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No fishing, netting, Yaringa, French Island & Churchill 0 2.5 5 spearing, taking or killing Island Marine National Parks of marine life. K I L O M E T R E S All methods of fishing, Cartography by Spatial Vision 2003 Highway Boat access point N M/7364 from the shore or at sea,

e are prohibited. Sealed road .A Yellow Triangular MELBOURNE boundary marker Marine National Park e In water boundary marker e National Park (Pile or Buoy) GEELONG No taking or damaging of animals, plants and Nature Park Information * objects (artefacts). Waterbody HWM High Water Mark

Exposed at low water To Cranbourne

0 C781 38 12'47"S M420 Koo Wee Rup To 0 C421 145 18'10"E Frankston Tooradin

Warneet

Pelican Quail Point Yaringa Island Marina Chinaman C777 A780 Island .A Tyabb W E S T E R N 0 Yaringa 38 14'50"S 38016'24"S 0 Marine 0 145 14'55"E 145 18'45"E National Crawfish French Island Rock Park Barrallier 38017'07"S 38016'46"S Marine National 980 ha Joe Island e Island 145023'12"E 0 Park Scrub 0 145 25'10"E Lang Point 38 17'33"S e 2,800 ha Lang .A 145022'06"E e 38017'34"S e e 38017'00"S Post 145027'15"E Lang 0 145 18'30"E Office Lang B440 Channel Palmer Middle .A Point Hastings Spit Western Port Marina 38018'24"S 145027'12"E Sandstone Island FRENCH ISLAND

NATIONAL PARK Stockyard C786 Crib Point Point

F R E N C H I S L A N D Sandy Point Stony Point

Passenger Tankerton HMAS Ferry CERBERUS P O R T

Grantville

Sandy Point Tortoise Head Settlement Point Corinella Tortoise Head Bank Long Elizabeth Island Point Coronet Bay

Cowes Observation Point A420

Churchill Island Reef Rhyll Marine National Island P H I L L I P 38029'09"S Park 145018'20"E 670 ha Kennedy PHILLIP Long Point Point .A 0 I S L A N D 38 29'37"S Latitude and Longitude values 0 .A 145 20'16"E are based on WGS84. GPS Churchill Island users note that co-ordinates for boundaries are given in the format degrees:minutes:seconds. Newhaven Alternate formats are available on Parkweb, by calling 13 1963 or from Parks Victoria Offices. San Anderson Rem Location of reefs are for o illustrative purposes only and S A S S S T R A I T may not indicate the true position To Wonthaggi

Western Port Marine National Parks Western Port is one of the three most important sites in Victoria in terms of wader numbers and density. It periodically supports Western Port's diverse and sensitive marine environment is more than 10,000 ducks and black swans, as well as more than protected in three Marine National Parks. 5% of the Victorian population of eight migratory shorebird species, including the Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew Sandpiper, Yaringa Marine National Park (980 ha) protects extensive Double-banded Plover, Eastern Curlew and Red-necked Stint. mangroves, sheltered intertidal mudflats and saltmarsh areas. The relatively undisturbed mangrove and saltmarsh habitats of Western Port is also a significant breeding area for the Fairy Watson Inlet and Quail Island are of State geomorphological Tern, Pied Oystercatcher, Pied Cormorant, Australian Pelican significance. and Hooded Plover.

Mangroves are a vital part of the bay ecosystem and provide an Hooded Plovers nest in very exposed beach locations, so please important habitat for a number of invertebrates, marine snails take care and watch for eggs when walking above the high tide and bivalves and adult and juvenile fish. line, especially between August and February.

The intertidal mudflats are of international significance as roosting and foraging areas for waders and waterbirds, while the adjacent coast supports sand heathland, coastal saltmarsh and low woodland dominated by manna gums.

Nearby Quail and Chinaman Islands are of State botanical and zoological significance and are managed as a nature conservation reserve.

Hooded Plover

Marine National Park boundaries

Yaringa Marine National Park (980 hectares) is adjacent to Quail Island Nature Conservation Reserve. A shore marker at Yaringa Marina identifies the park boundary.

French Island Marine National Park (2,800 ha) extends 15 km along the northern shore of French Island National Park. The park boundary follows North Arm and the Horseshoe Channel and is marked by In-water navigation marks and Shore marks at the eastern and western extent of the park.

Churchill Island Marine National Park (675 ha) is located Curlew Sandpiper south of Rhyll, on the eastern shore of Phillip Island. Shore marks at Long Point and the north point of Churchill Island identify the park boundary. French Island Marine National Park (2,800 ha) is adjacent to the northern shore of French Island National Park, and contains a variety of sheltered habitats, including seagrass beds, deep channels, mangroves, intertidal mudflats and sandy beaches. Activity What can I do? The northern shore of French Island has one of the most extensive Recreational activities areas of saltmarsh and mangrove communities in Victoria and the mudflats are of State geomorphological significance. The • nature observation and sightseeing yes seagrass beds are nursery areas for fish, including commercially • snorkelling and scuba diving yes and recreationally important species such as King George Whiting, • swimming, surfing yes Bream and Mullet. • windsurfing, sailing, boating yes (1) • filming and photography yes The area is especially significant as a feeding habitat for the 32 species of migratory waders found in Western Port. The waters Recreational fishing and harvesting around Barralier Island, one of the bay's 13 high tide roost sites, • all forms of fishing - line, spear, netting, traps no are particularly sensitive to disturbance. • shellfish collection, including abalone no and rock lobster collection • bait collection no Churchill Marine National Park (670 ha) protects seagrass • catch and release fishing no beds, mangroves, sheltered intertidal mudflats and sandy beaches, with a raised beach in the Marine National Park of State geological Commercial fishing and marine aquaculture and geomorphological significance. The intertidal mudflats extending from Rhyll to Newhaven also support seagrasses and • abalone fishing no vast numbers of bivalve molluscs, worms and creatures that • rock lobster fishing no provide a rich food source for birds and fish. • netting, line fishing and trapping no • marine aquaculture no The area around Rhyll, the nearest town, is popular for boat- based activities, shore-based sightseeing, birdwatching and other Education and research natural history activities. • educational excursions yes • scientific research yes (2)

