KWP1 Karaaf Wetlands Photopoint

Active Photopoint Breamlea Flora and Fauna Reserve

The Karaaf wetlands lie within Wadawurrung Country and remain culturally significant to Traditional Owners. They form part of the Breamlea Flora and Fauna Reserve saltmarsh system, connected to Thompson Creek and the ocean at Point Impossible. Historically, the wetlands experienced tidal inundation when the creek mouth was open, and flooding when it closed, driven by freshwater flows from the Thompson catchment near Gherang. This pattern continues today, classifying the system as an ICOLL estuary. The area provides important habitat for wildlife, including birds such as the critically endangered Orange-bellied Parrot.

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Accessible by foot path from Sands Boulevard, Torquay.

Land Use

• Other
• Urban Residential

The wetlands have a complex history. They are impacted by natural processes as well as human-induced changes, and they experience seasonal changes. Surf Coast Shire Council have commenced a stormwater diversion project aimed at ultimately reducing stormwater flows from north Torquay to the Karaaf Wetlands to pre-development levels.

Photopoint site