FREE Ramsar Week 2026 event

Note: You must be medically and physically fit to participate in this event. Participants will be required to climb in and out of an inflatable boat in up to 1 metre of water and walk in waist-deep water on unsteady ground which requires a high level of strength and fitness. There is no mooring, pier or jetty on the island. The ladder to the boat is steep, unsteady and moveable with wave action. Participants must be able to safely dismount and mount the boat independently as assistance will not be available on the day.

Mud Islands is an incredible, unique and untouched part of the Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar site. Isolated from the mainland, Mud Islands is predator free, making it a safe haven for colonially breeding birds such as ibis, spoonbills and pelicans.

Join Birdlife Australia for an informative walk around the Island to spot some undeniably cool birds and learn how they utilise the resource rich Mud Islands.

Note:

All participants will get wet whilst wading to and from shore to the boat. Please wear appropriate clothing, such as reef shoes and quick-dry shorts.

There is no shade on the Island, so a long-sleeved shirt and hat is recommended, as well as plenty of sunscreen.

If the weather or tides become unfavourable or if Extreme or Catastrophic Fire Danger Ratings are declared, the event will be cancelled, and participants will be notified as soon as possible.

What to bring:

Binoculars, hat, sunscreen, drinking water, reef shoes or shoes that can get wet, long-sleeved shirt, quick-dry shorts.

Catering:

Morning tea and lunch will be provided with vegan and gluten friendly options. For any specific dietaries please contact hannah.wiggs@ccma.vic.gov.au.

This event is part of Ramsar Week 2026 - a week of FREE activities from 2 to 6 February celebrating the internationally recognised Ramsar wetlands in the Corangamite CMA region. Learn more at www.ccma.vic.gov.au/ramsar-week

Contact the host of Birds of Mud Islands with Birdlife Australia