The Mangrove Boardwalk

The Mangrove Boardwalk is a 1.4km stroll through the bio-diverse environment between Currumbene Creek and the Heritage Complex.

Australia has approximately 11,500km2 of mangrove, primarily on the northern and eastern coasts of the continent.

Mangroves are trees and shrubs uniquely adapted to survive and thrive in saline coastal conditions. The saline conditions tolerated by various species range from brackish water through pure seawater to water of over twice the salinity of ocean seawater, where the salt has become concentrated by evaporation.

Mangroves protect coastal areas from erosion and storm surges. They slow down tidal water enough that sediment is deposited as the tide comes in, leaving all except fine particles when the tide ebbs. In this way, mangroves build their own environment. These particles provide food for smaller marine animals such as fish and crabs.

Because of the uniqueness of mangrove ecosystems and the protection against erosion that they provide, they are often the object of conservation programs.

From the Boardwalk visitors can see Grey Mangroves, River Mangroves, bird species, crabs and other flora and fauna.

See the Fact Sheet for more information.

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