cape liptrap coastal park management plan · 2020. 4. 14. · this management plan for cape liptrap...

This Management Plan for Cape Liptrap Coastal Park is approved for implementation. Its purpose is to directall aspects of management in the park until the plan is reviewed. A Draft Management Plan for the park waspublished in October 2001. Eighty-three submissions were received and have been considered in developingthis approved Management Plan.

This plan may be down-loaded from the Parks Victoria website 'www.parkweb.vic.gov.au'. Copies of the planmay be purchased for $8.80 (including GST) from:

Parks Victoria Information CentreLevel 10, 535 Bourke StreetMELBOURNE VIC 3000

13 1963

Information CentreDepartment of Sustainability and Environment8 Nicholson StreetEAST MELBOURNE VIC 3002

Foster OfficeParks VictoriaPO Box 91FOSTER VIC 3960

For further information on this plan, please contact:

Chief RangerFoster OfficeParks VictoriaPO Box 91FOSTER VIC 3960

03 5683 9000

CAPE LIPTRAP COASTAL PARK

MANAGEMENT PLAN

FEBRUARY 2003

ii Cape Liptrap Coastal Park

Published in February 2003 by Parks Victoria

Level 10, 535 Bourke Street Melbourne, Victoria, 3000

National Library of Australia

Cataloguing-in-Publication entry

Parks Victoria

Cape Liptrap Coastal Park Management Plan.

Bibliography

ISBN 0 7311 8306 1

1. Cape Liptrap Coastal Park (Vic.). 2. National parks and reserves - Victoria - Management. I. Title.

333.78309945

Disclaimer

This plan is prepared without prejudice to any negotiations or litigated outcome of any native titledetermination applications covering land or water within the plan’s area. It is acknowledged that anyfuture outcomes of native title determination applications may necessitate amendment of this plan; andthe implementation of this plan may require further notifications under the procedures in Division 3 ofPart 2 of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth).

The plan is also prepared without prejudice to any future negotiated outcomes between theGovernment/s and Victorian Aboriginal communities. It is acknowledged that such negotiatedoutcomes may necessitate amendment of this plan.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this plan is accurate. Parks Victoria doesnot guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind and therefore disclaims all liability forany error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in thepublication.

Cover: Cape Liptrap Lighthouse (Photo: Les Leunig).

Printed on 100% recycled paper to help save our natural environment

Cape Liptrap Coastal Park iii

FOREWORD

Cape Liptrap Coastal Park features spectacularcoastal scenery, including extensive rockplatforms, sheer cliffs, sea caves, rock stacks,sandy beaches and sheltered coves. With sucha diverse range of landform features it is nowonder the park is recognised as a site ofnational geological and geomorphologicalsignificance.

The park has many other important naturalvalues, including extensive heathlands andwoodlands and provides habitat for a numberof rare and threatened species. The area has afascinating history, and many cultural featuresare protected within the park. They includeAboriginal middens, the Cape Liptraplighthouse, and limekilns at Walkerville Southand Bell Point.

Hon John Thwaites MPMinister for Environment

There are numerous opportunities for visitorsto enjoy the park. Walking along the sandybeaches, camping at Bear Gully, admiring thecoastal views from Cape Liptrap, swimming orsurfing at the Venus Bay Beaches, andlearning about the park’s lime-burning heritageat Walkerville are among the manyexperiences on offer.

The long-term management frameworkestablished in this plan will protect thesignificant natural and cultural values of thepark, whilst providing appropriate recreationalopportunities.

I thank those individuals and organisationswho made submissions on the draft plan, and Ilook forward to the community’s ongoingsupport for the management of this park.

iv Cape Liptrap Coastal Park

APPROVED MANAGEMENT PLAN

This Approved Management Plan, preparedunder section 18 of the National Parks Act1975 (Vic.) is approved for implementation.The plan provides the basis and direction forthe future management of Cape LiptrapCoastal Park.

PROF LYNDSAY NEILSONSecretary to theDepartment of Sustainabilityand Environment

It was finalised following careful considerationof the eighty-three submissions received on thedraft plan released in October 2001.

MARK STONEChief ExecutiveParks Victoria

Cape Liptrap Coastal Park v

SUMMARY

Cape Liptrap Coastal Park (4175 ha) protectsextensive Heathland and Coastal Forestvegetation communities, including 270 speciesof vascular plants. Several rare fauna speciesoccur in the park, including the HoodedPlover, Swamp Antechinus and Powerful Owl.The area also provides a vegetated coastalcorridor for migratory birds.

The park contains one of the most interestingand complex geological sequences in the State,ranging from ancient Cambrian rocks to recentsands. There are spectacular coastal landformsat Cape Liptrap and Waratah Bay.

The park is a popular destination for visitors aswell as residents of the region, particularly theTownship of Walkerville and the settlement ofVenus Bay.

Typically for a coastal area, swimming,surfing, camping, fishing, walking and boatingare popular recreational activities. Otherpastimes in the area include horse riding,gemstone fossicking and shellfish collecting.

Overnight accommodation is available in thenearby townships, caravan parks and otherprivate accommodation. An informal campingarea is provided in the park at Bear Gully. Thepark is used mostly by day visitors.

Future management will be based onmaintaining the good condition of ecosystems,providing a range of appropriate day-usefacilities, and undertaking enhancedinformation and interpretation programs.

The major management proposals for the parkare summarised below:

• The ecological condition and diversity ofthe park’s vegetation communities will beimproved by restoring age-class diversity.

• An ecological fire management plan forthe park will be developed.

• Pest plants, animals and pathogens will bemonitored, controlled and where possibleeradicated to protect the park’s naturalvalues.

• The limekilns and associated relics atWalkerville will be managed in accordancewith the Burra Charter and the approvedHeritage Action Plan.

• A Master Plan will be prepared for visitorfacilities at Venus Bay Beaches to providehigh-quality day visitor facilities, upgradedcarparking and the separation of vehicleand pedestrian access.

• A variety of walking opportunities will beprovided within the park, from short naturetrails to extended walks along remotesections of coastline.

• Horse riding will be provided for on theocean beach between Arch Rock and theoutfall pipeline.

• Dogs on leads will be allowed at threehigh-use beach areas at Waratah Bay,Walkerville and Venus Bay but prohibitedin all other areas of the park.

• Information shelters and interpretativesigns will be established at key visitordestinations within the park.

• A Friends group will be supported andencouraged to participate in activities thatprotect and conserve the parks values.

Cape Liptrap Coastal Park vi

CONTENTS

FOREWORD III

SUMMARY V

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Location and planning area 11.2 Creation of the park 11.3 Developing the management plan 1

2 BASIS 2

2.1 Regional context 22.2 Park values and significance 22.3 Past land use 32.4 The park visitor 32.5 LCC recommendations and guidelines 32.6 Legislation 4

3 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS 6

3.1 Park vision 63.2 Zoning 63.3 Management directions 6

4 STRATEGIES FOR CONSERVATION 9

4.1 Geological and landform features 94.2 Rivers and catchments 94.3 Vegetation 94.4 Fauna 104.5 Landscape 114.6 Fire management 124.7 Pest plants and animals 134.8 Soil conservation 144.9 Aboriginal cultural heritage 154.10 Post-settlement cultural heritage 16

5 STRATEGIES FOR VISITORS 18

5.1 Information, interpretation and education 185.2 Access 195.3 Day visits 205.4 Camping 215.5 Boating 225.6 Fishing 235.7 Bushwalking 23

Cape Liptrap Coastal Park vii

5.8 Horse riding 255.9 Cycling 265.10 Dogs 265.11 Hang-gliding and paragliding 27

5.12 Fossicking 275.13 Commercial services 285.14 Public safety 28

6 STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT 30

6.1 Friends and volunteers 306.2 Community awareness and park neighbours 30

7 STRATEGIES FOR OTHER ISSUES 32

7.1 Authorised uses 327.2 Boundaries and adjacent uses 33

8 IMPLEMENTATION 34

REFERENCES 35

TABLES

1 Management zoning 62 Summary of recreational activities 73 Management of roads and tracks 204 Existing and proposed visitor facilities 225 Management of walking tracks 24

APPENDICES

1 Threatened flora 362 Threatened fauna 37

FIGURES

1 Regional locality plan End of plan2 Management zones "3 Visitor facilities and access "

Cape Liptrap Coastal Park 1

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Location and planning areaCape Liptrap Coastal Park is located in SouthGippsland, 180 km south-east of Melbourne(figure 1).

The planning area includes the park (4175 ha),which encompasses the coastline from theresidential subdivision at Waratah Baywestwards to Point Smythe on Anderson Inletto the low water mark, and the Cape LiptrapLighthouse Reserve (0.03 ha), which isencompassed by the coastal park.

The park encloses the Township ofWalkerville (Walkerville North andWalkerville South) and abuts the residentialsubdivisions of Venus Bay, Promontory ViewsEstate and Waratah Bay.

A number of public land reserves oncemanaged by local committees of managementare included in the park. The WalkervilleForeshore Committee of Managementcontinues to manage the foreshore and caravanpark at Walkerville, adjacent to the park.

1.2 Creation of the parkCape Liptrap Coastal Park was included inSchedule 3 of the National Parks Act 1975(Vic.) as a result of the National Parks(Amendment) Act 1997 (Vic.) and was

proclaimed on 4 July 1997. The park includesthe areas recommended for inclusion in aVenus Bay–Waratah Bay Coastal Park by theformer Land Conservation Council in theSouth Gippsland Area District 2 FinalRecommendations (LCC 1982), except for partof the Walkerville Foreshore Reserve.

1.3 Developing the managementplan

This Approved Management Plan has beenprepared after a process of research, planningand consultation with key stakeholders,including the Department of Natural Resourcesand Environment (now Department ofSustainability and Environment), SouthGippsland Shire Council, Gippsland CoastalBoard and Walkerville Foreshore Committeeof Management.

A public meeting attended by 52 people washeld in April 2000 at Tarwin Lower at whichvarious issues affecting the park werediscussed.

Eighty-three submissions received on the DraftManagement Plan, published for publiccomment in October 2001, have beenconsidered in developing this ManagementPlan.

2 Cape Liptrap Coastal Park

2 BASIS

2.1 Regional contextCape Liptrap Coastal Park plays an importantrole in the tourism and holiday accommodationsector within South Gippsland. The parkreceives more than 250 000 day visits a year.Most visitors stay in holiday homes, caravanparks or rental accommodation in theTownship of Walkerville and the coastalsettlements of Waratah Bay, Promontory ViewEstate, Sandy Point and Venus Bay. The parkis also accessible to day visitors from theLatrobe Valley, South Gippsland and thesouth-eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

The park is one of several natural attractions inSouth Gippsland, and is part of the PhillipIsland and Gippsland Discovery TourismRegion. Other popular destinations include:

• Wilsons Promontory National Park - oneof Victoria’s most loved national parks -features granite mountains, sandy beachesand diverse plant communities, includingheathlands, woodlands and rainforest. Thepark is also popular for camping, shortwalks and overnight hiking;

• Corner Inlet and Nooramunga Marine andCoastal Parks (Corner Inlet Ramsar site) -consist of a chain of barrier islands, tidalmudflats, saltmarsh and sheltered waters;and are recognised internationally for itswading bird habitat and is popular for,boating, fishing and birdwatching;

• Bunurong Marine Park which featuresrugged sandstone cliffs, broad rockplatforms and spectacular underwater reefsand provides opportunities for boating,fishing and snorkelling;

• Shallow Inlet Marine and Coastal Parkwhich protects a large tidal embaymentand sand spit which are popular forboating, fishing and windsurfing.

2.2 Park values and significanceCape Liptrap Coastal Park makes a valuablecontribution to Victoria’s parks and reservessystem, which aims to protect viable,representative samples of the State’s natural

environments occurring on public land. Thepark provides opportunities for visitors toenjoy and appreciate natural and culturalvalues, and makes an important contribution totourism and the economy of local coastalsettlements.

The park is assigned the International Unionfor the Conservation of Nature Category II ofthe United Nations List of National Parks andProtected Areas. Category II areas aremanaged primarily for conservation andappropriate recreation.

Significant features and opportunities areoutlined below.

Natural values:

• extensive heathland and coastal forestvegetation communities;

• the occurrence of about 270 species offlowering plants, including 27 orchids;

• thirty threatened fauna species, includingten species listed as threatened under theFlora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988(Vic.), 17 migratory bird species and tenthreatened flora species;

• one of the most interesting and complexgeological sequences in the State, rangingfrom ancient Cambrian rocks to Recentsands;

• spectacular coastal landforms at CapeLiptrap, Arch Rock and at Walkerville.

Cultural values:

• numerous middens and other significantAboriginal sites;

• relics of the lime-burning industry atWalkerville;

• Cape Liptrap lighthouse.

Tourism and recreational opportunities:

• spectacular and diverse coastal scenery;

• opportunities for fishing, natureobservation, camping, and other forms ofpassive recreation in natural settings;

Basis


• outstanding walks along a scenic coastlineand access to beaches suitable forswimming and surfing.

