Your gateway to a wide range of natural resources information and associated maps

Victorian Resources Online

58. Merricks - Beach and Palmer Bluff

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 – 343477 to 351480. Coast at Merricks.
Access:Merricks Beach Road and Cliff Road.
Ownership:Crown Land.
Geomorphology:The site includes a sequence of coastal slopes that vary from active marine cliffs to degraded coastal bluffs. At Palmer bluff, the slope base is mantled by a vegetated sand dune whose soil profile exhibits a well developed hardpan B horizon.
Significance:Regional. The site displays a weathering erosion sequence of marine cliffs, bluffs, and dune accumulation in close proximity. This is of considerable interest in the analysis of sediment transport and wave energy in the south-western part of the Westernport Bay.
Management:Class 2. Any permits allowing roadworks or construction activities at the bluff top should be conditional on not allowing rock rubble or other rubbish to be strewn down the slope face.

58. Merricks - Beach and Palmer Bluff
Page top