Victoria is home to its fair share of natural wonders – from the Twelve Apostles to the Grampians – but there’s one particular landmark that’s a lot less well-known, but absolutely worth a place on your nature-seeking hit list. Stretching like long, finger-like peninsulas into the Gippsland Lakes, the Mitchell River silt jetties are the world’s longest naturally formed silt jetties, and they’re just over three hours’ drive from Melbourne.
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What are the Mitchell River silt jetties?
Silt jetties are naturally formed river deltas made of deposited silt, that extend into a larger body of water (like a lake or ocean). Stretching for around eight kilometres, the Mitchell River silt jetties are the longest in the world. For context, this is a relatively recent crown – the Mississippi River's jetties were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, bumping the Victorian landmark up from second to first place.
How were the Mitchell River silt jetties formed?
Over thousands of years, the Mitchell River has been carrying fine silt downstream and depositing it where the freshwater meets the salt. As the sediments slowly built up, nature has carved these incredible narrow strips of land that now snake almost eight kilometres into Lake King, creating a dreamy wetland landscape teeming with birdlife.
How long are the Mitchell River silt jetties?
All up, the silt jetties stretch for roughly eight kilometres from the river mouth out into Lake King – a seriously impressive feat of slow-motion geology.
What can you do and see at the Mitchell River silt jetties?
This is the kind of place where you swap reels for real-life birdsong, with bird-watching being one of the top activities in the area. Cycle or stroll (or drive) along the narrow earthen track that follows the jetty, taking in the views of calm water on both sides. As you’d imagine, this place is a a paradise for photographers, anglers and anyone who fancies a moment of quiet awe – especially at sunrise or sunset, when the water turns to molten gold. Keep an eye out for pelicans, swans and families of kangaroos grazing by the banks.
Do you have to pay to see the Mitchell River silt jetties?
Nope – one of the best things about this natural marvel is that it’s completely free to visit. Just bring a sense of wonder (and maybe some mozzie spray).
How do you get to the Mitchell River silt jetties?
The journey from Melbourne to East Gippsland takes around three and a half hours, so it’s worth tying your visit in with a weekend getaway in the area. From Bairnsdale, it’s an easy ten-minute drive east to Eagle Point, where the silt jetties begin. You can follow the gravel road that runs along the formation – it’s narrow in places, so take it slow – or park up and walk a section if you’d rather stretch your legs.
Best time to visit the Mitchell River silt jetties?
The area is stunning year-round, but spring and autumn are especially lovely – when the air is mild and the weak light turns the landscape cinematic. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times for that perfect golden hour glow.
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