Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park Victoria’s blue wilderness Wilsons Promontory’s striking granite headlands, boulders and islands continue underwater, forming sheer walls, caves and pinnacles — a unique wilderness beneath the waves. The Prom’s underwater wonders The threatened Hooded Plover nests in very exposed beach locations, including Wilsons Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park is the Promontory. Please take care not to disturb the largest marine national park in Victoria, covering birds or step on their eggs by walking close to the almost 16,000 hectares. It is a rare global water’s edge, especially between August and April. example of adjoining marine and land parks with protected landscapes from the top of the Sea Country mountains to the bottom of the sea. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park maintain their connections to their ancestral lands protects a diverse range of habitats including and waters. Parks Victoria recognises this rocky reefs, sandy sea floors, kelp forests, sponge connection and acknowledges the Boon Wurrung, gardens, seagrass meadows and open sea. Bunurong and Gunai Kurnai people, Traditional Its variety of marine life is impressive, including a Owners of Yiruk Wamoon (Wilsons Promontory wide range of reef and pelagic fish, invertebrates Marine and National Parks). and marine mammals. Rays and harmless sharks Protecting our marine environment cruise above the sandy seabed and giant Maori Octopuses venture out at night. Molluscs such as Over 90% of the plants and animals living in limpets and snails, anemones, brittlestars and Victoria’s southern waters are found nowhere else seastars are also common in the intertidal reefs. in the world. Some of Victoria’s most magnificent underwater Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park is part seascapes are found in numerous dive sites of a system of 13 marine national parks and 11 around the Prom. Smooth-walled granite cliffs, marine sanctuaries in Victoria. By keeping these boulders and caves harbor colourful ‘gardens’ of areas in a natural state we will protect this unique huge sponges, fan-shaped Gorgonian corals, sea- marine environment into the future. lace colonies, sea-tulips and sea whips. Brilliantly For more information on Victoria’s marine national coloured fish can be seen, including Red parks and marine sanctuaries, contact the Parks Velvetfish, Wrasse, Eastern Blue Groper, and Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963 or visit schools of Berber, Magpie and Butterfly Perch. www.parks.vic.gov.au There are over 45 shipwrecks in the waters surrounding Wilsons Promontory – a lasting Help reduce marine pests record of our maritime history. Marine pests are non-native animals that cause significant damage to the health of native marine A number of offshore islands support colonies of ecosystems. Marine pests can wipe out native Australian Fur Seals, as well as sea birds such as species by preying upon or out-competing them. White-bellied Sea Eagles, Little Penguins, Short- Tailed Shearwaters, Fairy Prions and Pacific Gulls. Visitors can help prevent the spread of marine Access to the islands is prohibited except for pests. Upon entry and exit to any watercourse beach areas of Great Glennie and Rabbit Islands. wash in fresh water and dry all boating, fishing, surfing and swimming equipment, wetsuits, Exploring the coast swimwear, towels, footwear and water toys. You don’t need to be on or under the water to Report any suspected marine pests to the enjoy the park’s diverse marine environment. Department of Environment and Primary There are many wonderful coastal settings for bird Industries on 13 6186. For more information on watching, rock pooling or just walking and relaxing marine pests, visit www.depi.vic.gov.au on the beach with friends or family. For further information What can I do? permitted within any of Victoria’s marine Parks Victoria protected areas, either in a boat or elsewhere. Information Centre Call 13 1963 You may also have abalone or rock lobster and or visit our website For the protection of the marine environment, a associated equipment (securely stowed) on board www.parks.vic.gov.au number of activities are prohibited within the the boat provided you are travelling straight Tidal River Visitor Centre boundaries of Victoria’s Marine National Parks and through the park by the shortest practicable route. (03) 5680 9555 Marine Sanctuaries. Rangers and Fisheries Officers There are strong penalties under the National 7 days, 8.30am – 4pm EST regularly patrol these areas and enforce regulations. 