 Be
Bushfire Smart
|
|
Nestled between Waratah Bay and the majestic peaks of Wilsons Promontory, the sheltered waters of Shallow Inlet provide a secluded and peaceful setting for a range of water based activities.
|
|
Things to Do
- Go boating within the sheltered waters of the Inlet. Boats can be launched from the western beach near Sandy Point.
- Try your luck at line fishing in the inlet. Common catches of the day include King George Whiting, Flathead, Trevally and Australian Salmon. When fishing, be aware that size and bag limits applying to some species.
- Go bird watching and discover the fascinating lives of Shallow Inlet's migratory visitors.
- Enjoy a BBQ or picnic by the waters edge at Western Beach.
|
|
|
|
Facilities
- Camping is not permitted within the park. On the eastern shore of Shallow Inlet, accommodation is available at the caravan park and camping grounds off Lester Road. A range of accommodation is available within the township of Sandy Point.
- Picnic facilities including BBQ's, tables and toilets are provided on the foreshore neighbouring the Western Beach parking area.
|
|
|
|
Heritage
The Brataualung Aboriginal clan occupied the area of Wilsons Promontory and Waratah Bay. A large number of coastal middens containing charcoal, stones and the remains of shellfish can be found along the coast and around Shallow Inlet. These are the remains of campsites used by Brataualung and are up to 6000 years old. Earlier sites have been covered by rising sea levels.
The Shallow Inlet Marine and Coastal Park was declared in 1986 in recognition of the area's habitat values for migratory wading birds and shorebirds.
Aboriginal Traditional Owners
Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, the Boon Wurrung, Bunurong and Gunai - Kurnai identify the Shallow Inlet Marine and Coastal Park as their Traditional Country.
Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria .
|
|
|
|
Fauna
Over 180 species of birds have been recorded in the park. Many wading birds make spectacular migrations, breeding in the arctic during the northern hemisphere summer and migrating southwards to arrive in Australia in late August and September.
Shallow Inlet and the adjacent ocean beaches are significant areas for breeding shorebirds. Pied Oystercatchers and Red Capped Plovers nest in the dunes and on the spit.
A diverse range of mammals including koala, Common Ringtail Possums, Common Wombats, Swamp Wallabies and Echidnas can be found in the woodlands and heathlands along the shore of Shallow Inlet.
|
|
|
|
Vegetation
Shallow Inlet is a large tidal embayment enclosed from the sea by a sand barrier complex of spits, bars and mobile dunes. This shelters the shoreline on the western side of the inlet which is dominated by a salt marsh terrace.
The park protects a diverse range of vegetation including foredunes of spinifex, heathy woodlands of messmate and Coast Banksia, paperbark swamps and saltmarsh communities. Extensive mudflats and intertidal areas are exposed at low tide. These areas provide important feeding grounds for a range of migratory wading birds. Below the waves are extensive seagrass meadows.
|
|
|
|
Looking After the Park
- All plants and animals in the park are protected.
- Fishing and the collection of shellfish for bait is permitted. When fishing, be aware of size and bag limits applying to some species. A bag limit of 5 litres per person per day applies to the collection of Pipi's. Bag restrictions, size limits and closed seasons are specified in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide available from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and most retail fishing stores.
- Please take your rubbish with you.
- No fires, including barbecues, may be lit on days of Total Fire Ban.
- Please take care when boating. Power boats can cause serious damage to the fragile intertidal areas.
|
|
|
|
How to Get There
Shallow Inlet Marine and Coastal Park (2,377ha) is situated on the shore of Waratah Bay, 180 kilometres from Melbourne. The eastern side of the park is accessible from Foster along Foster - Promontory Road and Lester Road. The park can also be reached from Sandy Point along the Sandy Point Road.
Melways ref: 528 B10; VicRoads Map: 103 C6.
|
|
|
|
Special Needs Access
Shallow Inlet
The facilities at this site are basic and paths and roads are unsealed. There are no toilets or showers here, although there are facilities at Sandy Point on the western side of the inlet. The steep dunes make access to the beach difficult from the camping area. The boat launching area would be the easiest access to the water, although there is still a very sandy ground surface.
|
|
|
|
Nearby Parks
- Bunurong Marine Park
- Corner Inlet Marine and Coastal Park
- Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park
- Wilsons Promontory National Park
|
|
|
|
Guided Activities
1. Fishing / Angling (G1)
|
|
|
|
Publications
Links to other websites 1.
www.visitpromcountry.com.au
Brochures 1.
A new guide to Victoria's Parks: Parks Discovery
Park Notes / Maps 1.
Shallow Inlet Marine and Coastal Park
|
|
|
|
