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.
Rocky reefs, kelp beds and inter-tidal zone
The Derwent estuary has a very active sailing community with many hundreds of yachts moored at the docks around central Hobart, or in the sheltered bays of the mid estuary. Sailing is a great way to explore the marine environment as you often see little penguins, seals and dolphins when on the water.
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.
