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Latest News
Close X15 October 2026
Hooded Plover update – two new nests at Thirteenth Beach
Great news for Hooded Plovers, with two new nests identified at Thirteenth Beach
13 October 2026
Temporary parking changes at Lahey Square – Wedsnesday 14 October
Filming for a car commercial is taking place in Barwon Heads on Wednesday 14 October.
7 October 2026
Hooded Plover breeding season update
Hooded Plover breeding season is underway across our coast, with a new nest now confirmed.
7 October 2026
Damage to Crater toilet block at 13th Beach
The Crater public toilet block at the lower car park next to Barwon Heads Thirteenth Beach Surf Life Saving Club has been temporarily closed following significant damage to the building overnight.
6 October 2026
Increased mosquito activity across the region
Barwon Coast is aware of increased mosquito activity following an unusually early start to the mosquito breeding season.
Volunteer
>Register with BirdLife Australia’s Beach-nesting Birds program.
Volunteer locally with Friends of the Hooded Plover Bellarine
At Barwon Coast, we’re proud to work alongside local conservation groups to help protect one of Australia’s most vulnerable coastal birds — the Hooded Plover.
Affectionately known as ‘Hoodies’, these small, ground-nesting shorebirds are listed as protected wildlife under both State and Federal legislation. With only an estimated 740 birds left along the entire Victorian coastline (BirdLife Australia, 2022), every effort counts.
Our local stretch of coast is home to 11 resident breeding pairs, found in areas like Point Lonsdale, Collendina, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads (13th Beach), and Breamlea.
Hoodies nest between September and March, laying their eggs directly on the sand — often in high-traffic areas. This makes them especially vulnerable to human disturbance, off-leash dogs, and introduced predators such as foxes and cats.
Together with our community partners, we’re working to protect their habitat and give these special birds the best chance to thrive.
You can make a difference
- Stay close to the water’s edge
- Obey signs and keep clear of fenced areas
- Keep dogs on a lead and out of breeding zones and sand dunes
Help protect the vulnerable birds
You can make a big difference in helping Hooded Plovers survive and thrive along our coast.
Hooded Plover Eggs – Hard to Spot, Easy to Harm
Hooded Plovers lay their eggs in a simple scrape in the sand, usually just above the high tide line on the dune side of the beach. These eggs are extremely well camouflaged and can be nearly impossible to see, making them easy to step on by accident.Each nesting pair typically incubates their eggs for around four weeks — a critical time when any disturbance can cause the adult birds to abandon the nest.Sticking to marked paths and walking below the high tide line can help give these tiny families the best chance of survival.
Hooded Plover Chicks – Small, Fragile, and Vulnerable
Once hatched, Hooded Plover chicks are tiny, flightless, and completely dependent on their surroundings. For the first five weeks, they must feed themselves along the water’s edge until they’re strong enough to fly.
During this time, they are incredibly vulnerable to disturbance from people, off-leash dogs, and predators. Even well-meaning beachgoers can accidentally scare chicks away from the food they need to survive.
When chicks are present on a beach, Barwon Coast will generally temporarily close small sections of beach during breeding season, these are known as Temporary Exclusion Zones.
Declared under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, these fenced areas must not be entered by people, dogs, or horses.
By respecting these zones, you’re helping to ensure wildlife has a safe space to rest, recover, and breed undisturbed. Thank you for doing your part to protect our precious coastal species.
Juvenile Hooded Plovers – Still Learning to Survive
Even after they’ve fledged, juvenile Hooded Plovers remain vulnerable as they continue to learn how to feed, fly, and stay safe along our busy coastline.You can help Barwon Coast protect these young birds by:
– Staying close to the water’s edge when walking on the beach
– Respecting signage and fenced nesting areas
– Keeping dogs on a lead and out of designated breeding zonesEvery small action helps give these special coastal birds the best chance to thrive. Thank you for caring for our coast and its wildlife.
Latest Hoodie Updates
Published on 15 October 2026
Hooded Plover update – two new nests at Thirteenth Beach
Great news for Hooded Plovers, with two new nests identified at Thirteenth Beach
Published on 7 October 2026
Hooded Plover breeding season update
Hooded Plover breeding season is underway across our coast, with a new nest now confirmed.
Published on 26 March 2026
2025-26 Hooded Plover breeding season
A reflection on the 2025–26 Hooded Plover breeding season.
Published on 16 March 2026
Stingray Bay Hooded Plover chick takes flight
The Hooded Plover chick at Stingray Bay has been observed taking short flights along the beach.
Published on 16 February 2026
Hooded Plover update: Breamlea and Ocean Grove
An update on the Hooded Plovers breeding on Barwon Coast-managed land.
Published on 8 February 2026
Hooded Plover nest hatches
We’re pleased to share that there is a Hooded Plover chick at Stingray Bay.
