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Mud Islands

PORT PHILLIP'S SPECTACULAR NATURAL WONDER

Port Phillip is almost an inland sea, having only a narrow 3½ kilometre-wide entrance at the Heads. Despite its size, the Bay has very few islands. However, situated near the Heads, 5½ kilometres from the mainland, is a small and unique group of islands - Mud Islands . They are remarkable not only for their physical features, but also for their bird-dominated ecology.

Mud Islands have long been of scientific and conservation interest. This is reflected in their listing on the Register of the National Estate and on the Ramsar list of wetlands, and more recently by their inclusion within the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park. They are the surface expression of the Great Sand, the largest shoal in Port Phillip. They consist of three shrubby sand islands enclosing a shallow tidal lagoon, which is fringed by salt marsh. Despite the name, the islands, including their outer beaches, are mainly composed of shelly sand. Resembling an atoll, Mud Islands form a unique feature in the southern Australian landscape.

Guano (accumulations of bird droppings) was mined in the 1860s and 70s, amidst much controversy at the time as to the possible effects on the islands. Birds dominate the ecology of Mud Islands . A total of 87 species are recorded and 15 of these have been recorded nesting.. The major species are Silver Gull, Straw-necked Ibis, Australian White Ibis and White-faced Storm-Petrel. Other colony forming birds are Australian Pelican, Crested Tern and Caspian Tern. The central lagoon is visited by thousands on intercontinental waders in the warmer months. From 1990 onwards, Straw-necked and Australian White Ibis commenced nesting on Mud Islands in huge numbers.

The vegetation of Mud Islands is highly dynamic. The islands support the largest stands of Coast Saltbush Atriplex cinerea in Victoria , and the largest stands of Coast Hollyhock Malva sp. aff. australiana throughout its geographic range.