Saltwater Lagoon and Creek Coastal Management Program (CMP)

Tell us what you love about Saltwater Lagoon and Creek

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  Saltwater Creek and Lagoon

  by Bob Scheiler, almost 6 years ago

  I have lived at the 'Rocks since 1972 and I remember when the creek and lagoon were open to the sea all the time. There was abundant marine life in both the creek and the lagoon, mullet, mud crabs, school prawns and the lagoon was deep enough for professional fishermen to use their nets. Today, when it is closed off it becomes quite smelly and the water is almost black. When it is open after heavy rain the golf course is able to drain properly and then when the water clears it is a great place for kids to play... Continue reading

  I have lived at the 'Rocks since 1972 and I remember when the creek and lagoon were open to the sea all the time. There was abundant marine life in both the creek and the lagoon, mullet, mud crabs, school prawns and the lagoon was deep enough for professional fishermen to use their nets. Today, when it is closed off it becomes quite smelly and the water is almost black. When it is open after heavy rain the golf course is able to drain properly and then when the water clears it is a great place for kids to play and swim. In my opinion it should be open on a permanent basis.
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  Saltwater Creek and Lagoon Birds

  by South West Rocks birds., almost 6 years ago
  

  Salt Water Creek and Lagoon.

  Although a relatively new comer to Salt Water Creek bird life, I get great joy from discovering birds along the creek, from the mouth to up above German Bridge. Pleasures for me include birds nesting, I have noted the Leaden Flycatcher and the Brown Honeyeater nesting, but the most joy I have experienced is to witness the flight of the Southern Emu-wren that frequents the rushes and grasses along the banks of the creek, long flowing lace like tail feathers trailing behind until it lands and the lace like feathers are then held erect. The... Continue reading

  Salt Water Creek and Lagoon.

  Although a relatively new comer to Salt Water Creek bird life, I get great joy from discovering birds along the creek, from the mouth to up above German Bridge. Pleasures for me include birds nesting, I have noted the Leaden Flycatcher and the Brown Honeyeater nesting, but the most joy I have experienced is to witness the flight of the Southern Emu-wren that frequents the rushes and grasses along the banks of the creek, long flowing lace like tail feathers trailing behind until it lands and the lace like feathers are then held erect. The brilliant orange and blue of the Azure Kingfisher as it darts low over the water through the dappled light from fishing perch to fishing perch also rates highly. A little while back, a juvenile Black-necked Stork, (previously called the Jabiru), took up residence for a while in the creek and stayed for a week or two and it was great to watch it fish. Egrets, Herons and Cormorants also consider the creek their home and larder, while Buff-banded Rail, Pardolotes, Sacred Kingfisher, Spangled Drongo, Silvereye, Wattlebirds, Eastern Spinebills, Thornbills, Fairy-wrens, Rainbow Bee-eaters, Scrubwrens and many species of Honeyeaters are some of the birds seen along the banks. The antics of Rainbow Lorikeets and Scaly-breasted Lorikeets noisily flying from Paper Bark to Paper Bark looking for nectar give me much amusement.

  
  

  Male and female, Southern Emu-wren seen along

  the banks of Saltwater Creek.

  Azure Kingfisher seen along Saltwater Creek.

  
  

  Local ornithologist, the late Ken Shingleton, OAM, took me under his wing, but his passing robbed me of absorbing enough of his knowledge to be able to pass it on to others. His passion and stories of Bitterns and Latham’s Snipe around the shores of the lagoon impressed me and he like me, would be first to object to development around it’s shoreline. I helped Ken make up a list of bird finding locations and these excerpts relating to the creek are as follows;

  Saltwater Lagoon; Bitterns, Latham’s Snipe.

  German Bridge, (Phillip Drive); Emu-wren, Bushbirds. Azure Kingfisher.

  Mouth of Saltwater Creek, (near Surf Club); Sooty Oystercatchers, Striated Heron, Eastern Reef Egret, terns, raptors including; Hobby.
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  Saltwater Memories

  by Margie Howard, almost 6 years ago

  When I was eight Saltwater Creek held a special place in my heart. We came to South West Rocks every year for our holiday. Our home was in Sydney right in the centre where there were factories, smog and no trees. We played in the flood water channels and a small nearby park so our holidays gave us respite into a different paradise. At home our father was absent to us most of the time away earning money to keep his 4 children out of poverty and getting them an education.

  At South West Rocks he used to disappear too... Continue reading

  When I was eight Saltwater Creek held a special place in my heart. We came to South West Rocks every year for our holiday. Our home was in Sydney right in the centre where there were factories, smog and no trees. We played in the flood water channels and a small nearby park so our holidays gave us respite into a different paradise. At home our father was absent to us most of the time away earning money to keep his 4 children out of poverty and getting them an education.

  At South West Rocks he used to disappear too with his fishing rod in hand but he was always there for us when we were "ready to take the test". The test was to float on your back for 45 seconds and it was always held just beside the little bridge at Saltwater creek. You were in big trouble if you booked him for the test and failed, sinking before your time was up. When I was successful it was bliss, congratulations from him, a two shilling coin and bragging to the brother and sisters.

  Now 60 years later I consider myself fortunate to live close to Saltwater Creek and thankful that my heart brought me back to this paradise to live. As I paddle my kayak close to the spot under the bridge I always remember that moment and my father now long gone. I am so thankful that the little creek still lives and that we are dedicated to making sure that it will be protected from the damage that we so often inflict on our environments.
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  Park Run Meeting Point

  by gcotter, almost 6 years ago

  The Horseshoe Bay Reserve Park Run meets, starts and finishes at the Saltwater Creek. This must have to be one of the most picturesque starting points of all Park Runs in Australia, if not the world. We have many local and overseas visitors comment on the beauty of the creek / beach and general outlook of the area.

  The water quality and birdlife of the creek plays an important part of the appeal. You can find runners cooling off in the creek in summer, after their 5km run, jog or walk. We are often lucky enough to be greeted by... Continue reading

  The Horseshoe Bay Reserve Park Run meets, starts and finishes at the Saltwater Creek. This must have to be one of the most picturesque starting points of all Park Runs in Australia, if not the world. We have many local and overseas visitors comment on the beauty of the creek / beach and general outlook of the area.

  The water quality and birdlife of the creek plays an important part of the appeal. You can find runners cooling off in the creek in summer, after their 5km run, jog or walk. We are often lucky enough to be greeted by jabiru for our 7am start.