Fisher’s Wetland — Attraction in Newhaven

A wide variety of birds and animals visit Fishers Wetland. Some of the birdlife you might see include; Cape Barren geese (Cereopsis novaehollandiae), royal spoonbills (Platalea regia), black swans (Cygnus atratus), purple swamphens (Porphyrio porphyrio), Australian white ibis (Threskiornis molucca), Australian pelicans (Pelecanus conspicillatus), banded stilts (Cladorhynchus Ieucocephalus) and buff-banded rails (Gallirallus philippensis) as well as a range of ducks. You may also observe dragonflies and damselflies zipping around the wetland, or laying their eggs in the water. Or hear common froglets (Crinia signifera) calling from the waters edge. Other animals that permanently live in the wetlands include macroinvetebrates such as mosquito larvae, water mites, scavenger beetles, backswimmers and water boatman.

The area, known as Fisher’s land, was drained for farming in the early part of last century. In the late 1990’s a section of the farm was reclaimed and returned to its wetland state. The wetland receives runoff from the surrounding catchment, a large percentage originating from the Woolamai housing estate. Installed in 1998, the concrete weir at Fishers Wetland is used to control the amount of water flowing out of the wetland. As a result there is minimal fluctuation of the water level throughout this area. Phillip Island Nature Parks have also constructed a boardwalk system which allows great viewing of this environment, but also protects the fragile wetland plant system. A bird hide on the edge of the wetland was created to quietly view the abundance of birds drawn...

Beautiful wetlands with amazing walking tracks . Well-defined and maintained Boardwalks , abandoned wildlife and birdwatching. Unique habitat for island animals. The animals are used to us as the island is one of the top tourist destinations. Check the forecast, prepare and go....

Pretty wetland. Lots of flies though. Wouldn't want to have a picnic here unless you made some serious investment in insect repellent or mosquito netting. Definitely won't get disturbed if you do choose this...