Anderson Inlet

Anderson Inlet is a shallow estuary where the Tarwin River meets Bass Strait near the town of Inverloch. The waterway covers roughly 2,400 hectares and is surrounded by coastal landscape with boat access points at Inverloch and Maher's Landing.

The inlet was named after Samuel Anderson, an early European settler in the area, though Indigenous Australians had used it as a fishing ground for many centuries before. The waterway has remained an important location for coastal communities across different periods.

The inlet serves as a stopover point for migratory birds and a year-round refuge for local bird species, making it a significant location for those who watch and study birds. The open waters and shallow flats attract both casual observers and dedicated ornithologists.

Explore this waterway by boat using the launch facilities at Inverloch or Maher's Landing for convenient access. Check tide tables before heading out, as low tide reveals extensive mudflats that affect navigation and water depth.

When the tide goes out, mudflats spread across much of the waterway, creating temporary feeding zones for wading birds on their migration journeys. This daily shifting landscape reveals hidden channels and shallow areas that are normally submerged.