Leschenault Estuary

Leschenault Estuary is an enchanting location lying to the north of Bunbury, Western Australia.

With a length of approximately 13.5 km (8.4 mi) and a maximum width of around 2.5 km (1.6 mi), this estuarine lagoon is a sight to behold. The estuary has a total area of 25 km2 (9.7 sq mi), encapsulating the white mangrove colonies, tidal salt-marshes, and diverse waterbird species.

The Leschenault Estuary is fed by rivers and creeks in the surrounding area, which covers 1,981 km2 (765 sq mi). Mostly cleared for agricultural endeavors and some light industry, the area still retains 40% of its natural vegetation. The Collie and Preston Rivers are the major catchment rivers, with other waterways, such as the Brunswick River, Ferguson, and Wellesley rivers, and many other creeks, streams, and irrigation drains, adding to the diversity of the estuary's catchment. The runoff water from the catchment area is discharged into the Indian Ocean through The Cut, to the north of the historical inlet location. Seven local government areas, including Bunbury, Collie, Capel, Dardanup, Harvey, Donnybrook-Balingup, and Boyup Brook, all lie within the catchment area, and the region has a total population of approximately 65,000 people.

The Leschenault Estuary sand dune system's formation started roughly 7,000 years ago when the shore section between Mandurah and Bunbury was a rocky shoreline. Dunes began to build on the shore and formed a long barred estuarine