Begola Wetlands

The Begola Wetlands are a local environmental reserve with a large variety of wildlfie and quality walking tracks. Take in the tremendous natural surrounds as you listen to the relaxing sound of waves rolling in from the nearby Ocean Grove beach.

This reserve has important environmental values and is managed by the City with conservation in mind.

Begola Wetland is part of a natural water catchment system and is the first of a series of wetlands and lakes that lie behind the coastal dunes from Ocean Grove to Point Lonsdale.

Storm water runs off the surrounding residential area into Begola and then filters slowly through to Swan Bay. While it looks like a small and isolated lake, it is part of a much bigger network of coastal habitat. These coastal wetlands are important summer feeding grounds for migratory birds that fly in from as far as Siberia.

Begola is naturally an ephemeral wetland, which means it goes through cycles of holding water and drying out during summer and autumn, a normal and healthy part of the wetland cycle.

The wetland is rich in bird life. Birds nest and roost in grass beside the wetland or amongst the reeds. Many of the waterbirds forage for food on the shallow floor of the wetland and along its marshy edges. Keen eyes can make out Pacific Black Duck, Wood Duck, Black Swan, Purple Swamphen, Dusky Moorhen, Australian Grebe and White Faced Heron. One particularly important regular visitor is the Latham’s Snipe, which breeds in Japan during the winter and migrates some 10,000km in the summer months.

The name ‘Begola’ comes from the Wathaurong word meaning place of many frogs; reflecting the large numbers of species that call Begola Wetlands home, including the Southern Brown Tree Frog, the Spotted Marsh Frog, the Common Eastern Froglet and the Banjo Frog. Pause for a moment and you can hear the many different calls.

It’s important to ensure Begola is a safe haven for the species that call it home, particularly the birdlife. Some birds, including nesting swans, become victims of foxes and domestic pets that are not on a lead or roam at night. A fence has been erected around the wetland to reduce disturbance to the birdlife by people and dogs. Fox control is also undertaken along the coastline to help protect nesting birds.

When visiting
Parking is available on the western end on Tuckfield Street. An informal track runs around the wetland and a number of bench seats can be found along the way. A viewing platform on the far eastern end (Emperor Drive) is a great place to stop for a closer look at many bird species and to listen out for the many calls of the frogs that live in this natural wetland.

• Please keep pets from being able to access the area at night
• Please keep dogs on a lead
• Please help keep the water clean by cleaning up after your dog.
• Be aware that snakes may be active in this area during warmer months