The largest island in the southern hemisphere is the country of Australia and represents the majority land mass of the continent of Australasia. There is in the region of 4850 wetlands across the island and each of them has a precious and diverse ecology that the government is determined to protect for the country, for the environment, for nature and for their own sense of ethics. Wetlands are some of the most important ecological areas in the world. Here is a list of ten of the most famous and important wetlands in the country of Australia.

1. Kakadu National Park

Located in the Northern Territory, this designated protected area contains a number of rivers which have created a number of floodplains, estuaries and tidal flats. It covers an area of nearly twenty thousand square kilometres, roughly the size of the country of Slovenia! Within its boundaries is one of the most lucrative uranium mines in the world. Its climate is tropical and is therefore within the monsoon zone. It has a wide variety of flora and fauna, some of which are endangered and therefore protected. It’s most notable inhabitant is the saltwater crocodile.

2. Mareeba Savanna & Wetland Reserve

One of the smaller wetlands in the country, this nature reserve in the savannahs of North Queensland, it covers an area of some 5000 acres of land. It is a veritable gold mine of the country’s flora and fauna, hosting many important species throughout the area. It is not a natural wetland; it was conceived and created in the early 1990s after there was a lot of leftover water following the cutting of irrigation passages through the savannah. The area management is actively seeking to increase biodiversity for tourism and research purposes.

3. Barmah National Park

This National Park in Victoria contains over 28,500 ha of wetland. The area around the Murray River provides a natural year-round wetland for the sort of flora and fauna species that thrive in those ecological zones. Despite being a wetland, the area is known for low levels of precipitation so the wetland is purely a result of the river’s floodplain ‘ natural and the result of non-interference of the topography. The area is a bird-lovers paradise with many native species of water bird making it their home.

4. Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Wetland

Located within the Coorong National Park, this pair of lakes and the wetland that exists between them and the ocean to the south is one of the most celebrated wetland in the country. In Aboriginal mythology, the lakes were inhabited by a monster known as the Muldjewangk. With its unusual tidal motion, it tends to look like an ocean but its appearance is sullied by the brown colour due to being supplied entirely by River Murray. The rivers and associated wetland are home to some of the most celebrated birds of the country.

5. Apsley Marshes & Moulting Lagoon

This lagoon has formed as a result of the mouths of two rivers coming together. The combined area of the wetland is in the region of 900 square kilometres. A narrow strip of land protects it from the ocean, creating a natural wetland. The lagoon is fed entirely by the marsh which gradually releases filtered floodwater from the overspill of the Apsley River. Again, the area is well-known for its bird species. The lagoon is also home to reeds and sea grasses.

6. Macquarie Marshes

These marshes comprise the river of the same name and its several tributaries. It is one of the most important breeding sites in the country for the country’s water birds. A lot of the channels and streams within the wetlands are permanent due to water management on the site. However, the level of flooding changes depending on the water level of the rivers. It is home to many species of introduced mammals and a number of protected native species. It has been identified internationally as an Important Bird Area.

7. Eighty Mile Beach

The beach itself is over 140 miles in length and is home to many species of wader and shorebird. Its importance is recognised internationally under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The reason for this is because of its importance in the migration pattern of the birds that use the East Asia-Australasia flyway; it is most important to the Great Knot species. It hosts an eye-opening 400,000 birds every year and is used as a stopover on the route to breeding grounds. The beach and its hinterland are native to a number of kangaroo species.

8. Gwydir Wetlands

These are a system of erratically inundated wetlands in New South Wales, close to the state border with Queensland. Due to its erratic nature, it isn’t always flooded but when it is it is an important breeding area for water birds. The erratic nature is as a result of water control features of the water authorities in the area. It too is an international IBA (Important Bird Area) because when the area is flooded, it houses more birds than any other Australian wetland.

9. Hunter Estuary Wetlands

The River Hunter is one of the best-known in New South Wales and these wetlands exist at the estuary of the river. It is the most important wetland site in the province and it too has been identified as IBA by international authorities for its contribution to the habitats of waders and shore birds. The mangroves of the area are important for a variety of fish species.

10. Banrock Station Wetlands

An area most famous for its wine production is also famous for another important Australian wetland, and another considered of international importance. Like some of the others above it lies in the vicinity of the Murray River in South Eastern Australia. Presently subject to a restoration programme, Banrock Station winery received an award for its work in the area. Southern Bell Frog, Regent Parrot and River snail are three of the protected species in the wetland and an adjacent lagoon. Like many of the others, it plays host to many species of water bird.

Conclusion

So now you see the diversity of flora and fauna in a selection of just ten of Australia’s wetlands. These represent important research sites for a wide range of scientific disciplines. They also represent perfect destinations for the eco-traveller and those wanting to get away from it all, nature enthusiasts and those who prefer something wetter than the dryness of the Outback! Hopefully this article has inspired you to check out wetlands a little closer to home for you.