Shire of Waroona
The Great Egret
- Region: Shire of Waroona
- Type:Canoeing
- Length:Various 2-20kms
- Start Point:Harvey River
- Great Egret Guide (0.6Mb)
- Great Egret Map (0.6Mb)
The Great Egret, the largest of the Australian egrets, is unmistakeable, standing 830mm tall. It has white plumage and, when not breeding, a yellow bill. During the breeding season (October to December) the bill turns mostly black. At this time, long hair like feathers (nuptial plumes) hang across the lower back. It can be observed standing on its long thin legs quietly waiting for prey on edges of waterways.
The Harvey River rises about 10kms north of historic Hoffmans Mill, in the Stirling Dam catchment area. This is a river which has been much affected by man. Within its catchment there are five dams and a weir. From them run river diversions and drainage which supply water for the area's famous dairy and beef cattle and vegetable and citrus industries.
On this trail the river wends it way via rural properties and bushland and then branches to form a small delta before emptying into the Harvey Estuary. This river provides only minimal comfort or rest sites.
The Great Egret trail begins at the southern end of the Harvey Estuary, either from Island Point on the western shore or Herron Point on the eastern shore.
This is a very peaceful area with wooded shorelines, estuary islands and beaches, abundant bird life and a feeling of "getting away from it all".
If the water levels in this area are too low for paddling, an altenative is the beach at Park Ridge Reserve, Estuary Road, Park Ridge, on the western forshore fo the Harvey Estuary, approximately 10kms back towards Mandurah.
When you explore and enjoy this trail, please respect private and public property.
Content Source: Harvey River Canoe Guide NO. 5, The Great Egret Trail
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