Michael Eades Reserve
Michael Eades Reserve is a small bush reserve north of Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia, known for its circular walking trails and over 70 bird species, including Gang-gang Cockatoo and Red-browed Treecreeper. Its standout feature is its birdlife, and its trails take about two hours to walk.
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About Michael Eades Reserve
Walking Trails at Michael Eades Reserve
Michael Eades Reserve has a circular walking trail that takes about two hours to walk around. The trails are rated as easy for walking difficulty, and the reserve is reached entirely on foot once visitors have parked outside its boundary. Michael Eades Reserve has a route that combines an unpaved road with narrow trail sections, and the terrain is a mix of flat and hilly ground. Michael Eades Reserve's many trails allow walkers to explore the bushland loop at their own pace, making it suited to visitors who want a steady, unhurried bushwalk through native vegetation.
Birdwatching at Michael Eades Reserve
Michael Eades Reserve is home to over 70 bird species, making it a strong destination for birdwatchers in Katoomba. Red-browed Treecreeper, Beautiful Firetail and Gang-gang Cockatoo are regular residents of Michael Eades Reserve. Leaden Flycatcher nests at Michael Eades Reserve each summer, and White-throated Needletail is regularly seen flying over the reserve. Summer and spring are the best birding seasons at Michael Eades Reserve, with spring being the best time to visit for birdwatching.
Bushland and Hanging Swamps at Michael Eades Reserve
Michael Eades Reserve contains bushland with sensitive vegetation unique to the upper Blue Mountains plateau. Acacia ptychoclada and Grevillea acanthifolia are significant plants that occur nowhere else in the world. Hanging swamps are a notable feature of Michael Eades Reserve, fed by groundwater moving through sandstone, claystone and shale layers. Katoomba Creek flows downstream from Michael Eades Reserve into the Grose Valley World Heritage Site, and the reserve supports threatened animals including the Blue Mountains Water Skink, Giant Dragonfly and Giant Burrowing Frog.
Facilities at Michael Eades Reserve
Visitor tips for Michael Eades Reserve
- ✓Visit in spring, which is the best time for birdwatching at Michael Eades Reserve.
- ✓Allow about two hours to complete the circular trail.
- ✓Drive to Second Avenue and park in the small clear areas, as vehicles cannot enter the reserve.
- ✓Look for Red-browed Treecreeper, Beautiful Firetail and Gang-gang Cockatoo along the trails.
- ✓Visit in summer to see Leaden Flycatchers nesting and White-throated Needletails flying overhead.
- ✓Bring binoculars instead of a telescope, as there is no birdwatching hide or platform and a telescope is not useful.
Getting to Michael Eades Reserve
Drive to Second Avenue, Katoomba NSW 2780. Vehicles are not permitted inside the reserve, and small clear areas nearby can be used for parking. The bus stop at 27-29 Second Avenue is about 11 minutes' walk away, Leura Station is about 25 minutes' walk, and Katoomba Station is about 46 minutes' walk. Historic council records associate the reserve with 4-14 Fern Hill Road, Katoomba NSW 2780.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Katoomba
- 📍Second Avenue, Katoomba
- 📍Katoomba Creek
- 📍Grose Valley World Heritage Site
Frequently asked questions about Michael Eades Reserve
Can I have a BBQ or picnic at Michael Eades Reserve?
Michael Eades Reserve has no confirmed BBQ or picnic facilities in available information. The reserve is a bush setting with walking trails, hanging swamps and native vegetation.
Is parking at Michael Eades Reserve free?
Vehicles are not permitted inside Michael Eades Reserve, so visitors drive to Second Avenue in Katoomba and use small clear areas to park. Parking fees are not stated in the available information.
Are there walking paths or trails around Michael Eades Reserve?
Michael Eades Reserve has a circular walking trail that combines an unpaved road with narrow trail sections. The trails are rated as easy for walking difficulty and take about two hours to walk around.
How long is the walking loop at Michael Eades Reserve?
The walking loop at Michael Eades Reserve takes about two hours to walk around. The loop is circular and passes through bushland with many trails.
What's the best time of day to visit Michael Eades Reserve?
Spring is the best time to visit Michael Eades Reserve for birdwatching. Summer is also a good birding season, when Leaden Flycatchers nest at the reserve each year.
What makes Michael Eades Reserve different from other parks in Katoomba?
Michael Eades Reserve has over 70 bird species, including Red-browed Treecreeper, Beautiful Firetail and Gang-gang Cockatoo. It also contains hanging swamps and sensitive vegetation unique to the upper Blue Mountains plateau.