Address & Contact
Cnr Warren - Carinda Road and Gibson Way
Warren
Phone: 61268244361
Email: N/A
Web: N/A
Willie Retreat Macquarie Marshes is located on Willie Station which in turn is located between Warren and Carinda in north central NSW. Willie Station still runs sheep and also cattle on agistment, rainfall permitting, but is mainly dedicated to providing station stay accommodation for tourists visiting the Macquarie Marshes. NSW National Parks use the facilities for training park staff in activities such as pest control.
The retreat was set up years ago by the present owner, Myra Tolhurst with her late husband Phillip, who undertook a huge task of restoration including the creation of a "mini marsh" within easy walking distance of the accommodation area.
Accommodation is centered on the old shearers' quarters which has been named Willie Retreat. Nearby is a small caravan park with powered sites, a few on site vans, a bunk house of rooms with four bunks per room and a spaceous
camping area with good shady areas.
The marshes are mostly enclosed by private property so the best
views are to be had from Gibson Way which runs through the centre of the marshes but which is often cut after good rainfall around the source of the Macquarie River. About 20 Km from The Retreat an observation platform provides excellent
views of water bird habitat when there is adequate water in the marshes. When dry there is little to see.
At the retreat itself pet emus, tame wallabies and a very docile pig called Patrick welcome visitors. Also near the
homestead is the remains of an original Cobb & Co depot.