Imagine standing at the edge of a long sand spit. This is Edwards Point. It stretches four kilometers southward. Edwards Point sits between Swan Bay and Port Phillip Bay. It’s on the Bellarine Peninsula’s eastern end.
Edwards Point is about 115 kilometers southwest of Melbourne. Geelong is 40 kilometers to the east. The township of St Leonards marks its northern boundary. Edwards Point and nearby islands form a barrier. This barrier separates Swan Bay from Port Phillip Bay.
Now, picture this sand spit. It’s not just sand. It’s a sanctuary. Edwards Point is entirely within the Edwards Point Wildlife Reserve. The reserve was established in 1971. It protects the area’s unique vegetation and wildlife. Coastal woodlands thrive here. Saltmarshes and beaches add to the diverse habitats.
Swan Bay borders Edwards Point. It features extensive mudflats. These mudflats are crucial for waterbirds. Migratory waders flock here. The spit’s end provides a high-tide roost for these birds. Edwards Point is part of an Important Bird Area. BirdLife International recognizes Swan Bay and Port Phillip Bay Islands as such.
Listen closely. You might hear the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot. Other notable birds reside here too. Keep an eye out for the little tern. Perhaps you’ll spot a fairy tern. The eastern curlew also calls this place home. Lewin’s rail might scurry by. The white-bellied sea-eagle soars above.
Edwards Point supports significant populations of wader species. These include the grey plover. Look for the Pacific golden plover. You might see the double-banded plover. The eastern curlew is also present in notable numbers.
The Two Bays Lookout offers stunning views. Explore remote beaches. Observe resident and migratory wader birds. Enjoy vistas of both Port Phillip and Swan Bay. Walking tracks wind through the reserve. Discover breathtaking scenery. See sandy beaches and cool coastal woodlands. Explore the extensive salt marsh communities.
Edwards Point boasts the last coastal woodland on the Bellarine Peninsula. These woodlands provide shelter and food. The adjacent Swan Bay teems with life. Its intertidal mudflats attract countless birds. The area is a Ramsar site of international importance.
Be aware of the surroundings. Uneven ground presents a terrain hazard. Shallow water can be deceptive. Submerged obstacles lurk beneath the surface. Snakes inhabit the area.
Edwards Point offers a unique experience. It combines natural beauty with significant ecological value. Remember the importance of this reserve. Appreciate the diverse birdlife it supports. Edwards Point stands as a testament to conservation. It protects a vital habitat for future generations.