Ramsar wetlands Other uses These three Marine National Parks are all part of the internationally • licensed tour operators yes (2) listed Western Port Ramsar wetlands, containing important foraging • filming and photography (commercial) yes (2) and roosting areas for a number of waterbird species, including • removal or disturbance of plants or animals no migratory waders. • dredging and spoil dispersal no • activities that disturb the seafloor no The site is also an important drought refuge for inland waterbirds • waste and ballast discharge no during the summer months as the marine environment provides habitat all year round. 1 Restrictions may apply to high-speed boating or the use of personal watercraft where there is a conflict with natural values or other users 2 Subject to permit

Personal safety Enjoying Western Port’s Marine Restrictions

Diving should only be National Parks For the protection of the marine environment, a undertaken by trained and number of activities are prohibited within the experienced divers As well as protecting the marine environment, boundaries of Victoria’s Marine National Parks Western Port’s Marine National Parks offer an Beware of sudden changes and Marine Sanctuaries. in weather, especially when attractive range of recreation opportunities. boating or canoeing on No fishing, netting, spearing, open water Canoeing is an ideal way to explore the taking or killing of marine life. Wear adequate protective mangroves and estuarine conditions of Yaringa All methods of fishing, from the footwear when exploring and Churchill Island marine national parks. coastal environments shore or at sea, are prohibited

Watch where your hands Whether on land or from the water, bird watching are going at all times to can be very rewarding, with many species avoid potentially dangerous breeding or roosting around the bay, including a creatures No taking or damaging of number of migratory waders. animals, plants and objects Beware of large tidal (artefacts) variations of up to three Yachting is increasingly popular in the bay’s metres relatively tranquil waters. In particular, a trip Stay away from cliff edges around French Island is an enjoyable experience and bases - but please remember to take care when There are strong penalties under the National Ensure adequate protection mooring within the fragile sea grass beds and Parks Act for fishing in Marine National Parks from the sun and wind avoid nesting and roosting sites for birds. and Marine Sanctuaries. These restrictions Practise safe boating, and and penalties apply in Western Port’s Marine follow all signs and markers On calm days snorkelling and diving among the National Parks from 16 November 2002. correctly sea grass meadows will reveal a myriad of

crustaceans, fish and other marine species. Be You may carry fin-fish on board your boat on the look out for the Pot-bellied Seahorse and within park boundaries if you caught the fish Caring for the marine Weedy Seadragon, Victoria’s marine emblem. outside the parks, and you may also carry (but environment not use) a fishing rod or a spear gun.

Keep clear of bird feeding You may also have abalone or rock lobster and or roosting areas Take all rubbish home with associated equipment (securely stowed) on you – plastic and other Nearby parks and reserves board the boat provided that you are travelling waste can kill bird and straight through the park by the shortest marine life French Island National Park practicable route. Always replace any A quiet haven for nature lovers, the park has a organisms or rocks you large koala population and abundant native To report a fishing offence call the Department may have disturbed birdlife. Access is by ferry from Stony Point. of Primary Industries on 13FISH (133 474). Clean bilges and sumps out Visitors’ cars are not permitted on the island, so regularly on land travel is by foot, bicycle or guided tour. Dispose of all waste material on land in a way in which it will not flow into the Mornington Peninsula National Park

Bay Taking in Point Nepean, Greens Bush and the Take care when you drop ocean coastline between Portsea and Flinders, anchor, avoid sensitive the park features superb surf beaches, rocky areas and use incoming buoys where provided headlands and magnificent coastal scenery. Explore the nineteenth century fortifications of Canoeing Practise minimal impact Fort Nepean, including tunnels and gun diving and snorkelling Parks Victoria is responsible for the day-to-day techniques emplacements, and take a tour or stay overnight at the historic Cape Schanck Lighthouse. management of Victoria’s Marine National Take the time to learn more Parks and Marine Sanctuaries. about Victoria’s marine animals and plants and the If you would like further information about habitats they depend on Bunurong Marine National Park Victoria’s Marine National Parks and Marine The Bunurong coast features striking rock Sanctuaries, contact the Parks Victoria formations, attractive sandy coves, rugged Information Centre on 13 1963 or visit the sandstone cliffs and prominent headlands. The Parks Victoria website at: coastal waters also contain a remarkable range www.parkweb.vic.gov.au of habitats that support abundant marine life. Parknotes on each of Victoria’s Marine The Bunurong coast is ideal for all sorts of National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries, activities, from swimming, boating and diving to including boundaries and permitted and beach walks, exploring rockpools to discover prohibited activities, have been produced to Bunurong’s fascinating marine creatures or assist visitors to these areas. simply enjoying the spectacular coastal scenery.

December 2003