Macleod Morass is a 520 hectare, deep freshwater marsh, of which the Long W aterhole was once the bed of the Mitchell River. The morass receives flood waters from the river and local catchment runoff. In spite of the quiet stillness, the morass teems with life. This ecosystem is a remarkable generator of living energy, providing habitat for hundreds of species of birds, frogs, fish, insects, reptiles and mammals. As you walk along the boardwalk you can enjoy the abundant birdlife and other animals that inhabit the morass.
The numbers in this parknote refer to numbered pegs along the boardwalk but just d on’t look for the pegs! There is plenty of interest between them as well. Along the way listen for frogs and birds and keep an eye out for the occasional snake. Tortoises, water rats and the introduced pest European Carp can be seen.
The large trees in this area are Red Gums
( Eucalyptus tereticornis) . Other shrubs and trees including Swamp Paperbark ( Melaleuca ericifolia) , Woolly Tea-tree ( Leptospermum lanigerum) and the Blackwood ( Acacia melanoxylon) also grow here. They have adapted to a life in wet soils and provide habitat for nesting and roosting birds.
These man-made earthen islands provide shelter, breeding habitat and security from land- based predators for many species of water fowl.
Man-made islands should have shallow edges to provide feeding sites and gently sloping banks to allow easy access and prevent wave erosion.
Natural islands are formed in the dense reedbeds which also provide a range of habitats.
The Common Reed ( Phragmites australis) is abundant throughout the morass. It is a native perennial growing up to four metres high and has extensive shallow roots. This reed provides nesting and cover for waterfowl. The Reed
Warbler, a small rather dull plumaged bird with a musical call, builds a deep cup-shaped nest attached to three or four stems of this reed. The
Reed Warbler is a migratory bird, arriving in the southern areas during spring. If you look carefully you may even spot one of their nests attached to the reed.
The Giant Rush ( Juncus ingens) is another species of reed found in the morass. Together with the Cumbungi ( Typha orientalis) , they form dense virtually impenetrable stands. Ibis and
Spoonbills break down the Giant Rush to form platforms for their nests.
At this point, stand still and watch the water teaming with aquatic insect life. While some species live on the surface of the water, many live beneath the surface, some on plants, some in burrows or moving across the bottom. The
Dragonfly nymphs live underwater for over a year before they surface. Other common species are Water Boatmen and Water Beetles.
These plants do n’t have roots that fix to the bottom of the morass, instead they float on the surface with very shallow roots. The most common species found here are Azollas and
Duckweeds which form a dense mat across the nutrient enriched waters. They are a source of food for many waterbirds.
At this point the most widespread species you can see is the Common Spike Rush ( Eleocharis sphacelata) . The seed heads at the top of the cylindrical stems provides nutrition for waterfowl.
Eastern Swamphens can often be seen bending down stems to get at the seeds.
There are two birdhides along the walking tracks and boardwalk. From inside this birdhide at the end of the boardwalk many types of birds may be spotted including Black Duck, Chestnut Teal
Duck, Black Swan, Ibis and Swamp Harriers. A duck hunting hide and duck nesting boxes are also visible.
For more information call the Parks Victoria Information Centre on
13 1963 or visit our website at www.parks.vic.gov.au

For further information
Parks Victoria
Information Centre
Call 13 1963 or visit our website at www.parks.vic.gov.au
Parks Victoria Bairnsdale
Office
574 Main Street
Bairnsdale VIC 3875
Bairnsdale Visitor
Information Centre
240 Main Street
Bairnsdale VIC 3875
Phone: (03) 5152 3444
Caring for the environment
Help us look after your park by following these guidelines:
Dogs, cats and firearms are prohibited, except those authorised during duck hunting season
Observe fire regulations at all times
All native plants and animals in the morass are protected
Please take care when on the boardwalk as it may be slippery when wet
Please take your rubbish home with you
This park is located in the
East Gippsland Total Fire
Ban District.
Please remain up to date with fire and weather forecasts by listening to local radio and
ABC.
Please recycle
If you do not wish to keep this park note please return it to the box at the start of the boardwalk so it may be used again
Healthy Parks Healthy People
Visiting a park can improve your health, mind, body and soul. So, with over four million hectares of parkland available to Victorians, why not escape to a park today!
August 2012
Printed on Australian-made 100% recycled paper