8.30am - 4.30pm EDST Parks Act for fishing in marine national parks and Please be aware of the Wilsons Promontory Marine marine sanctuaries. To report a fishing offence National Park boundaries, which start at the high Nearby Marine Parks & Reserves call the Department of Environment and Primary water mark except where it borders the Marine Industries on 13 FISH (13 3474). Wilsons Promontory Marine Park Reserve surrounding the Glennie Group of Islands. The coast and nearby waters east Caring for the marine environment Access and west of the Prom are The intertidal zone in Victoria is protected – designated as Marine Park. The marine national park is accessed by land or inside and outside marine protected areas. Fishing is permitted within the via boat. The nearest launching points are in Bottles and other glass vessels are not permitted marine park, subject to fishers Tidal River (key and deposit required), Sandy on beaches within marine protected areas. conforming to the Fisheries Act. Point or for larger vessels from Port Welshpool. Diving, wildlife viewing and beach Discarded equipment and rubbish harms birds walking are also popular activities. Recreational activities Is it allowed? and marine animals – take your rubbish home. Nature observation and sight seeing Yes Look and don’t touch when snorkelling and Corner Inlet Marine National Park diving, so future generations can do the same. With the granite peaks of the Prom Snorkelling and scuba diving Yes Always replace any organisms or rocks you as a dramatic backdrop, this park Swimming Yes may have disturbed. protects a variety of sheltered Surfing, windsurfing, sailing, sea kayaking, Yes1 Shipwrecks and artefacts are protected by law. habitats, including intertidal boating mudflats, channels and seagrass If boating, anchor away from fragile areas Filming and photography Yes meadows. Refer to Corner Inlet such as seagrass meadows and reefs. Jet skiing No Marine National Park – Park Note. Keep boat noise and wake low in sensitive Education and research areas along the shore and near islands to Corner Inlet and Nooramunga Educational excursions Yes avoid disturbing wildlife. Marine & Coastal Parks Scientific research (permit required) Yes Avoid spilling and never pump petrol, oil or Protected from the pounding surf of other pollutants on land or in the water. Bass Strait by barrier islands; an Recreational fishing and harvesting intricate network of shallow marine Maintain safe distances around marine All forms of fishing – line, spear, netting, No waters, isolated granite islands, traps and shellfish collection (including mammals. For more information, visit intertidal mudflats and over 40 sand abalone and rock lobster) www.depi.vic.gov.au. barrier islands. Refer to Corner Inlet Bait collection No Personal safety and Nooramunga Marine and Catch and release fishing No Coastal Parks – Park Note. Call 000 for Police, Fire or Ambulance Services. Commercial fishing and aquaculture For park related emergencies only (fire, Shallow Inlet Marine & Abalone and rock lobster fishing No Coastal Park accident/injury, injured wildlife, significant Nestled between Waratah Bay Netting, line fishing and trapping No campground disturbance or critical and the majestic peaks of Wilsons Marine aquaculture No maintenance issues), visitors can contact the Duty Ranger (24 hours) on 1300 247 594. Promontory, the park offers a Other uses secluded and peaceful setting for Mobile phone coverage cannot be relied upon Yes a range of water based activities. Licensed tour operators (permit required) in the marine environment. Carry a registered Boating, fishing, bird watching and Commercial filming and photography Yes distress beacon for safer boating. picnicking are popular. Refer to (permit required) Check the marine weather report. Beware of No the Shallow Inlet Marine and Removal or disturbance of plants/animals sudden changes in weather, especially when Coastal Park – Park Note. Removal or disturbance of shipwreck No boating on open water. Practice safe boating, artefacts and follow all signs and markers correctly. Valid as of June 2014 No Dredging and soil dispersal Wear shoes that grip well when walking on Please don’t throw this park note Activities that disturb the seafloor No rock platforms. Stay away from cliff edges and away. Keep it, return it for others Waste and ballast discharge No bases and beware of large unexpected waves to use, or recycle it. 1 Restrictions apply. Contact the Tidal River Visitor when walking on shore and on rock platforms. Centre on (03) 5680 9555 for up-to-date information. Never put your hands where you cannot see your fingertips (under seaweed or rocks) to Restrictions avoid potentially dangerous creatures. You may carry fin-fish on board your boat within Be aware of strong currents and undertows marine national park boundaries if you caught the when swimming and snorkelling. fish outside the park, and you may also carry (but Diving in these waters should only be not use) a fishing rod. Spear guns are not undertaken by experienced and qualified divers. Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park Picnic Bay Sealers Cove Telegraph Saddle Mt Ramsay Norman Island Leonard Point Squeaky Beach Sealers Cove Horn Point TIDAL RIVER Smith Cove Mt McAlister Snorkelling Hobbs Head Norman Bay Mt Oberon On calm days there are opportunities for Pillar Point Refuge Cove shore-based snorkelling along the northern and 39°02.46’S southern flanks of Norman Bay, the southern E Refuge Cove N G 146°19.63’E R A flank of Picnic Bay and at Refuge Cove.