Published on 28 January 2026
Hooded Plover nest update
We’re sad to share that some Hooded Plover nests have not survived recently.
Published on 13 January 2026
Four Hooded Plover nests on the coast
We're excited to share that there are four Hooded Plover nests on the coastline we manage.
Published on 16 December 2025
Hooded Plover chicks thriving and new nests spotted
We\'re excited to share that the Hooded Plover nest in Ocean Grove has hatched.
Published on 13 December 2025
Hoodie nest hatches in Ocean Grove
We're excited to share that the Hooded Plover nest in Ocean Grove has hatched.
Published on 19 November 2025
Hooded Plover update: great news from Barwon Bluff
We're celebrating the two-week milestone for the Hoodie chick on Barwon Bluff.
Published on 12 November 2025
Celebrating the first week of our Hooded Plover chicks
We're celebrating the one-week birthday of our two Hoodie chicks on Barwon Bluff.
Published on 10 November 2025
Hooded plover chicks at the Bluff still thriving
The two Hooded Plover chicks at the Bluff are still doing well.
Published on 6 November 2025
Hooded Plover chicks take their first steps at Barwon Bluff South
We’re thrilled to share a Hooded Plover nest located between Barwon Bluff South and The Corner, 13th Beach, has hatched two chicks.
Published on 16 September 2025
Celebrating Plover Appreciation Day – protecting our Hooded Plovers
Today is Plover Appreciation Day, a chance to recognise these remarkable ground-nesting birds.
Published on 20 June 2025
Hooded Plover Nesting Update
We currently have one active hooded plover nest that is expected to hatch in the coming weeks...
Temporary Exclusions Zones
Hooded Plovers nest on our beaches during the busy summer months, often competing for space with people and pets. To give these vulnerable birds the best chance of survival, Barwon Coast may temporarily close small sections of beach during breeding season — these are known as Temporary Exclusion Zones.
Declared under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, these fenced areas must not be entered by people, dogs, or horses.
By respecting these zones, you’re helping to ensure wildlife has a safe space to rest, recover, and breed undisturbed. Thank you for doing your part to protect our precious coastal species.
A huge congratulations to Breamlea Coastcare! 🌿🏆
We`re incredibly proud to celebrate Breamlea Coastcare being named Coastcare Group of the Year at the 2026 Victorian Coastcare Awards! 🌿🏆
What a fantastic achievement and such well-deserved recognition for a group that gives so much to protecting and caring for our beautiful coastline.
Much of the hard work that goes into coastal conservation happens quietly behind the scenes, but the difference it makes is enormous, with benefits that will be felt for generations to come.
To everyone involved with Breamlea Coastcare, a heartfelt congratulations and an even bigger thank you! Your passion, commitment and countless hours of volunteering make a lasting difference to our coastal environment and the wider community. 💚Open post by barwoncoast with ID 18640240123062951
🐦 Don`t forget – the Aussie Bird Count starts today!
Our friends at @birdlifeoz are calling on everyone to spend just 20 minutes counting the birds around them between now and Sunday 25 October.
Whether you`re walking along our beautiful coastline, exploring a local park or relaxing in your backyard, it`s a great way to connect with nature and contribute to important citizen science. 🌿
No experience needed – just download the free Aussie Bird Count app and get counting!
👉 Register at https://aussiebirdcount.org.auOpen post by barwoncoast with ID 18117035636092839
We`re Hiring! Sustainability & Community Officer
Help shape a more sustainable future for our coast and community!
Are you passionate about sustainability, connecting people and making a real difference to our coastal environment?
We`re looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Sustainability & Community Officer to join the Barwon Coast team!
This is an exciting opportunity to help drive our sustainability initiatives, strengthen relationships with our incredible volunteers and community groups, and create meaningful environmental education and engagement opportunities.
You`ll be part of a passionate team dedicated to protecting and caring for the beautiful coastline across Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove and beyond.
Sound like you, or someone you know?
We`d love to hear from you!
👉 Apply now: https://barwoncoast.com.au/career/sustainability-community-officer/
Please share with your networks and help us find our next team member!
#BarwonCoast #Sustainability #CommunityEngagement #EnvironmentalEducation #CoastalConservation #GeelongJobs #BellarinePeninsulaOpen post by barwoncoast with ID 17900276976670927
🌿 What does caring for the coast mean?
Well, it means lots of things! From maintaining the facilities and infrastructure across the 22 km of coastal Crown land we manage, to doing everything we can to protect our precious natural environment and restoring native vegetation.
🌱 Like this little Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood) tree – one of 250 plants of varying native species planted across our coastal reserves over the past three months.
Choosing the right plants for the right places helps restore habitat, support local biodiversity and ensure our coast continues to thrive for generations to come.