2.3 Past land useThe park is a narrow coastal strip of largelyunmodified natural systems that lackedagricultural value and had limited previoususe. The park has been subject to a range ofpast land uses including timber harvesting,grazing by domestic stock and lime burningand quarrying.

Grazing runs were established in SouthGippsland in the 1850s and stock continued tograze the dunes between Arch Rock and VenusBay until the 1960s.

Limestone was quarried at Walkerville from1878 and burnt in kilns to produce quick lime.Another kiln and jetty were established atnearby Bell Point. Quarrying resulted insignificant soil disturbance and slumping ofthe coastal cliffs. Substantial quantities oftimber were removed from the hinterland forburning in the kilns. The kilns ceasedoperating in 1926, when rising transport costsand the displacement of lime by cement in thebuilding industry made the industryunprofitable.

A lighthouse was established at Cape Liptrapin 1913 to improve the safety of coastalshipping.

Clearing and grazing development continuedin the hinterland, until the remaining nativevegetation was largely confined to public landreserved for forestry or recreational purposes.A series of local committees of managementwere formed to manage areas such asWalkerville Foreshore Reserve, Venus BayForeshore Reserve, Bear Gully Reserve andWaratah Bay Foreshore. Some of thesereserves were managed by voluntarycommittees, others by the local Shire.

Settlements have been developed at VenusBay, Promontory View Estate and WaratahBay as a result of various subdivisions forholiday houses made in the 1950s.

The beaches have long been and remainpopular destinations for recreation and fishing.

2.4 The park visitorThe park is a popular destination for visitors aswell as residents of the region, particularlythose from the Township of Walkerville andthe settlement of Venus Bay. Walkervilletownship has a population of approximately360 and Venus Bay about 500, although thenumber of residents in holiday periodsincreases significantly. It is expected that thenumber of residents in the township andsettlements will rise as retirees and others seekto live permanently or spend more time at theirholiday homes on the coast (GCB 2001).

The park is sufficiently close to greaterMelbourne to receive increased visitor use inthe future. The potential growth ofWalkerville and Venus Bay is limited by lackof available land and difficulties withwastewater management and water supply.Currently, both rely on bore or rain fed-watersupplies and septic sewerage systems.

As is typical for coastal areas, swimming,surfing, camping, fishing, walking and boatingare popular pursuits. Other activities in thearea include horse riding, gemstone fossickingand shellfish collecting.

The park is used mostly by day visitors, whotend to congregate at Waratah Bay(Walkerville) and Venus Bay. The parkreceives more than 250 000 day visits a year,of which approximately 200 000 day visitsoccur at the Venus Bay Beaches. Tracks andfirebreaks within the park are used forbushwalking.

Although most visitors use overnightaccommodation in the neighbouring coastaltownships and settlements, caravan parks andother private accommodation, around 16 000camper nights occur at the informal campingarea at Bear Gully.

2.5 LCC recommendations andguidelines

In 1982, the former Land ConservationCouncil (LCC) recommended that the park beused to provide opportunities for recreationand education, as well as the conservation ofthe park’s natural features. The LCC alsorecommended that park zoning accommodatethe traditional recreation activities associated

Basis


with the area including surfing, fishing,gemstone collection, camping, walking andhorse riding (LCC 1982). The offshore rockstacks were also included within the park.

The park is managed in accordance withrecommendations of the former LCC,operational policies and other plans andguidelines, including:

• Gippsland Fire Protection Plan (NRE1999a);

• Code of Practice for Fire Management onPublic Land (CNR 1995a);

• Directions in Environmental Management(Parks Victoria 1998a);

• Gippsland Natural Discovery RegionalTourism Development Plan (TourismVictoria 1997);

• South Gippsland Planning Scheme (SouthGippsland Shire Council 1999);

• Victorian Coastal Strategy (VCC 2002);

• Integrated Coastal Planning for Gippsland– Coastal Action Plan (Gippsland CoastalBoard in prep.).

2.6 LegislationCape Liptrap Coastal Park is reserved andmanaged under the National Parks Act. TheAct requires the Secretary to the Department ofSustainability and Environment (DSE)[formerly Department of Natural Resourcesand Environment] to preserve and protect thenatural condition of the park and its naturaland other features and, subject to this, toprovide for the use of the park by the publicfor enjoyment, recreation and education.Appropriate research activities are alsoprovided for under the Act.

The provisions of the Environment Protectionand Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999(Cwlth) apply to the planning area with respectto actions that have, will have or are likely tohave a significant impact on matters ofnational environmental significance.

Issues relating to native title are dealt withaccording to the Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth).

Rare and threatened flora and fauna aremanaged in accordance with Flora and Fauna

Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic.) and approvedAction Statements.

Sections 4 (Objects) and 18 of the NationalParks Act set the framework for themanagement of the park.

Park management aimsManagement aims for the park, consistent withthe government accepted LCCrecommendations and legislation, are asfollows.

Conservation

• Preserve and protect the naturalenvironment.

• Allow natural environmental processes tocontinue with the minimum ofinterference.

• Maintain biodiversity.

• Conserve features of archaeological,historical and cultural significance.

• Protect water catchments and streams.

• Protect human life, the park and adjacentlands from injury by fire.

• Eradicate or otherwise control introducedplants, animals and diseases.

The park visit

• Provide opportunities for appropriaterecreation, education and tourism.

• Promote and encourage an appreciation,understanding and enjoyment of the park’snatural and cultural values and itsrecreational opportunities.

• Encourage appropriate use of the park andvisitor behaviour, and foster a conservationethic in visitors.

• Take reasonable steps to ensure the safetyof visitors.

Other

• Provide for and encourage scientificresearch, surveys and monitoring that willcontribute to a better understanding andmanagement of the park.

• Co-operate with local, State and interstategovernment authorities, the community

Basis


and other interested organisations to assistin the park’s management.


3 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

3.1 Park visionA future visitor to Cape Liptrap Coastal Parkwill find a park characterised by spectacularand diverse coastal scenery, and theopportunity for a wide range of recreationalactivities. It is a place favoured by many forholidays by the sea.

The park remains a haven to several rarespecies of native plants and animals and hassignificant areas of heathland and coastalforest. The condition of the range ofecosystems is maintained by the carefulapplication of prescribed burning, based onresearch and monitoring which continues toimprove understanding of the managementrequirements for long-term conservation ofbiodiversity.

The park provides excellent opportunities forbeach activities including swimming, surfingand fishing, as well as walking andsightseeing. It remains a focal point for theneighbouring townships and settlements andmakes a major contribution to the localeconomy.

Visitor numbers have increased but high-quality day-use facilities have preventedadverse environmental impacts.Comprehensive information, interpretation andeducation services add to the interest andenjoyment of a visit.

Effective community liaison has resulted instrong support for park management and theformation of volunteer groups who undertakeprojects in the park.

3.2 ZoningA park management zoning scheme has beendeveloped to:

• provide a geographic framework withwhich to manage the park;

• indicate which management directionshave priority in different parts of the park;

• indicate the types and levels of useappropriate throughout the park;

• assist in minimising existing and potentialconflicts between uses and activities, orbetween these and the protection of parkvalues;

• provide a basis for assessing the suitabilityof future activities and developmentproposals.

Two management zones apply to the park;Conservation, and Conservation andRecreation.

In addition, a Special Protection Area −Cultural Values is designated, withmanagement requirements additional to thoseof the underlying primary zones.

Table 1 specifies the management zones andoverlay characteristics, and figure 2 showstheir location.

3.3 Management directionsMajor management directions for the park areoutlined below.

Conservation• The ecological condition of the existing

diverse and intact forest, heathland andheadland communities will be improved byrestoring age-class diversity.

• The species diversity, structure and age-class diversity of the coastal dunecommunities will be restored in the long-term.

• The knowledge of how to conserve thepark’s natural values with minimaldisturbance to the environment will beimproved.

• An ecological fire management plan forthe park will be developed.

• Pest plants, animals and pathogens will bemonitored, controlled and where possibleeradicated to protect the parks naturalvalues.

• Flora and fauna listed under the Flora andFauna Guarantee Act will be managed inaccordance with approved ActionStatements.

Strategic directions


TABLE 1 MANAGEMENT ZONING

ZONE/ OVERLAY AREA/LOCATION VALUES GENERAL MANAGEMENTAIM

Conservation Zone 3949 ha, 95% of the Park.More remote sections ofcoastline within the parkbetween Venus Bay andCape Liptrap, heathland andwoodland areas nearWalkerville and WaratahBay.

Broad areascontaining sensitivenatural environmentsor ecosystems.

Protect sensitive naturalenvironments and providefor minimal-impactrecreation activities andsimple visitor facilities,subject to ensuring minimalinterference with the naturalprocesses.

Conservation and RecreationZone

226 ha, 5% of the park.The more heavily usedareas accessible from theneighbouring township ofWalkerville and thesettlements at Venus Bay.

Broad natural areasthat can sustainsignificant levels ofrecreation.

Protect less sensitive naturalenvironments and providefor sustainable dispersedrecreational activities andsmall-scale recreationfacilities without significantimpact on natural processes.

Special Protection Area –Cultural Values

11 ha, 0.3% of the park.Areas at Walkerville Southand Bell Point associatedwith the lime-burningindustry.

Discrete significantareas requiring specialattention.

Protect specific natural orcultural values in specificareas or sites where aspecial management focusis required.

• The limekilns and associated relics atWalkerville will be managed in accordancewith the Burra Charter and the approvedHeritage Action Plan.

• Fire will be managed appropriately topreserve natural and cultural values andprotect life and assets.

The park visit• Information shelters and interpretative

signs will be established and maintained atkey visitor destinations within the park.

• Interpretation of the cultural values,management and history of WalkervilleLimekilns and the Cape Liptrap will beenhanced.

• Public access to beaches will be managedto prevent the degradation of sand dunes,cliffs and other sensitive areas.

• A Master Plan will be prepared for visitorfacilities at the Venus Bay Beaches toprovide high-quality day visitor facilities,upgraded carparking and the separation ofvehicle and pedestrian access.

• A variety of walking opportunities withinthe park will be provided, from short

nature trails to extended walks alongremote sections of coastline.

• Horse riding will be provided for on theOcean Beach between Arch Rock and theoutfall pipeline.

• Gemstone fossicking will be provided foron a section of the beach betweenWalkerville South and Cape Liptrap.

• Recreational opportunities will bepermitted in accordance with table 2.

Community awareness and involvement• The formation of a Friends group, to

participate in activities that protect andconserve the parks values, will beencouraged and supported.

• Community awareness and understandingof management programs and the park’sunique values will be enhanced.

Other• Consents, leases and licences will be

developed for occupancies and use of siteswithin the park in accordance withlegislative requirements.

Basis


• Park boundary anomalies will be identified and resolved.

TABLE 2 SUMMARY OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

MANAGEMENT ZONES OVERLAY

ACTIVITY

CONSERVATION ZONE

(95% of the Park)

CONSERVATION ANDRECREATION ZONE

(5% of the Park)

SPECIAL PROTECTIONAREA

(0.3% of the Park)

Picnicking* Yes Yes Yes

Camping: Bear Gully* NA Yes NA

Camping: land-based, dispersed* YC No No

Walking- Short nature walks- Bushwalks

YesYes

YesYes

YesYes

Scenic viewing Yes Yes Yes

Bicycle riding YC YC No

Horse riding YC No NA

Fishing Yes Yes Yes

Intertidal collecting of Pipis YC YC No

Dogs YC YC YC

Visiting historic features Yes NA Yes

Hang–gliding & paragliding YC NA NA

Land yachting No No No

Bird watching Yes Yes Yes

Gemstone fossicking YC NA NA

Commercial tours- Coastal walking- Camping*- Sightseeing- Birdwatching

YesYesYesYes

YesYesYesYes

YesNoYesYes

Rock climbing & abseiling No No No

Boat-launching No# No No#

Orienteering & rogaining Yes Yes Yes

KEY:NA Not applicableYC Conditional: refer to relevant section for details* use of solid fuel fires (except in designated fireplaces), chainsaws and generators not permitted in the park# adjacent to the park.

• Liaison will be maintained with the SouthGippsland Shire Council regarding suitablecontrols and issues relating to developmentadjoining the park.


4 STRATEGIES FOR CONSERVATION

4.1 Geological and landformfeatures

A wide range of geological age classes, fromancient Cambrian greenstones (570 millionyears old) to recent sand deposits, occur in thepark.

The geology and landform provides idealeducational opportunities because of the widerange of geological age classes and structuralfeatures found within a comparatively smallarea.

Cape Liptrap within the park represents a siteof national geological and geomorphologicalsignificance, given the outstanding exposure ofLower Palaeozoic rocks at this site. PointSmythe has regional significance as anexample of a mobile sand spit, and Arch Rockcontains regionally significant rock stacks andsmall caves in the calcarenite formations.

