A unique ecosystem
The area surrounding the Bridgewater Bridge location has always been naturally unique.
A place for the ‘yeti amongst the wetlands’ to breed, for the Kaylarunya (Black Swans) to thrive, home of a fog named “jerry”.
The natural environment around the bridge exemplifies the difference found along the length of the Derwent River Estuary.
Learn more about the native water birds and how the wetlands surrounding the bridge support the natural environment of the estuary.
Australasian Bittern
A large bird that usually lives in freshwater wetlands, occasionally moving into estuarine environments.
Derwent Estuary Program
A partnership between state and local government, industry, researchers and the community to restore and promote Derwent Estuary.
Kaylarunya (Black Swans)
This large, distinctive bird can be found on its own or in groups of up to thousands in fresh, brackish or salt water lakes, swamps and rivers containing underwater and emergent vegetation.
River Derwent Marine Conservation Area
Bridgewater sits within the River Derwent Marine Conservation Area, which is the largest reserve on the Derwent Estuary.
Salt Wedge
A layer of denser, salty seawater that moves upstream beneath lighter, fresh river water in an estuary, creating a sharp boundary between the two.
The Bridgewater Jerry
The infamous thick fog which travels along the river from the Derwent Valley towards Hobart on cold winter mornings.
Timtumili Minanya (River Derwent)
The river has always been an integral element of this landscape, and a vital resource for food, industry, transport and recreation.