A variety of unique communities of plants and animals live in the Derwent estuary, specially adapted for life between land and sea. Little penguins, sea dragons, black swans, platypus and dolphins are just some of the many species that call the Derwent estuary home. Explore and learn about these organisms, their role in food webs, and the threats they face.
Tidal flats contain a wide range of highly specialised plants and animals, most of which are not visible as they live within the substrate. Animals burrow to avoid predation during low tides when mudflats are exposed.
Much of the text within the species area of our website was written by Veronica Thorpe, as part of the Derwent River Wildlife Guide (2000).
The DEP has developed a variety of classroom and outdoor activities focused around the key estuary habitats of tidal wetlands, salt marshes and rocky reefs. These include classroom materials, online resources, interpretive walks, games and sensory experiences.