The Walkerville lime industry ran from 1875to 1926, and is interesting for its commercialuse of the park’s limestone, which dates fromthe Lower Devonian age (400–420 millionyears old). These limestones carry a diversefossil fauna. The Waratah fault is exposed inthese limestone cliffs at The Bluff, betweenWalkerville North and South.

Apart from the quarrying of limestoneassociated with the lime-burning industry atWalkerville and Bell Point, there is littleevidence of human impacts on the geologicalvalues of the park.

Gemstones (jasper and serpentine) occur in thecoves south of Walkerville (section 5.12).

Aim• Manage sites of geological and

geomorphological significance to allowpublic access and interpretation.

Management strategies• Provide an interpretive display at Cape

Liptrap explaining the park’s geologicalfeatures.

• Continue upgrading the interpretivedisplay and signage associated with theWalkerville lime-burning industry.

• Monitor and address threats togeomorphological values of significantsites.

• Encourage scientific study and researchinto the nature, origin and dynamics of thepark’s landforms and geological features.

4.2 Rivers and catchmentsThe park contains a number of small, forestedcoastal catchments draining from the HoddleRidge, which supply water to Waratah BayCaravan Park and Walkerville North CampingReserve. Private water supply pipelinescurrently extract water from Bluff Creek atWalkerville.

Bear Gully Creek, which is sourced from alargely cleared catchment, is used to supplywater to the Bear Gully camping area. Thiswater is of uncertain quality and is consideredunsuitable for drinking. There are nosignificant surface catchments in the VenusBay – Point Smythe area, although numerousdomestic bores tap groundwater resources nearthe park.

Aim• Maintain water quality in the park’s

catchments.

Management strategies• Ensure that water extraction by public

utilities is managed to minimise impacts onecological values of the park (section 7.1).

• Ensure that park users are made awarethat the water supply to Bear Gullycampsite is unsuitable for drinking.

• Remove all private water supply pipelinesfrom the park (section 7.1).

4.3 VegetationThe park features a variety of vegetation types,ranging from heaths and forests at WaratahBay to coastal scrubs on the dunes between

Strategies for conservation


Point Smythe and Morgans Beach. A total of11 ecological vegetation classes (EVCs) havebeen identified, encompassing open forest,paperbark scrub, wet heath, dry heath, swampheath, coastal scrub and grassland.

As a result of past land clearing, the parkrepresents the only significant occurrence ofthese EVCs on the Tarwin Plains.

About 270 species of vascular plants, including27 orchids, are recorded for the park. Ten plantspecies are classified as threatened in Victoria— Coast Bitter-bush, Marsh Saltbush, SlenderCaladenia, Bog Gum, Fringed Pennywort,Currant-wood, Heathland Leek-orchid, Top-bog Sedge, Rush Lily and Prawn Greenhood(appendix 1). Four plant species reach thelimit of their biogeographical range in or nearthe park. The heathlands are particularlyinteresting for their diversity of species and thestructure of the heathlands is important tofauna. Both the frequency and intensity offires influence the composition and structure ofthese heathlands (section 4.6). Threats to thenative vegetation include weed and vermininvasion, uncontrolled recreation uses,especially in exposed coastal sites, anddegradation from grazing by domestic stock.

Aims• Manage ecosystems to ensure the

protection of indigenous flora species andvegetation communities, particularlysignificant species and communities.

• Improve knowledge about the conservationof natural values with minimal disturbanceto the environment.

Management strategies• Maintain the ecological condition of the

existing diverse and intact forest,heathland and headland communities andimprove it by restoring age-class diversity.

• Progressively restore the species diversity,structure and age-class diversity of thecoastal dune communities.

• Develop an ecological fire managementplan for the park consistent withoperational policies and InterimGuidelines and Procedures for Ecological

Burning on Public Land in Victoria (NRE1999b).

• Ensure that poorly fenced sections of thepark are protected from grazing bydomestic stock.

• Restore disturbed areas using indigenousspecies of local provenance.

4.4 FaunaCape Liptrap Coastal Park provides a diversityof habitats for native fauna. Twenty-ninethreatened species, including ten listed asthreatened under the Flora and FaunaGuarantee Act are recorded for the park(appendix 2).

The heaths support a variety of nectar-feedingbirds, while the open forests are important forhollow-dependent species such as thethreatened Powerful Owl. Seventeen speciesof waders using Anderson Inlet are coveredunder the JAMBA and CAMBA internationalmigratory bird agreements. A number of thesewaders, including Red-necked Stint andSanderling, have been noted feeding androosting on the ocean beach between VenusBay and Point Smythe (Jim Whitelaw pers.obs.)

The Hooded Plover, a nationally vulnerablespecies listed under the Flora and FaunaGuarantee Act, lives and breeds on the park’socean beaches. The Orange-bellied Parrot, acritically endangered species also listed underthe Act, has been recently recorded feeding onstrand vegetation near Point Smythe.

Threatened mammals include the SwampAntechinus, a heathland species, and abreeding colony of Common Bent-wing Bats.

Common species of mammals found in thepark include the Eastern Grey Kangaroo,Swamp Wallaby, Koala, Common RingtailPossum, Common Brushtail Possum, SugarGlider, Eastern Pygmy-possum, CommonWombat, Echidna, Southern Brown Bandicoot,White-footed Dunnart, Agile Antechinus,Swamp Rat and Bush Rat.

The rocky reefs and shore platforms from ArchRock to Walkerville support a high diversity offish and intertidal and shallow subtidalinvertebrates (ECC 1996). The Venus Bay



Beaches have extensive beds of clamshells.For management of fish and fishing refer tosection 5.6.

Aims• Ensure the preservation and protection of

indigenous fauna.

• Manage park ecosystems to provide for thelong-term protection and preservation ofsignificant communities, habitats andspecies.

• Improve knowledge about the conservationof fauna and their habitat requirements.

Management strategies• Implement biological management actions

that incorporate relevant results ofresearch for the protection andpreservation of fauna, particularlythreatened species and their habitats.

• Manage fauna listed under the Flora andFauna Guarantee Act in accordance withapproved Action Statements (appendix 2).

• Encourage monitoring of the populationsof more common native fauna to ensuretheir continuing viability.

• Investigate the possibility of developingwildlife corridors from the park to linkwith adjoining reserves and other areas ofnative vegetation.

• Prohibit public access to offshore rockstacks and cliff areas that are used bybreeding seabirds and bats.

• Continue to prohibit feeding of wildlife byvisitors, and educate visitors about thispolicy.

4.5 LandscapeThe coastal scenery within the park isconsidered to be outstanding on aninternational scale.

The park contains a number of significantlandscapes:

• The broad sweep of ocean beach at VenusBay, backed by high dunes.

• The impressive high cliffs and bluffs ofCape Liptrap, together with offshorestacks, platforms and reefs.

• The more intimate enclosed coves ofWalkerville, Grinder Point, Bell Point andBear Gully, including the culturallandscapes of the old limekilns on thebeach at Walkerville.

• The spacious view across the water to theprominent peaks of Wilsons PromontoryNational Park.

• The estuarine landscapes and tidal flats ofAnderson Inlet.

• Spectacular coastal views from manyvantage points, notably Cape Liptrap, theWalkerville heathlands and Waratah Bay.

Visual intrusions into these natural landscapesinclude some sections of the Venus Bay andPromontory View estates, the South GippslandRegional Water Authority outfall pipelinecrossing the beach southwest of Venus Bay,signs on bluffs and heathlands, and recentresidential development adjacent to the park.

Most of the park and surrounding private landis included in Environmental SignificanceOverlay (ESO 3) of the South GippslandPlanning Scheme. This overlay aims to protectand enhance the natural beauty (includinglandscape values) of the coastal area andminimise the risk of impacts fromdevelopment.

New subdivisions for small rural holdings orresidential housing adjacent to the park havethe potential to affect landscape values,particularly when they are situated onprominent bluffs, headlands and dunes wherethey can be easily seen from within the park.

Aims• Minimise the visual intrusions on natural

landscape within the park, especially frommajor viewing points.

• Where possible, remove or shieldundesirable visual intrusions.



Management strategies• Ensure that all new developments in the

park are planned and designed to minimisetheir impact on landscape values.

• Contribute to the South Gippsland ShireCouncil’s Coastal Strategy, particularly inrelation to landscape values.

• Maintain and improve existing viewingpoints in the park at Cape Liptrap andWalkerville North.

• Formalise the existing low-key viewingarea on the Loop Road above theheathlands of Walkerville.

• Liaise with the South Gippsland ShireCouncil in relation to environmentalsignificance overlays in the planningscheme and planning applications fordevelopments that may affect landscapevalues of the park.

4.6 Fire managementThere are three major vegetation groupings inthe park, and each one presents a differentchallenge for fire management.

The coastal dune scrub and grasses of thepark’s western section carry low fuel loads butare highly flammable. Fires tend to movequickly and cannot be directly controlled. Thepark abuts house lots in the Venus Baysubdivision, so quick response, good accessand slashed fuel-reduction breaks are essentialcomponents of fire protection. Post-firevegetation recovery is usually rapid, butrehabilitation may be necessary to preventwind erosion of sand dune systems. There isno rationale for fuel-reduction burning in thisvegetation type.

The heaths within the park north ofWalkerville also carry low fuel loads but arehighly flammable. There are sound ecologicalreasons for the use of fires within thisvegetation type. Both the frequency andintensity of fires influence the composition andstructure of these heathlands. Heaths generallyrequire fire once every 10 to 15 years to retainfloristic structure and meet the habitat needs ofassociated fauna (CNR 1995b).

The open forest and paperbark scrubvegetation types present a greater fire hazard

due to higher amounts of fuel. Firemanagement is required to reduce the surfaceand bark fuel hazard. The use of fire forhabitat management is also a consideration, butthe ecologically desirable fire frequency forthis type of vegetation is much longer,probably 15 to 25 years, or up to 40 years indamp gullies.

Under the provisions of the Forests Act 1958(Vic.), it is the duty of the Department ofSustainability and Environment (DSE) to carryout proper and sufficient work for theprevention and suppression of fire on allprotected public land. The National Parks Actrequires the Secretary to the Department ofSustainability and Environment to ensure thatsufficient measures are taken to protect parksfrom injury by fire.

Under the Code of Practice for FireManagement on Public Land (CNR 1995a),fire management activities must ensure thatenvironmental values, including the vigour anddiversity of the indigenous flora, are protectedas far as possible from the deleterious effectsof wildfire and fire regimes.

The Gippsland Fire Protection Plan (NRE1999a) defines fire protection objectives,strategies and practices to be adopted in themanagement of wildfires and prescribedburning.

Four Fuel Management Zones apply to theCape Liptrap Coastal Park. Zone 2 providescorridors of sufficient width and continuity toachieve a substantial barrier to the spread ofwildfire. Zone 3 areas provide an irregularmosaic of areas of fuel reduction, decreasingthe severity of wildfires. Zone 4 areas aremanaged specifically for flora and fauna orvegetation communities that have critical fireregime requirements. The majority of the parkis included in this zone. Zone 5 areas providefor the exclusion of prescribed burning fromareas where there would be potential foreconomic, ecological or cultural loss.

Under the Gippsland Fire Protection Plan,areas of Zones 2 and 3 will be burnt during thelife of this plan.

Aims• Protect life, property and park values from

damage by fire.



• Suppress wildfires in a manner appropriateto seasonal conditions, with the objectiveof minimising impacts on park values.

• Sustain the vigour, diversity andsuccessional development of the park’splant and animal communities byecological burning on the basis of currentand future knowledge.

Management strategies• Develop an ecological fire management

plan for the park consistent withoperational policies and InterimGuidelines and Procedures for EcologicalBurning on Public Land in Victoria (NRE1999b) and relevant biological research.

• Encourage research into the use of fire forecological purposes and the effects ofdifferent fire regimes on the park’svegetation communities and associatedfauna.

• Update fire plans as necessary to reflectresearch findings.

• Work with DSE, the CFA, the MunicipalFire Prevention Committee and locallandholders to develop appropriate fireprotection plans for the Walkervilletownship and Venus Bay settlement.

• Prepare and implement rehabilitationplans as appropriate after fire suppressionactivities.

4.7 Pest plants and animalsThe control of introduced plants and animals inthe park is a significant issue, given the highratio of park boundary to park area and thelargely cleared or semi-urban nature of mostsections of freehold land adjoining the park.

Introduced fauna known to occur within thepark include the European Rabbit, Red Fox,Feral Cat, Black Rat, Brown Rat, HouseMouse, Hog Deer and Fallow Deer (section4.4), Common Blackbird, House Sparrow,Common Mynah, Common Starling, SpottedTurtle-dove, European Wasp and EuropeanHoney Bee.

Predation by the Red Fox is listed as apotentially threatening process under schedule3 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act.

Foxes pose a significant threat to smallmammals such as the threatened SwampAntechinus, and to shorebirds and wadersroosting and feeding on the beach. A fox-baiting program is undertaken annually in co-operation with local farmers.

Domestic pets and dogs off leads also pose athreat to small native mammals and birds.Ground-nesting shorebirds such as HoodedPlovers are at risk in areas where peopleexercise dogs on the beach.

