Jawbone Flora & Fauna Reserve
Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve is a unique coastal landscape where wetlands, mangroves and open grasslands meet Port Phillip Bay. An accessible boardwalk winds through saltmarsh and mangrove environments, allowing visitors to experience these sensitive habitats up close without disturbing them. Along the way, bird hides provide excellent opportunities to quietly observe migratory shorebirds and local waterbirds that rely on the reserve’s wetlands, lakes and tidal flats. These rich ecosystems sit within the traditional Country of the Bunurong People, whose deep and enduring connection to land and sea continues to shape the cultural significance of the area.
From elevated points across the reserve, visitors are rewarded with expansive views across the bay to Point Cook, the You Yangs, Altona and the Bellarine Peninsula on clear days. Two wetland lakes, Wader Beach, Kororoit Creek and surrounding grasslands support both wildlife and low‑key recreation, creating a place for reflection, walking and nature discovery. The reserve forms part of a continuous chain of conservation sites stretching from the West Gate Bridge through Williamstown and Altona to Cheetham Wetlands and Point Cook, just 8 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD.
The northern edge of the reserve connects to the Bay Trail, welcoming walkers and cyclists with seating, playgrounds and landscaped native plantings. Paths link the open grassland areas with nearby neighbourhoods, making Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve an easily accessible green space where community, culture and nature come together.
Jawbone Marine Sanctuary
The Jawbone Marine Sanctuary lies along the shore of the Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve and west of Williamstown Beach. While this is the smallest marine reserve in Victoria, it boasts a rich and diverse underwater environment.
Snorkelling and swimming are popular ways to experience the Sanctuary, with easy shore access to the small bay at the eastern end of the reserve adjacent to the Arboretum.
The underwater world features seagrass meadows, sandy patches and basalt reefs that support colourful algae, sponges, nudibranchs, fish and invertebrates. Sheltered from prevailing winds, the water conditions in Jawbone’s small bay are often gentle, making this one of Melbourne’s most accessible and rewarding spots to explore the bay’s marine life. At low tide, a large sand bar is exposed and amongst the exposed rocks you can see crabs, sea snails and small fish in the shallows. In deeper water, snorkellers may spot rays or even remnants of shipwrecks.
Fishing and taking of any marine life are prohibited in the sanctuary to help protect this diverse ecosystem and protect its inhabitants. Protected areas not only help marine life to flourish, they offer visitors a chance to experience these special areas and preserve them for future generations.
Local volunteers and members of the Jawbone Marine Sanctuary Care Group provide community stewardship and information sessions to help others appreciate the importance of this marine gem.
Getting there
The Flora and Fauna Reserve stretches from Bayview Street to Maddox Road, along the bay in Williamstown. A walking and cycling trail runs the length with sidetracks leading visitors to viewing points and bird hides along the reserve.
Access to the Jawbone Marine Sanctuary is off the Bay Trail at the eastern end of the Flora and Fauna Reserve.
More information
Jawbone Flora & Fauna Reserve PDF
Location
Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve, enter at Bayview street or Maddox Road, Williamstown 3016 View Map
-37.860133,144.8732758
Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve, enter at Bayview street or Maddox Road ,
Williamstown 3016
Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve, enter at Bayview street or Maddox Road ,
Williamstown 3016
Jawbone Flora & Fauna Reserve