EstuaryWatch Data Portal

The Aire River originates in the high rainfall Otway Ranges to the west of Apollo Bay in Victoria, and has been identified in the Heritage Rivers Act 1992 as one of 18 Heritage River Areas in Victoria.

The Aire River is one of the largest rivers in south-western Victoria and enters the sea via a large estuarine lake complex west of Cape Otway. The Aire valley is a floodplain of the combined Aire, Calder and Ford river systems. These rivers coalesce before flowing out to sea at the Aire River mouth. The valley consists of private agricultural land, a wildlife reserve, and the Otway National Park including a natural lake and wetland system.

The Aire valley is home to a number of rare and threatened species, significant Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) and is recognised for its recreational values including camping, fishing, picnicking, sightseeing, walking tracks, game hunting and motor and 
non-motor boating.

Threats include: Agricultural practices, modified flow regime through the artificial openings of the estuary, water quality issues, forestry practices, climate change, tourism, pest plants and animals.