Beardy Waters Dam and Woodlands

Beardy Waters Dam and Woodlands is one of the best bird-watching areas in the district. The site supports a great diversity of waterfowl and there is always a chance of something unusual stopping over. To view the entire dam, go to both Shannon Vale bridge and the Beardy Woodlands Reserve. To get to Shannon Vale Bridge from the Glen Innes Visitor Centre/northern roundabout - travel 1.6 kilometre east on the Gwydir Highway towards Grafton, then at the top of the hill turn right into the Shannon Vale Road and then 2.2 kilometre to Shannon Vale Bridge. To get to Beardy Waters Woodlands, travel 5 km east of Glen Innes. From the Glen Innes Visitor Centre/ northern roundabout - travel 5 km east on the Gwydir Hwy towards Grafton, turn right into the Beardy Waters Woodlands 190 m east of Beardy Bridge. There are no toilets, picnic tables, shelters, and barbecue facilities. Visit the Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre to pick up a bird-watching brochure before heading out.