In past years, grazing by wandering cattleoccurred in some sections of the park,especially the western section, but fencingimprovements have since reduced this problem(section 4.3).

Rabbits are present throughout the park butgenerally not in large numbers.

Fallow Deer, initially escapees from nearbydeer-farming operations in the late 1990s, arenow breeding in the park, and the population isincreasing. Hog Deer also occur in smallnumbers throughout the park. Theseintroduced species are ‘protected wildlife’under the provisions of the Wildlife Act 1975(Vic.), but they are not indigenous and theirpresence is incompatible with managementprinciples. The deer species could affectvegetation values in the long-term ifpopulations are allowed to increase. TheNational Parks Act prohibits hunting in thepark.

Colonies of feral European Honey Bees andEuropean Wasps pose a threat to the safety ofvisitors and may have an adverse impact on theecology of the park.

African Boxthorn is a significant problem nearAnderson Inlet, the Five Mile Track, and thearea adjacent to the Venus Bay subdivisions.

Infestations of a number of highly invasiveenvironmental weeds occur in and aroundWalkerville. These species are largely gardenescapees such as Cape Ivy, Arum Lily,Dolichos Pea, English Ivy, Watsonia,Agapanthus and Blue Periwinkle.Environmental weeds such as these will have avery high priority in the weed control program.



Sea Spurge is a particularly invasive weed oncoastal dunes. Research work on herbicidecontrol of Sea Spurge in the park has begun.

The introduced grass Spartina occurs in theintertidal areas along the southern shoreline ofAnderson Inlet at Point Smythe. Spartinainvasion is listed as a potentially threateningprocess under schedule 3 of the Flora andFauna Guarantee Act, and the species is alsodeclared as a noxious aquatic species under theFisheries Act. Spartina is known to seriouslydegrade habitat for waterbirds, particularlyshorebirds, by occupying and renderingunsuitable both feeding and roosting areas(Lane 1992).

Control methods that have a minimal impacton park values will be used in the control ofpest species. Priority will be given tocontrolling pest species that are invasive orpose significant threats to native flora andfauna.

Aims• Eradicate or control pest plant and animal

species using methods that minimisedisturbance to natural systems and parkvalues.

• Restore native vegetation to areas whereweeds have been removed.

Management strategies• Prepare and implement an integrated

program of monitoring and control of pestplant and animal species and pathogens.Priority will be give to:

areas of high conservationsignificance;

the control of African Boxthorn,Spartina, Blackberry, Dolichos Pea,Cape Ivy and other significantenvironmental weeds;

the control of new plant infestations;

pest plants with a high potential forinvasion;

the eradication of new pest animalpopulations as they are identified;

the control of foxes.

• Continue and, if possible, expand the fox-baiting program within the park,particularly to protect threatened fauna,migratory species and beach habitat.

• Monitor the impact of Hog Deer in thepark. Implement appropriate controlstrategies where detrimental impacts havebeen identified.

• Remove Fallow Deer from the park as faras practicable to prevent the populationbecoming firmly established.

• Continue and encourage research into thecontrol of Sea Spurge. Implement controlprograms in the park where appropriate.

• Destroy colonies of feral European HoneyBees and European Wasps where theybecome established.

• Introduce the concepts and actions of the‘Creeping Backyard’ program to adjoininglandowners in settlements near the park.

• Rehabilitate areas of vegetation disturbedby control actions to minimise re-invasionby pest species.

• Inform park visitors and adjacentlandholders about relevant pest plant andanimal control programs.

• Liaise and co-ordinate pest plant controlprograms at Walkerville with theForeshore Committee of Management.

• Promote the responsible management(especially night-time management) of petsto local communities.

4.8 Soil conservationThere are very few areas of soil degradation inthe park apart from the quarried cliff areasassociated with the limeburning industry atWalkerville.

There is isolated erosion along road and trackedges, in the Bear Gully camping area, at CapeLiptrap and on some sections of unformedcoastal walking tracks. Most soil erosion ispart of the natural coastal process, especiallythe slumping or erosion of the park’s cliffsections.

Coastal dunes between Arch Rock and VenusBay were grazed by stock (mainly cattle) until



the late 1960s. This caused significant damageto the dune vegetation and generated duneblowouts that are still evident today. Althoughmostly regenerating and stabilising naturally,these areas will need to be monitored.

Erosion control and drainage works have beenundertaken at the Cape Liptrap lighthouse torepair the eroded precincts and provide publicaccess.

The beach access tracks at Venus Bay No. 1 toNo. 5 carparks require ongoing maintenance toprevent soil erosion, but basic erosion controlstructures such as fencing and steps are alreadyin place.

Point Smythe is an eroding shoreline; its areahas been reduced by about 40 ha since 1911(DCLS 1978).

A number of unauthorised vehicle andpedestrian access tracks exist within the park,particularly at Grinder Point, Morgans Beach,Ten Mile Creek and Venus Bay (section 5.2).These tracks are poorly sited and are leading tosignificant soil erosion.

Aims• Prevent and control soil degradation

caused by visitor and managementactivities.

• Rehabilitate sites where unnatural soildegradation has occurred.

• Protect important economic, cultural andnatural assets from soil erosion.

Management strategies• Close and revegetate all unauthorised

access tracks or coastal paths (section5.2).

• Manage public access to beaches toprevent degradation of sand dunes andrehabilitate sites where degradation hasoccurred. Priority will be given to theunstable cliffs or areas where humanimpacts are most severe.

• Monitor soil erosion and rehabilitationworks to determine the success of controlmeasures.

• Design and manage visitor areas, accessroads and tracks to prevent or reduce soilerosion.

4.9 Aboriginal cultural heritageThe park lies within the western-most lands ofthe Gunai – Kurnai Nation, which extendedinto East Gippsland. The Tarwin Aboriginals,a clan of the Boonerwrung, were the makers ofhigh quality stone implements for their tribes.Both the Gunai – Kurnai and the Boonerwrunghave strong spiritual connections to WilsonsPromontory, otherwise known as Yirak (Gunai– Kurnai) and Wamoon (Boonerwrung).

There are numerous sites, mostly along thecoastline, which are of significance to the localAboriginal community and traditional owners.These include occupation sites at MorganCreek, near Point Smythe, at Ten Mile Creek,Five Mile Creek and near Bell Point. The mostcommon archaeological sites within the parkare shell middens and stone artefact scatters.

Degradation by erosion, illegal vehicle trafficand pillaging of artefacts are major threats tothe integrity of cultural sites. Some sitesrequire active management to ensureprotection. There has been no recent surveywork on sites within the park, and it is likelythat additional sites may be found.

Approaches to the protection of such sites andthe involvement of local Aboriginalcommunities in their management are outlinedin the Aboriginal and Torres Strait IslanderHeritage Protection Act 1984 (Cwlth) and theAboriginal and Archaeological RelicsPreservation Act 1972 (Vic.). The culturalheritage responsibilities in relation to CapeLiptrap, in accordance with Part 11A of theAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HeritageProtection Act, lie with the Aboriginalcommunity of the Central GippslandAboriginal Health and Housing Co-operativein Morwell.

Issues relating to native title are dealt withaccording to the Native Title Act. Anapplication for a native title determination,which covers Cape Liptrap Coastal Park,among other areas, was registered with theNative Title Tribunal on the 17 March 1997.Implementation of this Management Plan will



take into account the existence of this and anysubsequent native title applications.

Aims• Preserve and protect features of Aboriginal

cultural and archaeological significance.

• Provide opportunities for people to learnabout and understand the park’sAboriginal cultural values.

Management strategies• Manage and protect Aboriginal cultural

sites and places in accordance with theprovisions of the Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander Heritage Protection Actand the Archaeological and AboriginalRelics Preservation Act.

• Liaise with the Gippsland CulturalHeritage Unit, Central GippslandAboriginal Health and Housing Co-operative, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria andthe native title claimants over theprotection of the park’s archaeologicalheritage.

• Formalise a process of consultation withthe Aboriginal community and traditionalowners, including those nominated inrelevant legislation, on traditional use andthe Aboriginal significance of features inthe park.

• Permit Aboriginal traditional activities inthe park according to Parks Victoriaoperational policies.

• Liaise with Aboriginal Affairs Victoria andco-operate with the Aboriginal communityand traditional owners in theidentification, management and care ofsites of significance.

• Ensure that all management actions are inaccordance with the Native Title Act.

• Increase visitors’ awareness andunderstanding of the Aboriginal culturaland spiritual significance of the parkthrough appropriate signage developed inconsultation with the Aboriginalcommunity.

4.10 Post-settlement cultural heritageThe first recorded European sighting of thiscoast was by George Bass in 1798 on hisvoyage to prove the existence of a straitbetween the mainland and Tasmania. Heavyseas forced him to beach his whaleboat forthree days at Cape Liptrap (Collett 1994).

Sealers and whalers later worked along thiscoast, exterminating two seal populations inthese waters within 30 years. Graziersfollowed overland, and by 1851 a number ofmajor grazing runs had been taken up.

Limestone was discovered in 1875, and sixkilns were soon established in the cliffs atWalkerville. A small settlement sprang uparound the kilns, and by 1887 over 70 menwere employed (Charles and Loney 1989).Another kiln and jetty were established atnearby Bell Point. The limekilns remained inoperation until 1926, when rising transportcosts and the displacement of lime by cementin the building industry made the kilnsunprofitable. Relics of the limeburningindustry remaining in the park include the kilnruins, piles of the jetty, and the formation oftramways once used for hauling limestone andtimber to the kilns. A small cemetery nearWalkerville contains graves from that earlyera. A Heritage Action Plan is currently beingprepared for the relics associated with theWalkerville lime-burning industry (ParksVictoria in prep.).

The rough and treacherous seas around CapeLiptrap have claimed a number of ships,including the Duke of Wellington (1853),Cremona (1853), Greyhound (1855), Nautilus(1856), Amazon (1863), Bertha (1870), FourWinds (1923) and Ada Burgess (1934) (Loney1980). The remains of the wreck of the steelbarque Magnat, which ran aground in 1900,can be seen at low tide on the Venus BayBeach.

A lighthouse was established at Cape Liptrapin 1913 to improve the safety of coastalshipping. In 1951 the steel tower wasdismantled and replaced with the currentstructure. The lighthouse was the first fullyunattended light built and financed by theCommonwealth government.



Historic and cultural features will be managedin accordance with the Australia ICOMOSCharter for the Conservation of Places ofCultural Significance (Burra Charter)(ICOMOS 1988) and within the provisions ofthe Heritage Act 1995 (Vic.).

Aims• Preserve and protect features of cultural,

archaeological and historical significance.

• Provide opportunities for people to learnabout and understand the park’s historicand cultural values.

Management strategies• Protect, preserve, interpret and manage

features and sites of cultural or historicalsignificance in accordance with theprinciples outlined in the Burra Charter(ICOMOS 1988) and the provisions of theHeritage Act.

• Collect and record information relating tosites of cultural and historicalsignificance. Continue to provideinterpretive materials that improvevisitors’ appreciation of the park’scultural and historic aspects.

• Maintain the historic cemetery atWalkerville and provide interpretivematerial.

• Manage and protect the limekilns andassociated relics at Walkerville inaccordance with the Heritage Action Plan.

• Liaise with Heritage Victoria to identifyand assess historical sites and prepare aplan for the management of all significantcultural and historical sites within thepark.


5 STRATEGIES FOR VISITORS

5.1 Information, interpretation andeducation

The provision of information, interpretiveservices and environmental education can helporientate visitors, enhance their visit, foster anunderstanding and appreciation of the park’sfeatures and values, encourage appropriatevisitor use, reduce potential managementproblems and contribute to a broaderunderstanding of natural environments andmanagement objectives.

Cape Liptrap Coastal Park offers opportunitiesto develop themes related to the park’scomplex geological sequences, its flora andfauna, and Aboriginal and post-settlementcultural heritage.

Little information is currently made availablewithin the park. Park Notes developed for theCape Liptrap Coastal Park and the Walkervillelimekilns are available from Parks Victoriaoffices, accredited information centres, andcaravan parks at Venus Bay, Walkerville Northand Waratah Bay. Information shelters andinterpretive signs at key features would assistvisitors’ appreciation and understanding ofpark values.

Rangers organise interpretive activities forcommunity and school groups on request. Inaddition, guided interpretive walks androckpool rambles are offered by the CoastAction program during summer.

The historic limekilns at Walkerville Southand the lighthouse at Cape Liptrap arepromoted as part of the Phillip Island andGippsland Discovery Heritage Trail.Interpretation of these significant culturalfeatures will be improved through theprovision of information shelters andorientation signs.

The park complements other touristdestinations in the area. Improved promotionof the park in conjunction with local attractionscould increase visitation and help support thetourism industry in South Gippsland.

Aims• Encourage visitors’ discovery, enjoyment

and appreciation of the park’s natural andcultural values.

• Orientate visitors in relation to parkfeatures.

