Edithvale-Seaford Wetland (Chelsea Heights)
The Edithvale-Seaford Wetland is the largest natural wetland of its type in the Port Phillip and Westernport basins. It is all that remains of Carrum Carrum Swamp, which once covered more than 4,000 hectares from Mordialloc in the north to Frankston in the south.
The remaining wetland areas have been kept to provide flood protection, and include:
- Edithvale Wetlands (101 hectares)
- Seaford Wetlands (158 hectares)
It is estimated that at any one time, as many as 7,000 birds make the Edithvale-Seaford Wetland their home. There are more than 190 bird species recorded including many migratory species.
The wetland is also home to a mob of Eastern Grey kangaroos, and an extensive walking and bicycle track around its perimeter is ideal for bird watching.
The Edithvale-Seaford Wetland education centre is located at the wetlands. It provides school students the opportunity to participate in practical, fun and hands-on activities. Members of the public can also visit the centre every Sunday, between 1.00pm and 5.00pm.
The bird hide is a two-story building that offers an excellent view of the wetlands. It is located on the south side of Edithvale Road. The hide is open from 1pm to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. It is manned by volunteers from the Friends of Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands.
Review:
There is an Education Centre at 278 Edithvale Road. The centre is not open on a day of Severe, Extreme or Code Red Fire danger rating or on days when the temperature is forecast to exceed 35 degrees.
A footpath leads beside Edithvale Road for 300m to a bird hide. There are two hides next to each other. One bird hide is open all the time and overlooks an area with a large number of water birds including black swans. This hide is about 40m from the water and so bring some binoculars for the best experience.
The Friends of Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands operate another hide which is open Saturday and Sunday 1-5pm.
There is a walk around the wetlands which starts from the north east corner of the Edithvale Public Golf Course along Edithvale Road. A gravel road leads to the north west beside the wetlands. This is a dog on-leash area. You need to stick to the road since the area beside the track is boggy. After 850m, with the Rossdale Golf Course on the left, there is a bridge with a water tap with bowl next to it. A gravel path leads around the wetlands area which is fenced off and after 1.4km ends up at the Discovery Centre.
Location
240 Edithvale Road, Chelsea Heights 3196 Map
Email Enquiry
Web Links
→ Edithvale-Seaford Wetland
→ Friends of Edithvale Seaford Wetlands
