Wetlands
A wetland is an area of land where water covers the soil all year or only at certain times. They are considered the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems and serve as natural water purification systems.
The Fraser Coast has many wetlands that are accessible and easy to explore.
Please remember to leave the area as you found it (or better yet, pick up any litter you find) and enjoy wildlife from a distance without disturbing them. Binoculars are always a great way to view wildlife more closely.
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LOCATION: around Ann, Margaret and Truro Streets, Torquay.
This series of lagoons was once a coastal wetland. Although modified, the lakes provide important habitat, especially for waterbirds and help filter urban run-off before it enters the Bay.
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LOCATION: Corner Panorama Drive and Sempfs Road, Dundowran Beach
Tracks allow you to explore the different lagoons of the wetlands and observe a range of flora and fauna, particularly wetland birds.
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LOCATION: Ivor Drive, Burrum Heads
This lagoon is named after the near-threatened Melaleuca Cheelii, a species of paperbark which grows naturally here and at a few other locations within our region.
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LOCATION: corner Victory and Neptune Streets, Maryborough
Walking tracks, including a boardwalk allow you to wander through this haven for birds and other wildlife
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LOCATION: Elizabeth Street, Urangan.
Several lakes and wetland areas to explore and enjoy. Dayman Street Walkway and the bridge crossing behind Aldi Urangan provide views of the wetlands to the rear of the Gardens.
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K’gari has many beautiful wetlands throughout the island.
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Our coastal townships are the best places to see the Great Sandy Ramsar.
Migratory waders can be seen on mudflats throughout the Strait. Please take extra caution not to disturb shorebirds when visiting these areas as they must feed and rest, in preparation for their return flight to the northern hemisphere to breed.
Insect repellent is advised when visiting these coastal areas. -
LOCATION: between Nissen Street and Conservation Drive, Urraween
This wetland area is part of the Eli Creek Catchment and includes remnant vine forest, man-made lakes and remaining paperbark forest areas. Kingfisher lakes Estate was built in the wetland area that was formerly “Nature World” wildlife park.
Pantlin’s Reserve is best accessed from Nissen Street or Spotted Gum Court. Parking space is limited within the Kingfisher Lakes Estate but is possible to park along Fairway Drive or at Eli Waters Shopping Centre and follow the paths which lead to the lake. -
LOCATION: the walking track between the Boat Ramp and Davidson St (approx. 900m)
This track provides some excellent view points of the Strait as well as the mouths of both Mary and Susan River. The track entrance is located on the Susan River (southern) side of the boaties carpark, at the edge of the rainforest patch.
Our Great Sandy Strait – a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance
We all love our incredible Great Sandy Strait but did you know that it is recognised as a wetland of International Importance, also called a Ramsar Wetland?
Mostly located within the Fraser Coast Regional LGA boundary, it is one of only 5 such wetlands recognised in Queensland.
This places us in an important position of responsibility to preserve its many significant values.
What is a "Ramsar"
The Ramsar Convention is an international, intergovernmental treaty adopted in the city of Ramsar, Iran in 1971 and coming into force in 1975. The broad aims of the Ramsar Convention are to halt and, where possible, reverse, the worldwide loss of wetlands and to conserve those that remain through wise use and management.
The Convention’s mission is:
The conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local, regional and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world.
World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2 February - the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands in 1971.
Fast Facts!
There are 2412 Ramsar sites around the world and 66 are in Australia (with 5 in Qld). The first ever Ramsar declared wetland was here in Australia - Cobourg Penninsula, NT.
- Great Sandy Strait was listed as Ramsar 14th June 1999
- Great Sandy Strait is approximately 93,160 hectares
- Our Great Sandy Strait is one of 5 Ramsar wetlands recognised in Qld
- To be classed as a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) a wetland must meet at least one of nine qualifying criteria. Our Great Sandy Strait meets six!!