The Avalon Wetland is a renowned bird-watching area that provides important habitat for migratory birds, waterfowl and endangered species.

The site forms part of the Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar site, which means it is a wetland of international importance. It is also home to several bird species listed under international migratory bird agreements.

About the wetlands
Located on the northern shores of Corio Bay and adjacent to Limeburners Bay, the Avalon Wetland contains a variety of habitats. These include large areas of intertidal mudflat and seagrass beds, extensive areas of saltmarsh, small stands of White Mangrove, reed bed, the salt evaporation lagoons of the Avalon saltworks and the grass filtration paddocks and sewerage treatment lagoons of the Werribee Treatment Complex.

What to look for
As you’re walking around, keep an eye out for areas of remnant native grassland, mangroves and saltmarsh fields. These provide refuge for a variety of native fauna.

Notable flora includes:

• Salt Club-sedge
• Grey Glasswort

The wetlands are also highly significant for waterbirds, with over 85 waterbird species recorded here. Threatened species you might see include:

• Australasian Bittern
• Baillon’s Crake
• Blue-billed Duck
• Brolga
• Cape Barren Goose
• Fairy Tern
• Freckled Duck
• Lewin’s Rail
• Little Tern
• Orange-Bellied Parrot
• Pacific Gull
• Painted Snipe
• White-Bellied Sea Eagle

Other notable species to keep an eye out for include:

• Altona skipper butterfly

Things to do

Enjoy the beautiful views across the bay to Geelong.