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189. Swan Lake - Tombolo and Dunes

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:
Pyramid Rock – 390360. 1 km west of Summerland.

Access:
Walking track from Ventnor Road.

Ownership:
Crown land and private land.

Geology/Geomorphology:
The area between Cat Bay and Summerland Bay is a double tombolo formation that links the former Summerland’s Island to the main body of Phillip Island. The tombolo base has been built upward by the growth of beach ridges and transgressive dunes from both the northern (Western Port) and southern (Bass Strait) shores. These sand bodies have not coalesced however and they enclose a swampy lowland including the open water area of Swan Lake. This site includes part of the wetland and the dunes of the southern tombolo.

Significance:
State. This is the best example of double tombolo formation on the Victorian coast. Stages in the reclamation of the former seaway may be determined by a study of the dune and wetland systems.

Management:
Class 2. Intensive subdivision or sand extraction on the dune area should not be permitted. Swan Lake and its adjacent swampland should not be converted into an artificial waterway, although some modifications consistent with wildlife management could be undertaken without seriously diminishing the significance of the site.

References:
Edwards, A.B. (1945). The geology of Phillip Island. Ibid. 57 (1+2) 1-21.
Jenkin, J.J. (1962). The geology and hydrogeology of the Westernport area. Dept. of Mines, Vict. Underground Water Investigation Report. No. 5
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