Seven thousand birds call Seaford Wetlands home. That’s a lot of birds. Imagine the dawn chorus.
Seaford Wetlands in Melbourne is a vital part of the landscape. It’s the largest remaining natural wetland of its kind in the Port Phillip and Western Port basins. It’s a significant piece of history too. Before European settlement the area was part of the much larger Carrum Carrum Swamp. This vast expanse covered thousands of hectares. It supported diverse wildlife. Brolgas and magpie geese thrived there. Sadly they are now locally extinct.
In the late 19th century the swamp was drained for farming. The Patterson River was artificially cut through it in 1879. This accelerated the drainage. But portions of the wetlands survived. They were kept to manage flooding. They remain essential to the region’s drainage system. They filter stormwater protecting the surrounding areas from floods. They help keep Port Phillip Bay clean.
The Seaford Wetlands are internationally important. They are a Ramsar site. This recognition highlights their global significance. The wetlands are home to the Australasian bittern a threatened bird. They also support more than one percent of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway population of sharp-tailed sandpipers. These birds travel incredible distances.
The Seaford Wetlands aren’t just for the birds. They offer walking and cycling trails. There are picnic tables too. You can easily spend a whole day exploring. Melbourne Water and the City of Frankston work together to manage this precious area. Volunteers from the Friends of Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands also help. They contribute significantly. Their hard work helps maintain this special place.
Take a moment. Breathe in the fresh air. Listen to the sounds of nature. The Seaford Wetlands offer a unique and tranquil escape in the heart of Melbourne. It’s a place where history and nature meet. It’s a place worth preserving for future generations. Enjoy your visit to this amazing wetland.