16.4 Aire River structural meander

The Aire River valley is one of the major physiographic features of the Otway Ranges. The river drains some of the highest rainfall areas in Victoria and has incised a deep valley into the Mesozoic rocks. There are several long deep gorge sections and sets of rapids and waterfalls. The valley provides a major inland exposure of the Otway Group sediments and the geomorphology of the channel and valley walls is complex and of considerable interest. Two major physiographic divisions of the valley are recognised - (a) the incised, narrow valley that includes gorges, rapids and falls; and (b) the floodplain and infilled estuary of the Aire, Calder and Ford Rivers between Hordern Vale, Glenaire and the river mouth.

The area is one of State significance. The outcrops and physiographic features should be preserved with as little disturbance as is consistent with maintaining fire security. Vehicular traffic should be restricted to a defined number of access points and the potential for river and forest based active recreation should be utilised. For many months there is potential for canoeing, and the continuous flow of the river assures water supply for hikers and bushwalkers. It is recommended that no forestry operations, clearing or further roadworks be permitted in the area designated.

Location:	16-150123. One kilometre south of Aire Crossing bridge.
Access:	Walk down Aire River below crossing at Site 16.2.
Ownership:	Crown land.
Geomorphology:	A very angular meander bend in the Aire River is probably due to structural control, e.g. joining or deflection along a change in dip direction of the bedrock.
Significance:	State. The site illustrates the structural control that determines the detail of the Aire Valley.