January

• 10am - Guided Walk | FREE

• 10.30am - Magpie Geese Feeding and Talk | FREE

• 11am - Reptile Encounter | $5pp

• 3.30am - Exhibition Launch "Wetlands Through Young Eyes" Youth Art Exhibition (artists aged 6-16) | FREE

• All Day: Follow a special self-guided WWD trail. Watch wetlands short films in our new-look Theatrette!

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1st February  

• 7.30am - Early Bird opening for HWCA Members (show your card or join on the day!)

• 8.00am - Breakfast with the Birds PHOTO TOUR with Stephanie Owen | $15 (HWCA Members) $20 (General Public) GET TICKETS

• 10.00am - World Wetlands Day with Uncle Amos (Immersive Indigenous Culture Tour) | GET TICKETS

• 10.30am - Magpie Geese Feeding and Talk | FREE

• 11am - Reptile Encounter | $5pp

• 11.30am - History & Heritage of the Hunter Estuary Canoe Tour | $10pp GET TICKETS

• All Day: Follow a special self-guided World Wetlands Day trail. Kids Get Creative with Wetlands Art. Watch wetlands short films in our new-look Theatrette!

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