Derwent Estuary Program Limited

Type

NGO

Country

Australia

Last Update: March 02, 2023

About us

The Derwent estuary extends from the rural river town of New Norfolk south to the Iron Pot lighthouse. The estuary is a unique environment; a partially enclosed body of water where tidal seawater and fresh river water mix. The sheltered waters of the estuary support unique habitat and species specifically adapted to life in this environment.

What we recognise today as the Derwent estuary was formed between 6,500 and 13,000 years ago when the sea level rose flooding a river valley.

Today, wetlands and shallow mud flats dominate the upper Derwent estuary, north of the Bowen Bridge. The middle estuary has a convoluted shoreline with numerous small bays and inlets. Below the Tasman Bridge there is a single large bay – Ralphs Bay – to the east and on the west a relatively straight shoreline lined with cliffs and beaches.

contact

location

Level 4, 24 Davey St Hobart, Tasmania, Australia