Jawbone Marine Sanctuary

WILLIAMSTOWN, Victoria

Jawbone Marine Sanctuary, named after its shape, is located in Williamstown and protects 30ha of coastal waters. The little promontory, west of the beach at Williamstown, has been fenced off from the rest of the world for over 80 years by a coastal rifle range. This forgotten and unspoilt place is now considered a haven for coastal and marine life right next to Melbourne.

Patches of all marine habitats from northern Port Phillip Bay are packed into this small area. On the west of the promontory, there is saltmarsh and the largest occurrence of mangroves within Port Phillip Bay. They also happen to be the only mangroves in Victoria which grow on a basalt coast. Offshore there are areas of fine clayey sand and patches of seagrass. The eastern side has a complete set of rocky environments. There are areas high up on the shore that only occasionally get wet from storm waves and submerged boulders and ledges that lie below the lowest tides. The soft basalt rock has weathered into smaller rocks and pools that support a full range of tidal life. In between the clay and rock lie some small sandy beaches.

The diverse habitats support a smorgasbord of marine life. Large Turban Shells, limpets and snails appear in abundance. The rock pools boast pretty gardens of green or pink coralline algae as well as numerous seastars, urchins and crabs within the crevices. Glass Shrimp and small fish can be found darting amongst the seaweed in shallow waters. At high tide water flows over the mangrove roots and allows fish and other animals to move in and feed among the mangroves. Submerged boulders support brightly coloured sponges, nudibranchs and many fish. The area is commonly frequented by birdwatchers because many local and migratory bird species can be found within the sanctuary.

Park stats

Size: 30 Ha (0.3 km2)
Authority: Parks Victoria
Distance from Melbourne: 11.2 km

Share

Share
Explore this park

Contribute

Is there something missing? Or do you have something would like to add to this park?
   
Park amenities, facilities, and things to do
  • Boating / Sailing

    Boating / Sailing
  • Swimming

    Swimming
  • Surfing

    Surfing
  • Scuba diving

    Scuba diving
  • Sightseeing

    Sightseeing
  • Fish watching

    Fish watching

Find Jawbone Marine Sanctuary

Other parks within 40km of Jawbone Marine Sanctuary
 
Content on this park was last updated/edited:
The content on this page is sourced from; research, user submissions, and from the following sources:
http://www.parks.vic.gov.au

Home : Explore the map : Submit content : About us : Contact us : Report an error : Advertising
Find Your Park - 2020; A division of C_MEDIA - www.cmedia.com.au

Dislaimer: All maps, locations, distances, and park information, is intended as a guide only, and should not be relied upon for navigation. Always use a verified map, or GPS system to confirm your location.