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The South West zone of the Emerald Fringe includes sloping

woodlands dominated by blue gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis)
and pink bloodwood (Corymbia intermedia), the Curlew Creek
mouth and striking red cliffs of volcanic origin (see image 4).

Although there are numerous invasive weeds in this area, the
canopy is intact and many indigenous mid story and
groundcover plants remain. Curlew Creek flows through this
part of the Emerald Fringe to its mouth just before the red
rocks. The landward edge of Curlew Creek is densely

wooded. Greenhood orchids, remarked upon by a tourist in
1938 can still be found here (see attachment 8). Dense
woodlands on the landward side of the creek slope upwards
towards Victoria Parade South. The road here is backed by
further road reserve that contains numerous veteran trees.
Many of these grow in dense clumps and blend with the
woodland above Curlew Creek to conceal signs of human

habitation from approaching boats. From the vantage point of
the water, the Emerald Fringe appears as a dense band of
green.

The red cliffs west of the creek mouth that give the island its
name are 12 to 15 metres high and are estimated to be 30
54
million years old. These cliffs can be seen from the
mainland and are often used as an island symbol. A concrete

54 L. Duncan, Geotechnical Inspection- Community Hall, 28 March 2013.
(pers. comm. to Rae Wear, 31 August 2016)

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