• Inform visitors of appropriate behaviourduring their park visit.

• Provide high-quality interpretive andeducational opportunities to promote anunderstanding and appreciation of thepark’s values.

Management strategies• Develop and maintain information shelters

at key visitor destinations within the park,including Walkerville South, Venus Baybeaches, Point Smythe and Bear Gully.

• Provide adequate visitor orientation,information and safety messages at keyvisitor sites.

• Continue to distribute Park Notes frompark offices, accredited informationcentres and other appropriate localoutlets.

• Provide signs at the Walkerville limekilnsand cemetery to interpret the culturalvalues, management and history of thesefeatures.

• Provide signs at Cape Liptrap to interpretthe cultural and geological values of thissite.

• Where appropriate and in consultationwith the Aboriginal community, providevisitor information and interpretationmaterial on the park’s Aboriginal heritage.

• Organise interpretive activities forcommunity and school groups on request.

• Regularly evaluate information andinterpretive programs related to the park.

Strategies for visitors


• Liaise with State and regional tourismauthorities to ensure that the park isappropriately promoted in regional visitorinformation centres and in regionaltourism guides.

5.2 AccessThe management of roads and tracks issummarised in table 3.

The park has very good vehicle access fromseveral towns on the South GippslandHighway and from the Bass Highway atInverloch. Due to the linear nature of the park,the length of roads within the Park is relativelyshort, and most roads to the park aremaintained by South Gippsland Shire Councilor VicRoads.

The Venus Bay Beaches are among the mostimportant visitor destinations within SouthGippsland, attracting over 200 000 day visits ayear. There are five access points to the oceanbeach, most of which are inappropriately sited.Residents and visitors use these access roadsand carparks heavily, particularly over thesummer period. Although current carparkingis inadequate to cope with peak demand,environmental constraints at the sitessignificantly limit the ability to expand parkingcapacity. Most facilities provided at these sitesare in poor condition, and current usage ishaving an adverse impact on the environmentalvalues of the park. Carparking is generallylimited and parking spaces are poorly defined,leading to congestion and conflicts withpedestrians.

The establishment of pedestrian pathways andother facilities, including tables, seating,viewing areas and information shelters wouldsignificantly enhance the visitor experience.

The road to No. 4 Beach is more than 500metres long and is inappropriately situated onthe foredune. Carparking is available for only10 vehicles. The future of this site will bereviewed through the master planning processfor the Venus Bay Beaches.

Access roads to Venus Bay Beaches No 1, 2and 3, although surrounded by the park, werenot included when the park was declared, andare currently the responsibility of the SouthGippsland Shire Council.

The Five Mile Track is a 4WD track along aroad reserve managed by the South GippslandShire Council that provides access to arelatively remote section of the ocean beach inthe park. Only the last 350 metres of the trackis within the park. The track is rarelymaintained and is in poor condition. There is asmall informal camping area behind the dunes.Vehicles driven onto the beach from thisaccess point are a consistent problem, causingdamage to the dune and a midden. Drivingvehicles on beaches within Victoria isprohibited under the provisions of the LandConservation (Vehicle Control) Act 1972(Vic.).

A number of tracks in the park near WaratahBay and Walkerville that were constructed forfire protection purposes are used for bushwalking and cycling (sections 5.7 and 5.9).Gates and fencing have been constructed atsome locations throughout the park to regulatetrack use.

A number of unauthorised vehicle andpedestrian access tracks have been constructedinto the park from neighbouring properties.Access across freehold land into the park is asignificant public liability risk. Landownersmay not be aware of this risk.

Aim• Maintain roads and tracks to standards

consistent with management aims.

Management strategies• Upgrade carparking at the Venus Bay

Beaches with improved layout and definedparking spaces, including the separation ofvehicle and pedestrian access.

• Liaise with South Gippsland Shire Councilto maintain the Five Mile Track to 4WDstandard only.

• Close the track crossing the dune at theend of the Five Mile Track to vehicles.Establish an alternative access track to thebeach for horse riders and walkers.

• Retain the tracks in the Waratah andWalkerville sections of the park formanagement vehicles, cyclists andwalkers.



• Establish a carpark for bushwalkers whouse the firebreaks and walking tracks atWaratah Bay.

• Liaise with the South Gippsland ShireCouncil regarding access to the park atMorgans Beach from road reserves.

• Close vehicular access to the trackbetween Bear Gully camping area and theMaitland Beach boat launching area, andreconstruct it as a walking track (section5.5).

• Liaise with South Gippsland Shire Councilto ensure that there is a co-operativeapproach to road maintenance and theretention of roadside vegetation.

• Liaise with VicRoads and the SouthGippsland Shire Council to improvedirectional signage to the park fromnearby major towns and touring routes.

• Evaluate the future of Venus Bay No. 4Beach Track as part of the development ofthe master plan for Venus Bay Beaches.

• Liase with adjoining landownersregarding unauthorised access tracks tothe park's beaches.

• Liase with the South Gippsland ShireCouncil to seek inclusion of all the VenusBay Beach access roads within the park.

• Close and revegetate all unauthorisedaccess tracks or coastal paths.

5.3 Day visitsDay visitors represent the majority of visitorsto the park, so providing facilities for thisgroup is a high priority. Day visitors mainlyuse the beach areas at Venus Bay, Walkervilleand Waratah Bay, and to a lesser extent BearGully. These areas provide opportunities forswimming, fishing, surfing and walking.

Current visitation rates place considerablepressure on facilities, particularly during thesummer holidays and long weekends. Many ofthe facilities provided within the park are inpoor condition and require upgrading to meetthe needs and expectations of visitors.

Five carparks and pedestrian walkwaysprovide access to the ocean beach at VenusBay. Visitor facilities have been constructed

in an ad hoc manner, are inappropriately sitedon the primary dune system, and are generallyin poor condition. Upgrading access andvisitor facilities at these sites including newtables, seating, beach viewing areas and parkinformation would significantly enhance thevisitor experience. Completion of theseextensive upgrades is dependent on theavailability of capital works funding.

Cape Liptrap lighthouse is a popular touristdestination, promoted as part of the PhillipIsland and Gippsland Discovery Heritage Trailtouring route. The lighthouse providesoutstanding scenic views of WilsonsPromontory and the surrounding coastline.

The locations of existing and proposedfacilities for visitors are summarised in figure3 and table 4.

Aims• Establish and maintain day visitor facilities

that enhance visitor enjoyment of the parkand are consistent with protecting parkvalues.

• Improve visitor facilities and raise theprofile of the park as a day visitordestination.

Management strategies• Prepare a master plan for upgrading

visitor facilities at the Venus Bay Beachesincluding:

separation of pedestrian and vehicleaccess to reduce congestion andimprove visitor safety;

upgraded carparking with improvedlayout, traffic-calming devices anddefined parking spaces;

an increased range of visitor facilities,including tables, seating, viewingareas and information shelters;

pedestrian pathways linking visitorfacilities, carparking andneighbouring residential areas;

improved visual amenity throughfencing, replanting and landscaping ofdisturbed areas.



TABLE 3 MANAGEMENT OF ROADS AND TRACKS

ROAD CLASSCURRENT/ PROPOSED

COMMENT/USES MANAGEMENT ACTIONRATIONALE

Venus Bay No. 1Beach

4,A,O / 4,A,O Managed by the South GippslandShire Council. Provides access toVenus Bay Beach and surflifesaving club.

Upgrade and reseal road.Improve carparking. Seek tohave road included in the park.


5,C,O / 5,C,O Managed by the South GippslandShire Council. Provides access toVenus Bay Beach.

Managed by the South GippslandShire. Upgrade road and improvecarparking. Seek to have roadincluded in the park.


5,C,O / 5,C,O Managed by the South GippslandShire Council. Provides access toVenus Bay Beach.

Managed by the South GippslandShire. Upgrade road and improvecarparking. Seek to have roadincluded in the park.


5,D,O / # Managed by Parks Victoria.Provides access to Venus BayBeach. —


5,C,O / 5,C,O Managed by Parks Victoria.Provides access to Venus BayBeach.

Upgrade road and improvecarparking.

Walkerville Road * 4,A,O / 4,A,O Provides access to residential areasand the Foreshore Reserve atWalkerville North.

Seek to have road excluded fromthe park.

Cape Liptrap Road 4,B,O / 4,B,O Managed by the South GippslandShire Council. Provides access toCape Liptrap lighthouse and viewsareas.

Relocate and improve carparkingfacilities.

Five Mile Track 5,E,O / 5,E,O Managed by the South GippslandShire Council. Provides 4WDaccess to beach.

Close section of track acrossdune. Establish alternative accessto beach for horse riders andwalkers.

Bear Gully Track 5,B,O / 5,B,O Provides access to campsites withinthe Bear Gully Camping Area.

Improve drainage. Formalisetrack and turning circle withcamping area.

Maitland BeachTrack

5,E,O / Closed Provides access for launching boatsfrom Maitland Beach.

Close and replace with walkingtrack to beach and neighbouringheadland.



* Section of Walkerville Road between Promontory ViewEstate and Walkerville North.

# Future of road to be determined during developmentof a master plan for Venus Bay Beaches.

ClassFunction:4 Provide for park access, and additional functions

such as commercial uses, through access to otherlocation(outside the park), or access to private property orutilities.

5 Exclusively provide access for visitors into parks forrecreational activities, or exclusive use for parkmanagement.

Development:A Primary Road — all weather, two laned, mainly

sealed roadB Secondary Road — all weather, two laned formed

and gravelled, or single lane sealed with gravelshoulders

C Minor Road — single lane unsealed, formed roadusually lightly gravelled

D Access Track — single lane, dry weather formed(from natural materials)

E Rough Track — single lane, unformed earth track ator near the natural surface

Status:O Open to public vehicles.Closed Closed to all vehicles



• Provide day visitor facilities at CapeLiptrap lighthouse, including viewingareas, seating and interpretation of parkfeatures.

• Establish a day visitor area with picnicfacilities and carparking at Bear Gully.

• Provide information boards and signage todirect visitors to facilities and parkfeatures.

5.4 CampingSituated approximately five kilometres fromWalkerville, Bear Gully provides for bushcamping in a scenic coastal setting. The watersupply has been upgraded recently and a toiletblock with disabled access has been built.Otherwise there are few facilities, andcampsites are not defined. A revegetationprogram is being undertaken, and areas ofnative vegetation have been fenced to preventdamage. A risk audit of the park resulted inextensive pruning of banksias damaged bycampers, and the removal of unsafe trees(Parks Victoria 1998b).

Numerous fire scars are evident fromcampfires. Although campers are required tobring their own firewood, removal of fallenand standing timber is still occurring within thepark, on roadsides and on private propertyneighbouring Bear Gully. Firewood collectioncan have a significant impact through thedestruction of habitat for small ground-dwelling animals. Campfires pose asignificant fire risk during the summer period,particularly because of the highly flammablecoastal scrub that is present within the campingarea.

The camping area receives heavy use inholiday periods, averaging over 200 camperseach night from December to February (J.McBride pers. obs.). Annually, Bear Gullyreceives in excess of 16 000 camper nights.Campsites are currently not defined and duringholiday periods pressure is placed on thesurrounding remnant vegetation. Conflictswith other users occur during these periodsbecause of the lack of defined boundariesbetween campsites, access tracks and carparking. Designating camping sites wouldalleviate current overcrowding, impacts onremnant vegetation, and conflicts with day

visitors. A campers’ self-registration systemwill be considered to avoid overcrowding andreduce environmental impacts on the site.

Parks Victoria’s volunteer Camp Host programhas provided additional supervision at BearGully during the summer holiday period. TheCamp Host plays a valuable caretaking role inassisting visitors in the camping area and byproviding visitor orientation and parkinformation.

Camping also occurs at the end of the FiveMile Track, where there are no facilities. Thissite is used by visitors fishing and surfing atthe neighbouring beach, and by self-sufficientbushwalkers.

High levels of camping in areas which are notserviced or maintained can have deleteriouseffects on the environment, and create a riskfor campers in those areas in relation to fire,risk mitigation and search and rescueoperations. Low levels of dispersed campingcurrently occur in the more remote sections ofthe park, generally associated withbushwalking along the coast.

Aim• Provide opportunities for a range of

camping experiences while minimisingimpacts on park values.

Management strategies• Maintain the informal Bear Gully camping

area with minor improvements, including:

the introduction of designatedcampsites;

replanting and protection of remnantvegetation;

the introduction of a self-registrationpermit system;

Camp Host supervision during holidayperiods;

the establishment of a day visitor areawith picnic facilities.

• Provide designated fireplaces at selectedsites at Bear Gully and enforce prohibitionof firewood collection.

• Establish a new camping area on the FiveMile Track.



TABLE 4 EXISTING AND PROPOSED VISITOR FACILITIES

SITE TOILETS PICNICTABLES

FIREPLACES

WATERSUPPLY

PARKINFO.

