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60. Coles Beach - High Level Beach Terrace

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:Flinders – 325467. One kilometre north of Point Leo
Image: Sites of Significane Westernport Bay
2.5 m high terrace, Coles Beach, Site 60.
Access:Point Leo Road.
Ownership:Crown Land.
Geomorphology:The coast between the Point Leo and Merricks Beach is backed by a bluff 10 to 20 metres high. In front of this is a zone of backshore dunes of variable width that take the form of low, parallel ridges or terraces. In some sectors there are higher level dune terraces and at Coles Beach this rises to 2.5 metres.
Significance:Regional. The site is a clear illustration of the variety of dune forming process on the western side of Westernport Bay.
Management:Class 1. Extension of roads or car parking facilities in the area of the site should be prohibited.


Sites 61 - 61
Site 60, Point Leo area

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