Merri River Estuary
Glenelg Hopkins CMA
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Active Merri River EstuaryWatch Group
The Merri Estuary is located near Warrnambool in southwest Victoria. The river has two openings to the sea, both artificially modified. In 1859, the course of the Merri River was diverted in an attempt to prevent sedimentation in Lady Bay (Gill 1984). The main channel of the Merri River now discharges into the sea at Stingray Bay east of Pickering Point.
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Estuary Values
Estuary Threats
Recent Events
Sites
M1 |
Stanley StreetActive Physico-Chemical 27-10-2013 - 08-02-2025Monitoring has historically been conducted from the pedestrian crossing on the downstream side of the Stanley Street (Edwards Bridge), Warrnambool. In February 2022, this site was temporarily moved 100m upstream onto the left bank of the Merri River, with sampling occurring from the new floating pontoon while the new bridge was under construction. Sampling has since returned to the Edwards Bridge in 2024 once the new bridge was completed; undertaken on the downstream (southern) side pedestrian access. Observations 124 |
M2 |
Fonterra Floating PontoonActive Physico-Chemical 17-11-2013 - 08-02-2025The floating pontoon at the end of the Esplanade, Warrnambool. Observations 124 |
MGB |
Merri River Water Level Gauge BoardActive Gauge BoardGauge board can be found on the retaining wall downstream of the Stanley Street Bridge. When looking downstream from the pedestrian bridge you will see it on the right. |
MMC1 |
Sting Ray BayActive Mouth Condition 27-10-2013 - 08-02-2025Where the Merri River exits into Sting Ray Bay. Observations 132 |
MMC2 |
Rutledges CuttingActive Mouth Condition 07-12-2013 - 08-02-2025Beach access track at the most eastern carpark in Belfast Coastal Reserve. Observations 125 |
Mp1 |
Stingray BayActive Photopoint 27-03-2014 - 08-02-2025Photo is taken at the bottom of the beach access stairs near Emergency marker WCC112, Sting Ray Bay. Photos 466 |
Mp2 |
Rutledges CuttingActive Photopoint 10-02-2017 - 09-11-2024At the end of the beach access track from the easter carpark in Belfast Coastal Reserve. Photos 247 |
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Mouth Condition Snapshots
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