Current view: Text account
Site description (2008 baseline):
Site location and context
This IBA includes the larger reedbeds of the Lower Brodribb River floodplains between Orbost and Marlo in south-east Victoria. The largest reedbeds are around Lake Curlip on the Brodribb, extending upstream to the Princes Highway, downstream to the Marlo Road and up Cabbage Tree Creek. Extensive reedbeds are known to support breeding Australasian Bitterns but the birds' use of other smaller reedbeds and other wetlands in the vicinity, including the Lower Snowy River floodplain, is poorly known. Further surveys may indicate that some additional wetlands should be included in the IBA. The Brodribb River is a short river with its catchment in nearby hills; this lower stretch crosses the flat coastal plain and spills into a number of lakes and swamps. Most of the IBA is within cattle grazed farmland but the eastern edge abuts extensive forest.
Other birds have not been documented for this IBA.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Further surveys are required to assess the exact extent of bittern habitat and to investigate potential threats and management actions. Any blockages to the Snowy River mouth should be opened promptly.
The IBA overlaps the Lake Curlip Wildlife Reserve, Brodribb River Flora and Fauna Reserve
and the Cabbage Tree Creek Flora Reserve.
Parks Victoria; Crown Land; private.
Site access / Land-owner requests
Much of the area is on private land - permission must be sought to leave public roads.
David Hollands and Len Axen kindly shared their observations of bitterns at this site.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Lower Brodribb River (Australia). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/lower-brodribb-river-iba-australia on 23/11/2024.