WALKTRACK

LOOKOUT CAMPING CARPARKS

Point Smythe* N N N N E U N N E

Venus Bay No. 5 Beach** U P N N P U N N U

Venus Bay No. 4 Beach* N N N N N U N N R

Venus Bay No. 3 Beach** N N N N P U N N U

Venus Bay No. 2 Beach** N N N N P U N N U

Venus Bay No. 1 Beach*** E U N N P U N N U

Five Mile Track* N P N N P E N U U

Cape Liptrap** N P N N P P E N U

Bear Gully** U E P E P P N U U

Limekilns** N N N N P E N N N/A

Walkerville North** N E N N P E* E N N/A

Waratah Bay** N N N N P E* N N P

Key*** Existing and proposed service level = High – high level of visitor facilities and amenities provided** Existing and proposed service level = Mid – moderate level of visitor facilities and amenities provided* Existing and proposed service level = Basic – limited visitor facilities and amenities providedE existing facilityN no facilityP proposed facilityR facility to be removedU upgrade facilityN/A not applicable

• Investigate the need for additional walk-incamping areas as part of any overnightcoastal walk developed within the park.

• Permit walk-in dispersed camping withinthe Conservation zone of the park, exceptwithin 100 metres of sealed roads, withinvisitor and picnic areas or 500 metres ofCape Liptrap Lighthouse.

5.5 BoatingBoats may be launched from the beach atWalkerville North and Walkerville South. TheWalkerville South site is outside the park onpublic land managed by the WalkervilleForeshore Committee of Management. TheWalkerville North site is partly within thepark. There are also boat-launching facilities

adjacent to the park at Waratah Bay, TarwinLower and Anderson Inlet.

The Walkerville Foreshore ReserveManagement Plan (NRE 2001) examined theissue of appropriate arrangements for boatlaunching at Walkerville. During thedevelopment of this plan, the WalkervilleForeshore Committee of Managementundertook a major public consultation processand concluded that the construction of an all-tide boat ramp should not proceed. It wasrecognised that some form of modest upgradeto boat-launching and retrieval facilities atWalkerville North would be beneficial.However, such improvements will be limitedto enhanced access from the roadway to thebeach, trailer parking, and possibly removal ofrocks on the beach launching area.



The launching ramp at Walkerville Southserves as a supplementary facility to that atWalkerville North.

An informal launching area on Maitland Beachexists at the end of a rough unsurfaced tracknear Bear Gully. The site is only suitable forlaunching small craft. The seas are oftenrough and unpredictable along this exposedcoastline, making conditions hazardous forsmall craft. Vehicles are currently parking onthe fragile foredune of the beach.

Aim• Support the Walkerville Foreshore

Committee of Management in providingbasic boat launching facilities atWalkerville North.

Management strategies• Liaise with the Walkerville Foreshore

Committee of Management over minorimprovements to the boat launching areaat Walkerville North.

• Provide information in park literature onboat-launching sites close to the park.Include messages on boating and watersafety.

• Liaise with the Walkerville ForeshoreCommittee of Management to formaliseand resurface the car park and accessroad at Walkerville South and providesuitable signs.

• Close the informal Maitland Beach boatlaunching area at Bear Gully.

5.6 FishingRock, beach and estuary fishing are popularactivities within the park.

Fishing (including shellfish collecting) ismanaged in accordance with the Fisheries Act1995 (Vic.) and Fisheries Regulations.

Since July 1999, a Recreational FishingLicence has been required for all forms ofrecreational fishing (including line, net, yabby,spear fishing, bait and shellfish collection) inall Victorian marine, estuarine and freshwaters.

Anglers fish from the rock platforms andbeaches at Walkerville, Bear Gully andWaratah Bay, while Venus Bay Beaches are

popular for beach fishing. Common catchesinclude whiting, snapper, sweep, leatherjacket,salmon, Yellowtail Kingfish and trumpeter.

The estuarine waters of Anderson Inlet offerbass, flathead, salmon, whiting, mullet, trevallyand garfish.

A Mollusc No Take Zone (formerly known asa shellfish protection zone) applies to thesection of the park between Point Smythe andArch Rock. All molluscs within the intertidalzone, except for Pipis, squid, cuttlefish,octopus and squirters are protected.

Extensive beds of clamshells (Pipis) occur atthe Venus Bay Beaches. These clams arepopular for eating and as fishing bait. Acombined bag and possession limit of 5 litresper person and a maximum of 15 litres pervehicle containing three or more people applyto the collection of Pipis.

Abalone and Rock Lobster fishing occurs onthe rocky reefs offshore.

Aim• Provide opportunities for recreational

fishing while minimising the impacts onpark values.

Management strategies• Manage fishing in accordance with the

Fisheries Act and regulations. Raisepublic awareness of provisions regardingthe collection of bait, bag limits, seasonsand licence requirements. Enforceregulations as necessary.

• Support Fisheries Victoria programs tomonitor and manage fish populations andfishing activities in a sustainable mannerin waters within and adjacent to the park.

• Liaise with Fisheries Victoria to takeappropriate action to ensure sustainabilityof fish populations and fishing activities.

5.7 BushwalkingThe park provides a diverse range of walkingopportunities, from short nature trails toextended walks along remote sections ofcoastline. The grade and condition of existingand proposed walking tracks is given in table5.



TABLE 5 MANAGEMENT OF WALKING TRACKS

TRACK LENGTH(KMS)

CLASSCURRENT

CLASSPROPOSED

MANAGEMENT ACTIONS/COMMENTS

Point Smythe Walk 5.0 4 4 Improve signposting. Provide interpretation material inPark Notes.

Anderson Inlet Walk 2.0 4 4 Provide additional signposting.

Lime Burners Walk 0.8 3 3 Works needed regarding gradient, stabilisation, fallingrocks and coastal erosion. Provide interpretation signson cultural features.

Overlook Track 1.2 3 3 Provide additional signposting.

Venus Bay No. 1Beach Access Track

0.5 2 2 Pedestrian walking track from carpark to beach.Upgrade as part of redevelopment of carpark and road.


0.3 4 3 Pedestrian walking track from carpark to beach.Upgrade track and provide beach viewing area.


0.2 4 3 Pedestrian walking track from carpark to beach.Upgrade track as part of the redevelopment of thecarpark.


- 4 3 Evaluate route as part of the master plan for Venus BayBeaches.


0.1 4 3 Pedestrian walking track from carpark to beach.Replace/upgrade staircase to beach.

Heath Track No. 1* - 4 4 Fire protection track, also used for bush walking andcycling.

Heath Track No. 2* - 4 4 Fire protection track, also used for bush walking andcycling.

Coastal Views Track* - 4 4 Fire protection track, also used for bush walking andcycling.

Waratah Bay Track* - 4 4 Fire protection track, also used for bush walking andcycling.

WalkervilleHeathlands Track*

- 4 4 Fire protection track, also used for bush walking andcycling.

Waratah –Thompsons RoadWalking Track

- 4 4 Proposed new walking track linking Thompsons Roadto Waratah Bay. Utilise existing fire protection tracksin route where possible.

* Walking tracks that also provide management vehicle access.Australian Standards classification for walking tracks (AS 2156):Grade 1 Large number of visitors with high level of interpretation facilities.Grade 2 Opportunity for a large number of visitors to walk easily in a natural environment with a moderate level of

interpretation and facilities.Grade 3 Opportunity to walk in relatively undisturbed natural environments, requiring moderate levels of fitness and care.

Low levels of interpretation and facilities.Grade 4 Opportunity for visitors to explore and discover natural environments along distinct tracks with minimal if any

facilities.Grade 5 Opportunity for those with advanced outdoor knowledge and skills to find their own way along often-indistinct trails

to more remote locations.Grade 6 Opportunity for highly experienced walkers to explore remote and potentially hazardous natural areas without

reliance on managed tracks.



Pedestrian walking tracks provide access fromthe neighbouring Venus Bay estates andcarparks to the ocean beach. A series offirebreaks at Walkerville and Waratah Bayprovide opportunities for walkers to explorethe heathlands and woodlands within this area.

The existing nature trail at Point Smythe andthe Anderson Inlet walk need redevelopment.An additional walking track linkingThompsons Road and the firebreaks atWaratah Bay would increase the walkingopportunities within this section of the park.

Recently installed signs on the Lime BurnersWalk between Walkerville North andWalkerville South provide interpretation on thecultural features of this area.

Walking is possible along most of the coastlinewithin the park, although rocky headlandsbetween Walkerville South and Arch Rock canbe difficult at high tide.

The park provides an opportunity to establishand promote an overnight coastal walk usingsections of beaches and the existing tracknetwork. The walk could take in the area’snatural attractions, remoteness, coastal views,diverse geology and cultural features,including the Cape Liptrap lighthouse.Bushwalkers would use existing camping areasat Bear Gully and Five Mile Track orcommercial accommodation neighbouring thepark. Development of the walk and its exactroute would be determined on the basis ofdetailed investigations of the environmentaland cultural impacts and likely maintenancerequirements.

Aim• Provide a variety of high-quality walking

opportunities within the park, whileminimising impacts on park values.

Management strategies• Maintain existing walking tracks to the

standards detailed in table 3.

• Formalise a nature walk using existingtracks at Point Smythe.

• Investigate establishing a walking trackfrom Cape Liptrap to the neighbouringrock platforms.

• Establish a new walking track linkingThompsons Road to Waratah Baytownship. Use existing firebreaks wherepossible.

• Investigate providing overnight walkingopportunities within the park usingbeaches and the existing track network.

• Promote walking opportunities throughinformation shelters and Park Notes.Ensure that information encouragesminimum-impact walking and promotessafety (location of walking routes,campsites and the need for tidalinformation).

5.8 Horse ridingHorse riding in the park is currently restrictedto the ocean beach between Venus Bay andArch Rock and on firebreaks at Waratah Bay.Venus Bay No. 1 Beach and the Five MileTrack are popular points of access to the oceanbeach.

Potential impacts from horse riding includedisturbance of beach-breeding birds, possibleinterference with other visitors, the potentialfor damage to tracks and the possible spread ofweeds. There is also potential for conflictbetween horse riders and other beach users atthe ramp leading to Venus Bay No. 1 Beach.

Horse riding on beaches has been identified asone of the factors disturbing Hooded Ploverhabitat and breeding. The Hooded Plover,which is listed as threatened under the Floraand Fauna Guarantee Act, has been recorded asbreeding on Venus Bay Beach between Augustand April.

Because of the park’s small size, lack ofsuitable tracks, the potential for conflict withother visitors and the impact on HoodedPlover, opportunities for horse riding arenecessarily restricted.

The intertidal area of the beach between theSouth Gippsland Regional Water Authorityoutfall pipeline and Arch Rock is consideredthe most appropriate part of the park for thisactivity.

Aim• Provide opportunities for horse riding

while minimising this activity’s adverse



environmental effects and conflicts withother users.

Management strategies• Allow horse riding within the park only in

the intertidal area of the beach (below thehigh water mark) between Arch Rock andthe South Gippsland Regional WaterAuthority outfall pipeline. Allow access tothe beach only via Five Mile Road.

• Prohibit horses from all other areas of thepark.

• Introduce a permit system for recreationalriders to:

promote contact between riders andParks Victoria;

provide riders with informationincluding a map, park horse ridingregulations, and any restrictions onriding locations;

assist monitoring use of the park.

• Monitor the impact of horse riding onenvironmental values (including theHooded Plover) and other park users.Take appropriate management actions tocontrol any impacts.

• Encourage use of minimal impacttechniques and adherence to the HorseRiding Code (CNR 1994).

5.9 CyclingThe extensive public road networkneighbouring the park allows for a wide rangeof cycling experiences, although the level ofcycling within the park is low.

Mountain-bike riding is expected to increase inpopularity because of the interesting andchallenging cycling opportunities offered byexisting firebreaks through the heathlands andwoodlands near Walkerville and Waratah Bay.The Mountain Biking Code (CNR 1993) setsout guidelines for safe cycling and methods tominimise the impacts of cycling on parkvalues.

Aim• Provide access for cycling, and at the same

time minimise the environmental impact of

cycling and the conflict with otherrecreational activities.

Management strategies• Permit cycling on open roads, firebreaks,

and beaches within the park. Prohibitcycling on the walking tracks.

• Encourage adherence to the MountainBiking Code.

5.10 DogsWalking of dogs on leads is currently allowedthroughout the park. Dogs can cause conflictswith other users, especially in the more highlyused sections of the park, such as popularswimming beaches and the Bear Gullycamping area. There have been severalreported dog attacks in the park, and dogfaeces can be a problem at some high-use sites.

Dogs can be a potential source of annoyanceand distress to some visitors and, ifuncontrolled, could pose a threat to beach-breeding birds and other wildlife. Manyvisitors with dogs do not abide by theregulation requiring them to keep their dog ona lead.

Dogs are permitted in a number of areas nearthe park, including the Inverloch ForeshoreReserve and the coastal reserve betweenWaratah Bay and Sandy Point. Restrictionsexist in some of these reserves concerning thetimes when dogs are permitted during thesummer.

