The Tahbilk Wetlands and Wildlife Reserve sits beside the Tahbilk winery, ten minutes from Nagambie, and it is the best easy nature walk in the district: boardwalks and trails through river red gum wetlands on the Goulburn backwaters, with two bird hides for whoever brought the binoculars.
01The walk
The boardwalk loops suit all ages and most fitness levels, and the bird hides give kids a mission. Allow an hour for a gentle loop, longer if the group includes a photographer. The reserve has been listed as open 10am to 5pm on weekends; hours can change seasonally, so confirm on the Tahbilk wetlands page before making it the day's anchor.
02Eco boat trips
Eco boat trips have operated on the wetlands from the Tahbilk side, and the Goulburn Explorer cruise covers the river itself. Both run to their own timetables, so check with the operators before promising the group a boat.
03Making a day of it
The natural pairing is obvious: the wetlands walk, then lunch and a tasting at Tahbilk next door, and the farmers' market if it is the fourth Sunday. For the angler's family, this is the backbone of the while they're fishing plan.
04Common questions
Does the Tahbilk wetlands walk cost anything? Check current arrangements with Tahbilk; access arrangements and hours are set by the estate and can change with seasons and private events.
Is the wetlands walk suitable for prams and younger kids? The boardwalk sections are the easy part and suit most wheels and little legs; surfaces beyond them vary. Keep kids close to hand near the water and the hides.