It`s all part of the everyday work that goes into caring for our coast. 💚
#CaringForOurCoast #BarwonCoast #CoastalConservation #BiodiversityOpen post by barwoncoast with ID 17906692704576068
🐣🐣 Great news for our little Hoodies!
We`ve got two new Hooded Plover nests at 13th Beach, and the existing nest at Bluff South Dune (The Corner) is still going strong! 💚
🥚🥚🥚 13th Beach – Boings: 3 eggs
🥚 13th Beach – The Ant: 1 egg
🥚🥚🥚 Bluff South Dune – The Corner: Nest still in place!
We`re also keeping a close eye on three potential nesting sites at Bancoora – Black Rock, Breamlea and Wedge Street to Tuckfield Street at Ocean Grove/Collendina.
It`s encouraging news for these vulnerable little shorebirds, but there`s still a long way to go before any chicks successfully fledge.
If you`re heading to the beach, please give our Hoodies plenty of space, follow temporary signage and keep dogs on lead where required.
A huge shout-out to the wonderful Friends of the Hooded Plover – Bellarine volunteers, whose dedication, countless hours of monitoring and tireless efforts to protect these vulnerable little birds make such a difference. We`re so grateful for everything you do to give our Hoodies the best chance of survival! 💚🐣
👉 Read the latest nesting update on our website news page.Open post by barwoncoast with ID 18416111614155062
🐦 Calling all bird lovers!
The Aussie Bird Count is back from 19–25 October, and our friends at BirdLife Australia (@birdlifeoz) are inviting everyone to get involved!
Whether you`re exploring our beautiful coastline, relaxing in your backyard or visiting a local park, all it takes is 20 minutes to discover the birdlife around you.
It`s a fun, free way to connect with nature while contributing to important citizen science that helps us better understand Australia`s bird populations.
🌿 No birdwatching experience needed – just a keen eye and a little curiosity!
👉 Register now at https://aussiebirdcount.org.au and get counting!Open post by barwoncoast with ID 18097783967401894
🌱 Our fleet is getting greener! 🚗⚡
We`re making the switch to greener ways of working, with three electric cleaning carts and an electric car already part of our fleet – and an electric van joining us soon!
Even better, our electric fleet is partially powered by renewable energy generated by solar panels installed on some of our facilities. ☀️
It`s all part of our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint and finding more sustainable ways to care for the 22 km of coast we manage.
Small changes making a positive difference for our coast and community. 💚
#BarwonCoast #Sustainability #GreenFleetOpen post by barwoncoast with ID 17993381511020214
🎬 Lights, camera, Barwon Heads!
We love seeing our beautiful coast in the spotlight! Tomorrow morning (Wednesday 14 October), a car commercial will be filmed around Lahey Square.
🚗 Temporary parking changes
Lahey Square car park will be closed from approximately 7am to 10.45 am, with some gravel parking along Jetty Road also unavailable during filming.
Parking will remain available at At The Heads and along Flinders Parade.
Thanks for your patience while the cameras roll – we can`t wait to see our coast on the telly! 📺🌊Open post by barwoncoast with ID 17972896956179183
While the risk of H5 bird flu in pets is extremely low, it`s best to take precautions.
If you`re out walking your dog or spending time outdoors:
✅ Keep dogs on a lead in areas with native wildlife
✅ Don`t allow pets to investigate or eat dead animals
✅ Stop cats from roaming and hunting wildlife
These simple actions help protect pets, wildlife and curbs the spread of disease.
If you suspect H5 bird flu in birds, mammals, poultry or other captive birds, report it immediately by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or to DEECA online.
Find out more at agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu
More information about responsible pet ownership and legal requirements: agriculture.vic.gov.au/animalwelfareOpen post by barwoncoast with ID 18078512987719592
Seals are an important part of Victoria`s coastal landscape and our communities.
With H5 bird flu detected in seals in Victoria, it’s important not to touch sick, injured or dead seals and other marine mammals.
If you see a marine mammal that appears unwell:
Stay at least 30 metres away. Keep children and pets clear.
Do not touch, handle or attempt to move the animal
Avoid disturbing groups of seals resting on beaches or rocks
Report sick or dead wildlife
Limiting contact with potentially infected wildlife helps protect people, pets, livestock and other wildlife.
For more information, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdfluOpen post by barwoncoast with ID 17991068883023756
This is Wadawurrung Country. We acknowledge the Wadawurrung People as the Traditional Owners of the land, waters, seas and skies of Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, 13th Beach, Black Rock and Breamlea. We honour and say Nyatne to Elders past, present and future whose ancestors, for thousands of years, have cared for this part of Dja (Country). We are committed as an organisation to meaningfully work together with Traditional Owners to make Wadawurrung Culture and Country strong.
© 2026 Barwon Coast. Website by Residency Studios.
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