Stony Creek Backwash
Westgate Bridge over the backwash
Stony Creek Backwash is in a small park which lies under the Westgate Bridge where the creek meets the mouth of the Yarra River. You can access it by Hyde Street, where there is a small car park, or you can walk from Spotswood or Yarraville train stations.
White Mangroves
A small stand of White Mangroves grows there. The original mangroves where killed off by an oil spill in the 80's but have been replanted, and as it is a hardy species it is currently thriving.
The backwash provides shelter to a few interesting birds. Today, a Great Egret was resting perched on the submerged historic barge which lies in the backwash and Chestnut Teal were loafing in the lagoon.
Great Egret
As we walked out along the wooden boardwalk we saw Little Pied and Little Black Cormorants perched out on a rocky spit.
A Nankeen Night heron was seen fishing under the bridge over Hyde Street and an Australian Pelican flew overhead. On other occasions Pacific Gull, White faced Heron, Dater and New Holland Honeyeater have been seen here.