Edward Point State Faunal Reserve

This reserve, near St. Leonards on the , was established in March 1971 to protect natural vegetation and significant wildlife. The reserve consists of a sand spit and a small island which shelters the shallow waters and of Marine Reserve.

Exploring the reserve repens) has small ovate leaves during summer This easy walk over flat sandy terrain leads you white to pinkish five-petalled flowers bloom at the along the centre of the spit through a range of top of the stem. Towards the lower, wetter areas coastal habitats. Return the same way or stroll of the marsh, notice the stubby spikes of the back along the beach. A round trip takes about 1 Bearded Glasswort (Sarcocomia quinqueflora). to 2 hours. The beach is gently shelving and The rare and endangered Orange-Bellied Parrot offers safe swimming. A pair of binoculars will may be seen in this area during winter feeding come in handy. on the fruits of glasswort, and seeds and fruit of other saltmarsh plants. As you reach the middle of the spit, the bush Woodland opens out and gives way to coastal grassland There are several vegetation communities on with occasional small clumps of trees and Edward Point. As you enter the reserve the shrubs. The dominant trees are Coast Beard- scenery is dominated by tall Coast Tea-tree heath (Leucopogon pariflorus) and Wirilda. (Leptospermum laevigatum) mixed with Wirilda The large straggly bluish-grey shrub is Marsh (Acacia retinodes). Sea-berry Saltbush Saltbush (Atriplex paludosa) A close relative of (Rhagodia candolleana) is the dominant this plant, the Coast Saltbush (Atriplex cinerea), understorey species and is creeping along the is found further along the spit and on the beach ground and in the lower branches of the trees. front. This community was once common locally but has been reduced considerably through clearing or weed invasion. Weed species found at On the beach Parks Ranger include Sweet Pittosporum Hairy Spinifex (Spinifex sericeus) is a native (Pittosporum undulatum), Flax Leaved Broom sand binder which, along with Sea Rocket (Genista linifolia) and Pampas Grass (Cortaderia (Calkile spp), is a primary coloniser of beach sand. “Victoria has all the outdoors selloana). Along the path several ancient stumps Washed up on the beach is a range of seaweeds you could wish for – mountains, of Coast Tea-tree may be seen. Some could be over 100 years old. Look for birds and nests and (algae) and sea grass (flowering plants), a forests, beaches and bushland, also the small-leafed Clematis (Clematis source of nutrients for beach plants and bugs for all preserved in our parks. microphylla). Around Christmas time the creamy . Large numbers of shells are also washed up. Our natural landscapes have white flowers of this creeper are replaced by These are mostly bivalves, animals which live by been here longer than anyone downy fruiting plumes. Finches and other small birds often use these as lining for their nests. filtering tiny planktonic organisms from the water. knows, and together we can The locally rare Wire-leaf Mistletoe (Amyema The pipis and venerids actually live under the make sure they’re here forever.” preissii) occurs on the Wirilda in this area. It is a sandy or muddy bottom and extend a siphon up wiry parasite with cylindrical leaves and red to the surface. Others, like the scallop, sit on the tubular flowers from spring to autumn. sea bed with their valves open and pump sea water through themselves. Salt marsh plants For more information Several grass, rush and sedge species are found Birdlife call the Parks Victoria in the reserve, but they are most abundant on Edwards Point is a popular with bird observers. Along the beach you are likely to see groups of Information Centre the landward edges of the salt marsh. Easily tiny Red-necked Stints feeding at the water's on 13 1963 or identified is Knobby Club Rush (Isolepis nodosa), its spikes adorned by dark round seed heads. edge. White-fronted Chats, Crested Terns and visit our website at The tussock grasses are Poa and Stipa species. Pied Oyster-catchers are commonly seen. On www.parkweb.vic.gov.au Swamp Weed (Selliera radicans) is a typical the Swan Bay side of the spit keen observers will saltmarsh plant with its pale fan-Iike flowers in be rewarded with a wide diversity of wading birds summer and bright green spoon-shaped leaves and waterfowl. January 2001 up to 10cm long. Creeping Brookweed (Samolus BLUFF

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Edwards Point State Faunal Reserve

State Faunal Reserve For further information SWAN BAY Coastal Tee Tree Parks Victoria & Wattle Information Centre Tree Planting Areas 13 1963 or visit the website Native Grasses www.parkweb.vic.gov.au & Tussocks

Queenscliff Office Salt Marsh Vegetation Larkin Parade Queenscliff, Vic. 3225 Water Body Tel: (03) 5258 4030 Major Road

Caring for the Minor Road environment Walking Track

Please help us look after Beach Walk Edwards Point State Faunal Reserve by adhering to the l l l l l l Boardwalk following guidelines: Black Billy Information Take all your rubbish (Willem-Baa-Ni-ip) home with you Point Carpark

Plants and animals on the Seat Edwards Point and reserve are protected by law and must not be Gate disturbed or removed 0 125 250 Dogs and other pets are not Edward's permitted in the reserve Point METRES ã Cartography by Spatial Vision 2001 N M/6875 Leave the reserve as you find it