Aim• Provide for dogs in certain areas of the

park, consistent with protecting parkvalues and the experience of visitors.

Management strategies• Allow dogs on leads in the following beach

areas of the park:

between Walkerville North andWalkerville South;

between Venus Bay No. 1 and VenusBay No. 5 Beaches;

between Waratah Bay settlement andCooks Creek.



• Between 1 December and 31 March allowaccess to the above areas between thehours of 6 pm and 9 am only.

• Prohibit dogs from all other areas of thepark.

• Monitor the impact of dogs in the park onwildlife and other visitors. Takeappropriate management action to controlany impacts.

5.11 Hang-gliding and paraglidingHang-gliding occurs from an informal clearedarea on the cliffs near Cape Liptrap. Use ofthe site is limited to days of suitable windstrength and direction. The size of thecarparking, launching and landing area islimited, making the site unsuitable for largegroups or events.

The site is currently unlicensed and significantclearing of vegetation has been undertaken inthe past to provide a launch area. Because ofpublic safety concerns, the Marsh andMcLennan risk audit of the park (ParksVictoria 1998b) recommended the closure ofthe existing launching area.

Hang-gliding and paragliding are regulatedunder the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cwlth) byCivil Aviation Orders 95.8 and 95.32. TheHang-gliding Federation of Australia ischarged with maintaining the regulations of theCivil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).Additional controls apply to the activity withinthe park.

Aim• Provide opportunities for hang-gliding and

paragliding while minimising the impacton park values and other uses.

Management strategies• Permit hang-gliding and paragliding from

the existing launch site at Cape Liptrap.Close the existing vehicle access track andprovide alternative walk-in access to thelaunch area. Rehabilitate the vehicleaccess track and other degraded areas atthe site.

• Licence the use and maintenance of theCape Liptrap launch site to the Hang-

gliding Federation of Australia or itsdelegate.

• In conjunction with the Victorian Hang-gliding and Paragliding Association(VHPA) develop a site management planfor the Cape Liptrap launching area.

• Prohibit use of the site for organised hang-gliding and paragliding events.

• In conjunction with the Victorian Hang-gliding and Paragliding Associationprovide signs warning the public ofpotential dangers and conflicts at the CapeLiptrap launch site.

5.12 FossickingGemstone fossicking has taken place for manyyears within the Cape Liptrap Coastal Park.Gemstones such as jasper, serpentine and othersiliceous pebbles are common within the covesbetween Cape Liptrap and Walkerville South.The former Land Conservation Councilrecommended that gemstone fossickingcontinue to be permitted within the park (LCC1982), and section 32D of the National ParksAct provides for fossicking areas to bedesignated.

A miner’s right (permit) is required to searchfor minerals, including gemstones, on Crownland. This authorisation restricts anyfossicking to the use of hand tools, which mayinclude a pick, shovel, cradle or panning dish.

Aim• Provide an opportunity for gemstone

collecting in the park, while ensuring thatthe impact on environmental values andother visitors is minimised.

Management strategies• Designate part of the beach between

Walkerville South and Cape Liptrap forgemstone fossicking pursuant to Section32D of the National Parks Act.

• Monitor the impact of gemstone fossickingon environmental values and othervisitors, and take appropriate managementactions to control any impacts.



5.13 Commercial servicesThe park makes an important contribution tocommercial tourism opportunities within theregion. In particular, the park offersopportunities for nature-based and culturaltourism.

The visitors attracted to the park benefit theaccommodation, souvenir, craft and foodoutlets in Venus Bay, Tarwin Lower, FishCreek, Sandy Point, Walkerville and WaratahBay.

Activities currently offered by licensed touroperators include coastal walking, camping,sightseeing and birdwatching.

Well-organised tour groups can help interpretpark values and minimise impacts. A co-ordinated effort between tour operators andpark management can result in the provision ofhigh-quality services and the protection of parkvalues.

Commercial accommodation is readilyavailable near or adjacent to the park. Thisranges in style from caravan parks and housesfor rent to four-star resort accommodation.The existence of a wide range ofaccommodation near the park and theproximity to several small towns makes theconstruction of additional infrastructure withinthe park unnecessary.

Aim• Provide opportunities for commercial

tourism and the touring public whileminimising environmental impacts andeffects on other visitors.

Management strategies• Co-operate with local government and

local tourism bodies to improve visitorinformation.

• Ensure that all licensed tourism operatorsworking in the park are licensed and haveappropriate training and accreditation.

• Liaise with licensed tour operators toprovide information and advice onappropriate activities and on the park’svalues.

• Monitor the activities of licensed touroperators to assess potential impacts onpark values.

5.14 Public safetyVisitors are exposed to a number of naturalhazards when they visit the park, and this is amajor concern for management. Most of theserisks are experienced in all coastal areas andare not peculiar to the park. Publicinformation and education programs are one ofthe most effective ways to promote safety.

Parks Victoria is not the lead response agencyfor most emergency situations. Legally andpractically, Parks Victoria relies on theDepartment of Sustainability and Environment,the Country Fire Authority, the StateEmergency Service and the Victoria Police forthe co-ordinated response, with Parks Victoriaas a support agency where required.

The Surf Lifesaving Association of Victoriaprovides a beach patrol service at Venus BayNo.1 Beach during summer. Surf LifesavingAustralia prepared a risk rating for allVictorian beaches in 1996. Many of thebeaches within the park received a high riskrating or were considered not suitable forswimming (Short 1996).

Marsh and McLennan prepared a riskmanagement report highlighting publicliability exposures that exist and remedialworks required in the park (Parks Victoria1998b). The report identified a lack ofadequate risk control at a number of the sitesthat were assessed, particularly in regard tohazard warning signs.

Aims• Promote safe visitor use of the park.

• Ensure that park management has adequatecapacity to respond to emergencysituations.

Management strategies• Ensure that Municipal Emergency

Response Plans make adequate provisionfor likely incidents in the park.

• Undertake periodic risk managementaudits.

• Co-operate with emergency services insearch and rescue activities.



• Ensure that park staff are adequatelytrained in emergency procedures.

• Include information on visitor safety inpark information.

• Install warning and regulatory signagewhere appropriate to advise visitors ofrisks to public safety.

• Provide information on beach safety atmajor swimming beaches.

• Continue to support the Surf LifesavingAssociation of Victoria in the provision oflifesaving services at Venus Bay No.1Beach.


6 STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITY AWARENESS ANDINVOLVEMENT

6.1 Friends and volunteersVolunteers can make valuable contributions topark management, and their involvement willbe encouraged. There is strong local interest inthe park and the Friends of Walkerville,Walkerville Foreshore Committee ofManagement and Walkerville RatepayersAssociation already provide an importantcommunity focus for that area.

The formation of a Friends group for the parkwould provide an additional opportunity forcommunity involvement.

A volunteer Camp Host has been based at theBear Gully camping area over the summers of2000–01 and 2001–02 (section 5.4). CampHosts play a valuable caretaking role inassisting visitors in camping areas and byproviding visitor orientation information,ensuring facilities are in clean and tidycondition and alerting Parks Victoria todisturbances or breaches of regulations.

In addition, the park provides opportunities fortertiary students to gain work experiencethrough research activities. These studentscould provide valuable assistance in resolvingpark management issues while gainingimportant on-site experience in naturalresource management.

Aims• Provide opportunities for and encourage

the participation of groups and volunteersin protection, conservation andmaintenance projects to enhance themanagement of the park.

• Provide opportunities for and encouragetertiary students to undertake volunteerwork experience and research consistentwith park management aims.

Management strategies• Encourage the formation and support of a

Friends group for the park.

• Develop a long-term volunteer strategythat incorporates the skills and interests ofvolunteer groups and individuals in parkmanagement activities and is consistentwith operational policies.

• Arrange for a volunteer Camp Host toprovide a caretaking role at the BearGully camping ground over holidayperiods.

• Provide support to tertiary students toundertake work experience and researchactivities that assist park management.

• Encourage volunteer involvement from thewider community.

6.2 Community awareness and parkneighbours

The park has long boundaries with adjoiningrural private land and also abuts the Townshipof Walkerville (Walkerville North and South)and settlements at Venus Bay and WaratahBay. Co-operation with adjoining landownersis essential in matters such as fire managementand the control of weeds and pest animals.

Developing support from the local communityfor park management actions is also highlydesirable and requires a comprehensiveconsultation and information program.

Although most neighbours are involved inagricultural enterprises, there is an increasingamount of residential (small rural holding)development along the park boundary.

Nearby residential development can directlyimpact on both the park and its neighbours.Associated issues include pest plant and animalcontrol, fire management and the maintenanceof boundaries. Where residential developmentadjoins the park, potential impacts include lossof landscape values, uncontrolled access andencroachments into the park.

The South Gippsland Shire Council managesinfrastructure within and near the park. Parkvisitors also use many services provided by theShire.

Strategies for community awareness and involvement


Aims• Increase community awareness of park

management activities, includingprescribed burning, pest plant and animalcontrol and visitor management activities.

• Encourage conservation and sound landmanagement practices on private landadjacent to the park.

Management strategies• Maintain liaison with local community

groups and landowners and, where

appropriate, involve them in relevantaspects of planning and managing thepark.

• Apply and encourage the application of theGood Neighbour Program to managementissues on or near the boundary of the park.

• Maintain the strategic partnership with theSouth Gippsland Shire Council regardingroad maintenance and provision ofservices, including garbage and wastedisposal.


7 STRATEGIES FOR OTHER ISSUES

7.1 Authorised usesPublic utilities

There are a number of structures and utilities inthe park managed by government authorities orservice suppliers. An outfall pipeline operatedby South Gippsland Regional Water Authority(SGRWA) for dairy waste effluent crosses thepark south-west of Venus Bay and dischargesinto the intertidal zone. The Cape Liptraplighthouse is an unmanned navigational lightmanaged by the Australian Maritime SafetyAuthority (AMSA). The lighthouse is situatedwithin a small area (Cape Liptrap LighthouseReserve) managed by Parks Victoria under theCrown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 (Vic.).

At Walkerville, power transmission linesmaintained by TXU Australia Pty Ltd cross thepark in some locations. Access to power linesis maintained and vegetation under the lines isregularly cleared.

Telstra also has utilities passing through thepark at various locations.

Occupancies

The Venus Bay Surf Lifesaving Club buildingoccupies a site within the park at the VenusBay No. 1 Beach. The building is new and itssurrounds are bare and require landscaping.The Club building was relocated farther fromthe beach than the previous clubhouse toimprove parking and access and because theoriginal site is at serious risk from coastalerosion.

Water supply

The Waratah Bay Caravan Park, which ismanaged by a lessee for the South GippslandShire Council acting as a Committee ofManagement, draws water from a water supplydam within Cape Liptrap Coastal Park, abovethe caravan park.

The Foreshore Reserve campground atWalkerville North, which is managed by anelected Committee of Management, drawswater from Champagne Creek within the park.

Aims• Manage public utilities and authorised uses

in accordance with the National Parks Act,to minimise their impacts on the parksnatural and scenic values.

• Protect water quality in the park andprovide for appropriate use of waterresources.

Management strategies• Survey and record the precise location of

all utilities within the park.

• Review the location of road and otherdrainage systems relative to the off-takepoints or water supply dams in the park.

• Remove all unauthorised private watersupply pipelines from the park.

• Seek replacement of all overhead TXU orTelstra lines within the park withunderground cabling, as the opportunityarises.

• Rationalise and concentrate utilities tominimise impacts on the park and toprotect foreground views and sightlines atpopular visitor sites.

• Maintain vehicle access to the CapeLiptrap lighthouse to allow for servicingby AMSA.

• Arrange Section 27 consents under theNational Parks Act for public utilities inthe park.

• Arrange appropriate consents under theNational Parks Act for the continuedoccupation of the Venus Bay SurfLifesaving Club site.

• Formalise existing arrangements for thetaking of water from the park for use in theWalkerville Foreshore campground andWaratah Bay Caravan Park.

• Ensure that the area surrounding theVenus Bay Surf Lifesaving Club building islandscaped to improve appearance andprevent erosion.

Strategies for other issues


7.2 Boundaries and adjacent usesThe park varies from little more than a narrowcoastal strip to substantial areas of nativevegetation rising to the Hoddle Range. Thelength of the park boundary is about 60 km onthe landward side, which is very high for atotal park area of 4175 ha. The high boundaryto area ratio makes the park vulnerable andsensitive to impacts from adjoining land uses.

The boundary of the park is poorly defined onthe ground and unclear in some areas. It isprobable that some fences are not on the parkboundary.

The majority of the park adjoins privateagricultural land and also abuts the settlementsof Venus Bay, Waratah Bay, Promontory ViewEstate and the Township of Walkerville. Themajor issues between adjacent land use and thepark are the impacts on the park’s naturalvalues from development or clearing, fireprotection, and the effect of pest plants andanimals on the park’s natural values.

