Plants of the Painkalac Estuary

A Tapestry of Life: Unveiling the Painkalac Valley’s Diverse Flora

The Painkalac Valley boasts over 15 distinct vegetation communities, with a staggering 185 indigenous plant species adapted to this unique environment where freshwater and saltwater meet. Here are some examples:

In the creek after the estuary has been closed for prolonged periods, seagrass beds can become extensive and provide nursery areas for juvenile fish and habitat for invertebrates:

Continue down this path over the footbridge and cross the Great Ocean Road to get to the next sign with a QR code (number 3 on the map).

A separate walk through the Painkalac Nature Reserve can be started from the car park on the north side of the Great Ocean Road, just past the bridge.

Painkalac Nature Walk

1. Walk introduction
2. Plants of the estuary
3. Birds and Fish
4. Animals of Mellors Swamp and dunes
5. History of the landscape
6. Estuary cycle
7. Pressures on the Painkalac Valley

Refer to map for location of each number/sign

 

Painkalac Nature Reserve walk

Painkalac Valley Network home page