Breamlea Flora and Fauna Reserve

Breamlea is a unique spot with just 100 houses nestled between the coast and the unique saltmarsh and estuarine environment of Thompson Creek.

The large open dune system features coastal grassland and shrubland vegetation and provides habitat for threatened species, including the Hooded Plover and Skipper Butterfly.

Breamlea has been a holiday destination for over 40,000 years as it is said the Wadawurrung migrated down Thompsons Creek during summer to harvest food from the sea.

Breamlea Foreshore Reserve and Bancoora Beach are managed by Barwon Coast.

About the estuary

The estuary of Thompson Creek supports a fascinating saltmarsh community. Saltmarshes are highly productive areas that provide habitat for fish breeding, shallow foraging areas for wading birds and water-filtering areas for stream-flow.

What to look for

The Breamlea Saltmarsh is a primary feeding ground for the threatened Orange-bellied Parrot. This small parrot migrates annually from Tasmania, passing through Victoria en route to South Australia.

Other bird species you might see

• Common Greenshank
• Crested Tern
• Double-banded Plover
• Grey Teal
• Masked Lapwing
• Red-capped Plover
• Red-necked Stint
• White-faced Heron
• White-fronted Chat

The aquatic and emergent vegetation of the Breamlea wetland provides physical shelter for fish and other aquatic fauna.

Fish known to inhabit the creek and wetland

• Australian Salmon
• Black Bream
• Common Galaxias
• Flat-headed Gudgeon
• Greenback Flounder
• Long-snouted Flounder
• Small-mouth Hardyhead
• Tommy rough
• Yelloweye Mullet

Things to do

Follow the trails around the area and visit Bancoora Beach.