Tootgarook Wetlands (Capel Sound)
.jpg "Tootgarook Wetlands (Capel Sound)")
The approximate 590 hectare Tootgarook Swamp, or Boneo Swamp, as it is sometimes referred, is a ground water dependent ecosystem and the largest example left of a shallow freshwater marsh in the Port Phillip bay and Western Port region.
The swamp exists on organosols soils (fibric peat), and as a peat regenerating wetland it is the most threatened form of wetland type internationally.
It is a short (500m) walk around the accessible part of the wetlands which is home to lots of birds and frogs.
Review:
There is some parking on the grassy area beside the road. The path initially cuts through reeds, tea-trees and bush. At a big green shelter a little track to the left leads to an observation deck. There are lots of reeds and little open water this area. There is another entry point from the recreation reserve at this point. After a short distance there is a branch to a short boardwalk. The track then opens up to grassy area with trees beside the fences of neighbouring houses. The track passes an old bird hide but it's hard to see any wildlife here since the bush is very thick in front of the hide. You then pass a house with a fence which has two barking dogs which is a little scary. Follow the grassy verge back to the starting point. We didn't see any wildlife and half the walk is beside houses. Prepare for mossies and snakes in warmer weather.
Photos:
Location
21 Tern Avenue, Capel Sound 3940 Map
