Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located on the south coast of Victoria near the town of Lakes Entrance, Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park protects over 13,500 hectares of tidal mudflats, salt marshes, sandy beaches, seagrass beds, and coastal lagoons. The park is part of the larger Gippsland Lakes Ramsar site, recognized for its international importance as a wetland, providing crucial habitat for migratory birds and a wide array of marine species. The park’s geography includes sheltered bays, shallow waters, and extensive intertidal zones, creating unique ecosystems that support fish nurseries, shellfish populations, and waterbirds including migratory waders such as the red-necked stint, curlew sandpiper, and greenshank. Nooramunga offers visitors an immersive experience in a relatively untouched marine environment with activities focused around nature appreciation, bird watching, fishing, boating, and photography. Canoeing and kayaking through the seagrass beds and quiet estuaries are popular ways to explore the diverse habitats. The park is less developed for camping or formal hiking but attracts outdoor enthusiasts interested in conservation, Aboriginal cultural sites, and tranquil coastal landscapes. Its proximity to Lakes Entrance makes it a convenient day-trip destination for locals and tourists seeking wildlife encounters and scenic water-based recreation. The park plays a crucial role in coastal protection and biodiversity conservation, highlighting the importance of preserving coastal wetlands amid environmental pressures. Visitors gain insight into the dynamic coastal ecosystems characteristic of southeastern Australia, marked by a blend of marine and terrestrial elements.