The Walkerville Foreshore Reserve adjoins thepark at Walkerville North and WalkervilleSouth. An elected Committee of Managementmanages the reserve. Many of the recreationalactivities and management issues that occurwithin the park are common to theWalkerville-Foreshore Reserve. Co-operativemanagement programs could improve themanagement of the park.

Refuse transfer stations managed by the SouthGippsland Shire Council adjoin the park atPromontory View Estate and Venus Bay No. 3Beach. South Gippsland Shire Council, as aCommittee of Management, manages theforeshore reserve adjacent to the park atWaratah Bay. The reserve includes picnicfacilities, beach access tracks and a caravanpark (managed by a lessee). Many visitorsaccess the park at Waratah Bay through thisreserve.

A number of small freehold blocks occurwithin the park at Point Smythe.

The South Gippsland Shire administers privateland use through the South Gippsland PlanningScheme. The park is zoned PublicConservation and Resource Zone (PCRZ).Two Environmental Significance Overlaysapply to the park and adjoining private land

(ESO 3 Coastal Areas and ESO 5 AreasSusceptible to Erosion). Their purpose is toprotect the natural beauty of coastal areas andprotect areas prone to erosion from landdisturbance and vegetation loss.

There is an increasing amount of residentialdevelopment in small rural holdings along thepark boundary and neighbouring thesettlements of Venus Bay and Waratah Bay.This development, together with a rise in thepermanent population in the neighbouringcoastal towns, will place increasing pressureson the park.

Aims• Accurately define park boundaries on the

ground.

• Ensure adequate planning controls foradjoining land developments are in place.

• Co-operate with adjacent landowners toprotect both private and park areas fromfire, pests and other hazards.

Management strategies• Undertake a desktop survey of aerial

photographs and cadastral information topinpoint anomalies in park boundarydefinition.

• Liaise with the South Gippsland ShireCouncil regarding suitable controls andissues relating to development adjoiningthe park.

• Continue the arrangement by which DSE,as a referral authority, assesses planningpermit applications that are relevant to themanagement of the park, in consultationwith Parks Victoria.

• Encourage nearby landowners to protectexisting indigenous vegetation adjoiningthe park through mechanisms such as theplacement of conservation covenants ontitle, agreements under section 173 of thePlanning and Environment Act 1987(Vic.), and the Land for Wildlife scheme.


8 IMPLEMENTATION

This plan provides the strategic framework thatgoverns the development and delivery of allmanagement programs and actions affectingCape Liptrap Coastal Park.

The management programs for the park areprepared annually, in accordance with ParksVictoria’s Corporate Plan and as a part ofstatewide, prioritised programs.

The performance of the plan’s implementationwill be measured by monitoring and recordingthe number of strategies implemented to Juneeach year.

Amendments may be made to the plan fromtime to time consistent with an authorisedapproval process. A partial or complete reviewof the plan will be considered from five to tenyears after its publication.


REFERENCES

Charles R and Loney J. 1989, Not EnoughGrass to Feed a Single Bullock: A historyof Tarwin Lower, Venus Bay and Waratah,Rod Charles, Manifold Heights.

CNR 1993, Mountain Biking Code,Department of Conservation & NaturalResources, East Melbourne.

CNR 1994, Horse Riding Code, Departmentof Conservation & Natural Resources, EastMelbourne.

CNR 1995a, Code of Practice for FireManagement of Public Land, Departmentof Conservation & Natural Resources, EastMelbourne.

CNR 1995b, Fire Management Plan forCoastal Heathlands in Far East Gippsland,Department of Conservation & NaturalResources, East Melbourne.

Collett B. 1994, Wednesdays Closest to theFull Moon: A history of South Gippsland,Melbourne University Press, Carlton.

DCLS 1978, The South Gippsland CoastalReserve: A resources inventory,Department of Crown Lands & SurveyMelbourne.

ECC 1996, Marine and Coastal SpecialInvestigation, Draft FinalRecommendations, EnvironmentConservation Council, Melbourne.

GCB 2002, Integrated Coastal Planning forGippsland – Coastal Action Plan,Gippsland Coastal Board, in prep.

ICOMOS 1988, The Australia ICOMOSCharter for the Conservation of Places ofCultural Significance (the Burra Charter),(revised version), Australian NationalCommittee of the International Council ofMonuments and Sites Incorporated,Canberra.

Lane B.A 1992, Impact of Spartina oninternational migratory waders, in The seahas weeds too! Proceedings of theConference on the problem of Spartina,Inverloch 1991, Department ofConservation and Environment, Victoria.

LCC 1982, South Gippsland Area District 2,Final Recommendations, LandConservation Council, Melbourne.

Loney J. 1980 Wrecks on the Gippsland Coast,Marine History Publications, Geelong.

NRE 1999a, Gippsland Fire Protection Plan,Department of Natural Resources &Environment, East Melbourne.

NRE 1999b, Interim Guidelines andProcedures for Ecological Burning onPublic Land in Victoria, Department ofNatural Resources & Environment, EastMelbourne.

NRE 2002a, Flora Information Systemdatabase, Arthur Rylah Institute,Department of Natural Resources &Environment, Heidelberg.

NRE 2002b, Atlas of Victorian Wildlifedatabase, Arthur Rylah Institute,Department of Natural Resources &Environment, Heidelberg.

Parks Victoria 1998a, Directions inEnvironmental Management, ParksVictoria, Melbourne.

Parks Victoria 1998b, Risk ManagementReport – Cape Liptrap Coastal Park, reportto Parks Victoria by Marsh & McLennan.

Parks Victoria in prep., Heritage Action Planfor Walkerville Lime Kilns, Parks Victoria,Melbourne.

Short A. 1996, Beaches of the Victorian Coastand Port Phillip Bay: A guide to theirnature, characteristics, surf and safety, SurfLife Saving Australia, Le Sands, NewSouth Wales.

South Gippsland Shire Council 1999, SouthGippsland Planning Scheme, SouthGippsland Shire Council, Leongatha.

Tourism Victoria 1997, Gippsland NaturalDiscovery Regional Tourism DevelopmentPlan, Tourism Victoria, Melbourne.

VCC 2002, Victorian Coastal Strategy,Victorian Coastal Council, Melbourne.

Appendices


APPENDIX 1 THREATENED FLORA

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME THREATENED STATUS1 FFG ACT2

AUSTRALIA VICTORIA STATUS ACTIONSTATEMENT

Adriana quadripartita Coast Bitter-bush vAtriplex paludosa spp.Paludosa

Marsh Saltbush r

Caladenia vulgaris Slender Caladenia kEucalyptus kitsoniana Bog Gum R rHydrocotyle comocarpa Fringed Pennywort vMonotoca glauca Currant-wood rPrasophyllum affine Heathland Leek-orchid E kPterostylis pedoglossa Prawn Greenhood vSchoenus turbinatus Top-bog Sedge rSowerbaea juncea Rush Lily r

Source: NRE 2002a1 Threatened in Victoria (TIV) status:e endangeredv vulnerabled depletedr rarek species poorly known

National threatened status:E endangeredV vulnerableR rare

2 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic.) status

Appendices


APPENDIX 2 THREATENED FAUNA

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME THREATENED STATUS1 FFG ACT2

AUSTRALIA VICTORIA STATUS ACTION STATEMENT

MAMMALS

Antechinus minimus Swamp Antechinus LR

Arctocephalus pusillus Australian Fur Seal Vul

Miniopterus schreibersii Common Bent-wing Bat Vul

BIRDS

Ardea alba Great Egret End L Not available

Biziuria lobata Musk Duck Vul

Coturnix chinensis King Quail CEn L Not available

Diomeda exulans Wandering Albatross CEn

Egretta garzetta Little Egret CEn L Not available

Falco subnigner Black Falcon End

Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle End L No. 60

Larus pacificus Pacific Gull LR

Macronectes giganteus Southern Giant-Petrel End L Not available

Morus serrator Australasian Gannet Vul

Neophema chrysogaster Orange-bellied Parrot E CEn L No. 43

Ninox strenua Powerful Owl End L No. 92

Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew LR

Nycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night Heron Vul

Pachyptila turtur Fairy Prion LR

Pelecanoides urinatrix Common Diving-Petrel LR

Phalacrocorax fuscescens Black-faced Cormorant Vul

Phalacrocorax varius Pied Cormorant LR

Platalea regia Royal Spoonbill Vul

Stercorarius pomarinus Pomarine Jaeger DD

Sterna bergii Crested Tern LR

Sterna caspia Caspian Tern Vul

Sterna nereis Fairy Tern Vul L Not available

Thinornis rubricollis Hooded Plover End L No. 9

REPTILES

Egernia coventryi Swamp Skink Vul L Not available

Varanus varius Tree goanna DD

FISH

Lovettia sealii Australian Whitebait Vul

Source: NRE (database) 2002b End endangered in Victoria1 Threatened status: LR lower risk—near threatened in VictoriaCEn critically endangered in Victoria DD data deficientVul vulnerable in Victoria 2 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic.) status

Appendices


E endangered in Australia L listed under the Act

MELBOURNE

SOUTH

GIPPSLAND

HWYVenusBay

Wonthaggi

Inverloch

Foster

Tarwin Lower

Walkerville

Fish CreekPort Franklin

Meeniyan

Corner InletMarine andCoastal Park

Wilsons PromontoryNational Park

Shallow InletMarine andCoastal Park

Cape LiptrapCoastal Park

Cape LiptrapCoastal Park

Bald HillsNature ConservationReserve

Kings Flat NatureConservationReserve

Anderson Inlet WildlifeManagement Cooperative Area

Bunurong Marine Park

Koonwarra Dumbalk

Toora

Yanakie

SandyPoint

WaratahBay

N

Cartography by Charles WalshNature Tourism Services 00/4

0 5 10

K I L O M E T R E S

Major road

Minor road

Cape Liptrap Coastal Park

Other parks and reserves

FIGURE 1

CAPE LIPTRAPCOASTAL PARK

REGIONAL LOCALITY PLAN

��

��

� � � � � � � � � �

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

To Tarwin

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

� ��

��

��

��

��

��

��

To Koonwarra

Pound

Cre

ek

��

��

��

��

Sc

rew

Cre

ek

Inverloch��

Managem

ent

Area

��

��

VenusBay ��

��

TarwinLower

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

TA

RW

IN

�� R

IVE

R

��

Bald

Hi l l

Creek

��

��

��

��

��

��

Creek

Br i dge

��

��

CreekHi l l

Bald

Creek

Whi te

Ten Mi le

CreekMidd le

Creek

Morgan Cr eek

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

�� To F

ish

Cre

ek

To F

ish

Cre

ek

Bear Gully

Waratah Bay

WARATAH

BAY

��

��

��

To Meeniyan

To Leongatha

To W

onth

aggi

��

Po

ny

Ck

Co

ok

sC

ree

k

��

��

��

Cape Liptrap

Cooperative

Anderson InletWildlife

No 5 Beach

No 4 Beach

No 3 Beach

No 2 Beach

No 1 Beach

��

PromontoryViews Estate

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

Legend

��

Walkerville

SEE INSET FOR DETAIL


Cr eek

Sec on d

Mac Pherson

Cr eek

CapeLiptrapCoastal

Park

Cape

Liptrap

Coastal

Park

Walkerville North

WalkervilleSouth

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

WALKERVILLE INSET

Bluf fCreek

��

��

Point Smythe

��

��

��

DoylesRoad

��

VENUS BAY

��

POINT SMYTHE INSET

��

��

��

��

��

� � � � � � � � � �

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

To Tarwin

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

� ��

��

��

��

��

��

��

To Koonwarra

Pound

Cre

ek

��

��

��

��

Sc

rew

Cre

ek

Inverloch��

Anderson InletWildlife

Managem

ent

Area

��

��

VenusBay ��

��

No 5 Beach

No 4 Beach

No 3 Beach

No 2 Beach

No 1 Beach

TarwinLower

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

TA

RW

IN��

RIV

ER

��

Bald

Hi l l

Creek

��

��

��

��

��

��

Creek

Br i dge

��

��

CreekHi l l

Bald

Creek

Whi te

Ten Mi le

CreekMidd le

Creek

Morgan Cr eek

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

�� To F

ish

Cre

ek

To F

ish

Cre

ek

WaratahBay

WARATAH

BAY

��

Kings Flat NatureConservation Reserve

Bald HillsNature Conservation Reserve

��

��

To Meeniyan

To Leongatha

To W

onth

aggi

��

Po

ny

Ck

Co

ok

sC

ree

k

��

��

��

��

Cape Liptrap

Cooperative

��

��


��

��

Bear Gully

��

WalkervilleForeshoreReserve

��

Cape

Liptrap

Coastal��


Cr eek

Sec on d

Mac Pherson

Cr eek

CapeLiptrapCoastal

Park

Park

Walkerville North

WalkervilleSouth

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

WALKERVILLE INSET

Bluf f

��

Creek

��


Walkerville


��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

ExistingRecreational Facilities

Legend

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

ProposedRecreational Facilities

cape liptrap coastal park management plan · 2020. 4. 14. · this management plan for cape liptrap...

Documents