Toora Bird Hide and Boardwalk

Toora is located on Corner Inlet and boasts a wetland site of international significance. You can visit the bird hide south of Toora, which is renowned for the migratory birds nesting in the area.

There are various information plaques with descriptions of land and sea birds, migratory patterns and information about the Marine Park itself.

There is a boardwalk which connects to the bird hide. The surrounding area is made up of mud flats and mangroves, with many varieties of grasses and sedges. Outstanding views of Wilson's Promontory, Barry Beach, Yanakie and the Toora windfarm can be seen from the car park.

Go right to the end of the Toora Jetty Road past the sign marking the beginning of the Corner Inlet Marine and Coastal Park and you will see the roof of the bird hide.

Distance: The walk is 500 metres long, wheelchair friendly and an easy 10 minute return.

Terrain: Fine gravel surface and some wooden boardwalks.

Directions: The walking track begins at the end of Toora Jetty Road. Head through the main street of Toora (Stanley Street), turn left into Victoria Street and take the first right into Toora Jetty Road. Continue all the way to the end of the road (about 3km - 5 mins), past the Vi-Plus Dairy and Toora Recreation Reserve.

Accessibility: The boardwalk has wheelchair access.

Best time to visit: The area is excellent for migratory waders (shorebirds) between August and April including the endangered Eastern Curlew as well as many other water birds.

Check tide times on Willy Weather for 'Port Welshpool'. Visit about 2.5 - 3hrs before or 1.5hrs after high tide. At high tide the birds go elsewhere and at low tide are too far away to see clearly. Note: Wind can affect the speed of the incoming tide.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs are permitted on-leash.

Review:

An interesting area for bird watching but there is quite an extensive area of thick mangrove bushes between the hide and the open water where the birds are located. Unless you time your visit well (or are lucky) the birds, of which there are plenty, will be quite a distance away. It's a good idea to bring binoculars. We saw plenty of black swans and egrets. There are lots of information panels inside the bird hide. There are no facilities except for a boat ramp.