Melways Ref: 97 G12 and 99 G1
  Map Link

The Seaford Wetlands is a magnificent 305-hectare nature reserve, which is listed on the Register of the National Estate.

The wetlands is home to a wide variety of bird life, including a number of rare and endangered migratory species protected by international agreements. Further improvements are planned by Melbourne Water and Frankston City Council, which will make the wetlands an even better place for wildlife and passive recreation.

Special Features
The large numbers and variety of bird life make the wetlands very popular with bird observers. Many migratory birds from as afar afield as Siberia visit the reserve from October to March.

There are some magnificent stands of river red gums around the margins of the wetlands, some of which are estimated to be around 300 years old. These trees are becoming rare in the Frankston region.

Flora
The natural vegetation at Seaford Wetlands has been severely degraded by many years of neglect, grazing and cropping. Weed invasion is a problem that is being tackled.

Around the margins there are still some stands of woodland containing river red gums, which predate white settlement. Some have scars where the bark was stripped for use by the Aboriginal Boonerwrung tribe.

The open dry areas are covered by pasture grasses as a result of previous grazing but an extensive revegetation plan is underway. The wet areas support a mixture of rushes, reeds, sedges and aquatic herbs. The common reed dominates with large stands in some areas.

Fauna
The swamp is famous for its prolific and various bird life. Around 130 different species have been observed there in recent years.

The more common species are those wetland dependent birds which occur in southern Victoria, such as ducks, swans, rails and pelicans.

A number of rare migratory bird species also visit the wetlands between October and March. These come from Northern Asia and are protected by treaties between the Australian Government and the governments of Japan and China. Many birds can easily be seen from the vantage points overlooking the wetland's lagoons. Others are more difficult to spot because they prefer the protection of the reed beds.

The wetlands support a small variety of native animals consisting of swamp rat, water rat, snakes and frogs. Unfortunately, a number of pests also frequent the reserve, including brown rats, rabbits and foxes and feral cats.

Three types of fish can be found in the wetlands: common galaxia, short-finned eels and mosquito fish (an exotic pest species).

Management Issues
There are many complex issues involved in the management of the wetlands. The main ones are, striking a balance between the needs of wildlife, passive recreation and the swamp's use as a flood retardation basin, the need to remove pest plants and mount a massive revegetation program, and getting residents more involved in caring for the reserve. This should help eliminate problems such as vandalism, rubbish dumping and containment of cats and dogs. Supplying sufficient fresh water to counter the salinity caused by local seepage through naturally salty local subsoils, is another management challenge.

Caring for the Reserve
The swamp needs lots of tender loving care to redress years of abuse.

Fortunately, Melbourne Water, Melbourne Parks and Waterways and Frankston City Council are committed to an extensive programme to rejuvenate the swamp for the benefit of both wildlife and the community.

The Friends of Edithvale Seaford Wetlands are also very active in looking after the wetlands by propagating and planting trees, assisting in scientific studies, installing duck breeding boxes, and promoting public appreciation and awareness of the value of the wetlands.

How you can help
You can help look after the wetlands by joining the Friends of Edithvale Seaford Wetlands Inc contact Council's Environment Department on 1300 322 322.

Try and discourage any thoughtless individuals you see dropping litter in the reserve or discarding their garden refuse there.

Please keep your dog on a leash when using the walking track and make sure your cat does not stray in to the reserve.

History
Seaford Wetlands are a remnant of the former Carrum Carrum Swamp which once stretched between Mordialloc, Frankston and Dandenong.

Before white settlement, the area teemed with wildlife and supported large numbers of the Boonerwrung Aboriginal tribe, who found it a rich source of food.

Last century, the Carrum Carrum Swamp was drained for farming purposes, leaving only a few small wet areas in the lowest parts of the land. Seaford and Edithvale Wetlands are the largest of these low areas.

In 1985 the Ecology and Management of Seaford Swamp report was produced which recommended the creation of more lagoons, substantial tree planting and improved public facilities. A master plan was subsequently proposed and is steadily being implemented by Frankston City Council and Melbourne Water in a management partnership utilising funds from the Melbourne Parks and Waterways grants programme.

Facilities and Activities
A shared bicycle path/walking track winds its way around the wetlands for about two-thirds of the perimeter and will eventually encircle the whole of the reserve.

The track enables walkers, joggers and cyclists to get their exercise and at the same time take in views of the lagoons and their thriving wildlife.

A viewing platform in Austin Road and a raised bird hide at Seaford North Primary School are also available to the public for studying the bird life.

Location and Access
The Seaford Wetlands are bounded in the south by Austin Road, in the north by Eel Race Drain, to the east by Wells Road, and to the west by urban development. There is a walking/cycling track, which runs south from Eel Race Drain to Armstrongs Road. All roads that abut the Wetlands have access to the track.