The longest silt jetties in the Southern Hemisphere are hidden in Victoria.
A silt jetty isn’t something you hear of every day, but it’s a striking sight to behold. Stretching out into the distance – just like long, thin, natural jetties – these finger-like formations are rare to find around the world. Yet, Australia not only has them, tucked away into a quiet part of Victoria, but the Mitchell River silt jetties happen to be the second largest silt jetties in the entire world, and the longest in the Southern Hemisphere.
How to find the Mitchell River silt jetties
One of the quiet, wild places left in this country, the Mitchell River silt jetties stretch over eight kilometres along the Mitchel River in Victoria’s Gippsland, towards the northeastern shores of Jones Bay. Drive about 3.5 hours from Melbourne to Eagle Point, where the silt jetties begin.
Once here, drive along the gravel road that stretches along the jetties themselves. Not only are there gorgeous water views of the river on one side and the lake on the other to enjoy, but it’s so close to water level that it almost feels like you’re driving on the lake itself. Of course, that does mean that this road can be very narrow in places, so drive cautiously. Or, park the car and go for a walk along a section of the road instead.
For an extra dramatic viewing, time the visit for early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the sight in golden hour.
How were the Mitchell River silt jetties formed?
They create a striking feature along the horizon these days, but it took thousands of years for the Mitchell River’s silt jetties to become what they are. River currents carried fine silt, sand and clay into this calm, low-tidal body of water, where freshwater meets the salt, depositing the minerals along the banks until these long, narrow protruding landforms slowly built up.
The result? A thriving wetland, teeming with birdlife above and fish life below – in fact, if you stay for long enough, you’ll almost certainly see a fish jumping.
What else to see in Gippsland
While the Mitchell River silt jetties can certainly be enjoyed on a day trip from Melbourne, it would be a shame to miss out on the surrounding Gippsland delights.
If you want to stretch your legs, this part of Victoria delivers. From coastal to mountains, put some of our favourite Gippsland hikes on your list. And treat yourself to some of the tastiest local eateries. And, of course, turn a day trip into a memorable weekend at these holiday spots,
