Moulting Lagoon

Moulting Lagoon, located in eastern Tasmania, is an internationally significant wetland protected under the Ramsar Convention.

It is formed at the mouth of the Swan and Apsley rivers, encompassing Moulting Lagoon and Apsley Marshes. The lagoon is an enclosed estuary with a tidal range of 0.3m to 0.8m and features deep and shallow waters, as well as muddy tidal flats. The geology of the lagoon consists of alluvial gravels and sands, with some areas of dolerite and sandstone. Salinity levels can be high during hot and dry weather.

Moulting Lagoon is a crucial site for waterbirds and is known as a moulting spot for black swans. It is listed as Wetlands of International Significance under the Ramsar Convention. The site has a history of swan egg harvesting by the oyster-bay tribe and was later used for waterfowl hunting. It became a sanctuary for waterfowl in 1918 and a game reserve in 1988, allowing seasonal hunting except for the use of lead shots, which was banned in 2005. The lagoon also offers recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and oyster farming.

The climate of Moulting Lagoon includes an average annual rainfall of 611 mm and average summer temperatures ranging from 13°C to 22°C. The lagoon is easily accessible from the nearby towns of Swansea and Bicheno, situated between the Freycinet Peninsula's base and Great Oyster Bay. It is a beautiful spot for bird-watching, fishing, and boating, providing an opportunity to explore Tasmania's coastal wetlands.