87. Tooradin - Tidal Meanders of Sawtells Inlet

This information has been developed from one or more of these publications:

Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance in the Westernport Bay Catchment (1984) by Neville Rosengren.
Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance in the Western Region of Melbourne (1986) by Neville Rosengren
Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance on the Coast of Port Phillip Bay (1988) by Neville Rosengren.
Sites of Environmental Significance in the Flood Plain of the Upper Yarra Valley Region (1983) by Neville Rosengren, Douglas Frood and Kim Lowe (as part of a study of Sites of Environmental Significance by the University of Melbourne for the then Upper Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges Authority).

Geological heritage sites, including sites of geomorphological interest and volcanic heritage sites, are under regular revision by the Geological Society of Australia, especially in the assessment of significance and values. Reference should be made to the most recent reports. See the Earth Science Heritage section of the Geological Society of Australia website (external link) for details of geological heritage reports, and a bibliography.

Location:	Tooradin – 586697. The site extends for 1.7 km north of the South Gippsland Highway bridge across Sawtells Inlet at Tooradin.	Tidal meanders at Sawtells Inlet, Site 87
Access:	Tooradin Station Road. A small boat may traverse the inlet at high tide.
Ownership:	Crown land (Public Land Water Frontage Reserve), and private land.
Geomorphology:	Sawtells Inlet is a highly sinuous tidal channel upstream from the South Gippsland Highway bridge. The meanders have a radius of curvature of approximately 150 m, and near the bridge are broadly convex. Further inland, the meanders are of the anvil head patter. Flood tidal scour in places is eroding the banks of the channel, and it is probable that some of the meander may become cut-off.
Significance:	Regional. The site is a clear display of the development of flood tide meanders. Because of the large tidal range, this is a useful and accessible site to study tidal flow in a narrow inlet. Unlike most other tidal inlets and creek mouths on the northern shore of Westernport Bay, this site has not been extensively modified by artificial land drainage schemes.
Management:	Class 1. No artificial drainage or erosion control measures should be undertaken at the site. Engineering works or coastal facilities construction should not be permitted if they will cause obstruction to free tidal flow in the main channel. No buildings should be permitted adjacent to the tidal channel.

Site 87, Tidal meanders, Sawtells Inlet

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