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Victoria's Marine National Parks & Sanctuaries
The imposing limestone cliffs of the Bluff at Barwon Heads, Victoria,
are a spectacular symbol of the beauty and diversity of our marine and
coastal environment.
The Bluff is a local icon, a popular tourist destination and a profound Aboriginal place. It is of geological significance and an area of scientific and educational importance.
The Bluff rises above Bass Strait forming the western headland of the Barwon Estuary and is host to an elaborate system of coastal habitats.
- The Bluff has more than 80 indigenous species of grasses; herbs, twiners, ground covers, shrubs and spectacular coastal wildflowers including many that are considered locally rare and threatened.
- From Prickly Stipa grassland on the western slopes to the large ancient Moonah on the east represents the diversity of plant communities on the Bluff.
- The rugged cliff face is home to kites, kestrels and falcons and a host of hardy plants growing in sand traps.
- The dunes to the west have a unique natural flora and are home to the rare Hooded Plover.
- The dynamic tidal estuary is a stunning ecosystem that is a regular stopover for dozens of species of resident and migratory shore birds.
- The rockpool shelves of the Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary are teeming with a myriad of marine flora and fauna and are the most complex of ecosystems.
- To care for and maintain the remnant natural habitat of the Bluff.
- To rehabilitate the population of the natural environment of the Bluff.
- To encourage community appreciation of the natural environment of the Bluff.
The group works in association
with the management and staff of the Barwon Coast Committee of Management
and Coast Action. It maintains regular contact with major environmental
organisations and other regional coast community groups.
To achieve our aims, members are actively involved inn partnering sustainable
management strategies, implementing weed eradication programs, propagating
and planting indigenous species, observing bird and animal life, and conducting
interpretation and education sessions.
FOB are committed to developing programs to care for the Bluff and to encourage others to recognise and appreciate the unique coastal landmark. To date we have -
- Conducted regular working-bees that have removed truckloads of exotic weeds from the Bluff enabling amazing regeneration of our coastal flora.
- Implemented a landscape management strategy that has seen the installation of a safe walking trail, boardwalks, viewing platforms, safety fencing and interpretive signage.
- Actively campaigned to establish the Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary.
- Actively supported the development of the Barwon Estuary Interpretation Centre - the 'Lobsterpot' - a community centre promoting environmental, cultural and social heritage of Barwon Heads.
- Co-ordinated the successful environment program of the annual Festival Of The Sea. This major event celebrates our connections with the sea and includes seminars, forums, school activities, a sustainable living expo, an enviro-group expo as well as dozens of interactive activities.
- Conducted countless guided activities with school and community groups, and visitors to the area.
- Created this award wining website and associated CD.
- Produced three walking guide booklets - Life on the Edge - A guide to the animals and plants of the Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary; Plants that clothe the Bluff and Birds of the Bluff
FOB is proud to actively support and auspice three offshoot groups
in Barwon Heads.
- Friends of Moonah Park - a residents group seeking to re-establish a natural corridor and protect remnant vegetation on the upper estuary.
- Friends of Gateway Moonahs - a residents group undertaking the protection and enhancement of a fragile parcel of Moonah woodland at the town entrance.
- Friends of the Bluff Marine Sanctuary - a group of enthusiasts seeking to enhance and promote our understanding of our complex marine environment.
HOW CAN YOU BE INVOLVED?
Anyone can join Friends of the Bluff.
- Working-bees are conducted on the third Sunday of each month at 10:00 am. This is a great way to get up close and personal with the Bluff.
- Festival of the Sea is held in March each year.
- Planning for the environment events takes place throughout the year. The perfect opportunity for you to be a part of and have input to a major community event.
- Volunteer at the "Lobsterpot". The centre is open weekends and school holidays.
- All Barwon Heads 'Friends Of' groups hold regular working-bees and planting days.
- Be part of a 'rock-pool ramble', learn the geology of the Bluff, identify the plants and be in awe of the bird life.
- Simply learn about our complex and wonderful coastline.
- Respect our remarkable coastal environment.