Current view: Text account
Site description (2008 baseline):
Site location and context
The IBA consists of the whole estuary of the Tarwin river, including all areas of saltmarsh and fringing vegetation. Anderson Inlet is one of the largest estuaries on the Victorian coast, situated between Westernport and Corner Inlet. A series of spits developed across a former embayment to create the inlet which has in-filled with estuarine sediment. Large areas of mudflats are exposed at low tide. The ocean beach on the seaward side of the spits (outside the IBA boundary) is sandy and supports few birds.
The site also regularly supports significant numbers of the following species but they do not exceed the thresholds: Double-banded Plover max. count 275 in 2003, Eastern Curlew max. count 300 in 2000, Chestnut Teal max. count 553 in 2003 and Pacific Gull max. count 68 in 2006. Hooded Plover along beach of Venus Bay west of IBA (recorded maximum count was 28, with 24 in 2006). The biome-restricted Striated Fieldwren is frequently encountered in vegetation around the margin of the inlet (Atlas of Australian Birds database).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Need to control Spartina and other weeds from encroaching onto mudflats. Consider controlling human access to Mate's Landing.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
AWSG conducts regular bird banding sessions for waders.
Small overlap with Cape Liptrap Coastal Park.
Managed by Victorian State Government DSE and several Committees of Management.
Bird data supplied by the AWSG Victorian Branch and Jim and Anthea Whitelaw with consultation with Brian Martin - Parks Victoria.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Anderson Inlet (Australia). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/anderson-inlet-iba-australia on 23/11/2024.
