Barwon River Basin
The Barwon River’s journey begins in the Otways National Park, flowing through farmland around the towns of Forrest and Birregurra and through the heart of the regional centre of Geelong, before it enters the Southern Ocean at the twin towns of Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads.
- The Barwon estuary is recognised for its mangrove habitat, which is protected as a Ramsar wetland, and is home to many water birds. This area provides a sanctuary for a number of endangered migratory birds, such as the orange-bellied parrot and as well as native plants and animals.
- The Barwon River suffers from salinity, eutrophication and poor flow and most streams are in marginal to poor condition.
- Recently, the Central (Sustainable Water Strategy (SWS) commitment of 3,000 extra ML for the lower Moorabool River has been delivered. This is a good outcome for the Barwon estuary and the Ramsar listed wetlands in the lower reaches of the river.
The Barwon needs our care:
- Storm-water litter with residential, industrial and agricultural runoff provide ongoing pollution challenges;
- Exotic trees that line the river bank disrupt the habitats of native animals and fish; their dense thickets of suckers impede platypus burrowing in the banks and exacerbate erosion;
- The autumn leaf drop of exotic trees contribute to high nutrient loads providing ideal conditions for outbreaks of blue green algae; in other seasons the water creatures are left to starve without a steady supply of food from the native vegetation shedding leaves and bark all year round.
People who love and depend on the Barwon River Basin have many memories and insights to share – of the indigenous connection, working the land and learning from it.
Take a minute and explore the Barwon River Basin through the eyes of these river champions…
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Ted O'Rourke
Barwon Riverkeeper Ted O’Rourke knows the Barwon River better than most. His boat hire and tour business based at Barwon Heads has...
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David Tournier
The Barwon River is of particular significance to the indigenous people of the Geelong and Ballarat region, the Wathaurong...
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Neil McInnes
Upper Barwon Landcare Network Co-ordinator Neil McInnes is working with landholders and landcare groups in the upper Barwon region to improve...
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Winchelsea Primary School
Winchelsea Primary School students Stephanie Lubke, Bridie Stocks and Jake Tucker are smiling. Along with the rest of their classmates, today...
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Russell and Janie Carrington
Seven years ago, Russell and Janie Carrington decided that it was time to quit their jobs and ‘do the treechange’. They moved from their...more
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Marita Kennedy and Bruce Jackson
Marita Kennedy and Bruce Jackson moved to Forrest from Torquay six years ago to start a new life in the country with their young family...
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Forrest Primary School
The grade 5 and 6 children of Forrest Primary School share their memories of the Barwon River...
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Other WESTERN RIVERS
Check out stories from the Glenelg River
Check out stories from the Gellibrand River
