MCMC Merriman Creek, Mouth Observation Site

Active Mouth Condition Seaspray (Boat Ramp)

Merriman Creek flows out into the surf beach. Due to the intensity of the wave action, the creek can be 'pushed' via longshore drift further up along the beach due to the intensity of the wave action. This can then threaten built assets such as the ramp access onto the beach from the surf beach and beach access boardwalks. 

The site is popular with fishermen, kayakers and surfers a like. There has been concerns in the past of flooding, and some anecdotal evidence of concerned residents 'opening' the estuary themselves. Currently there is a height gauge and the site has active telemetry of stream height organised by the Wellington Shire. 

See photo attached - this site is located at the point of the foredune where the creek meets the beach. This provides some height in order to capture how the estuary mouth is moving over time. This estuary is strongly wave dominated

Land Use

• Recreational
• Rural Grazing
• Urban Residential

Estuary Mouth Condition