The reserve is comprised primarily of areas of sand dunes, estuarine wetland and forested headland. It protects a rare dune feature known as a chenier complex; the only known example south of North Queensland. It also contains one of the largest stands of mangroves south of Sydney, and areas of salt marsh, forest red gum and littoral rainforest.
The reserve has a diverse fauna and provides habitat for at least five threatened native animal species, and migratory waders protected by international treaties.
A large number of Aboriginal places and sites have been recorded in the reserve including rare mounded midden sites.
Because of its small size and conservation significance, management emphasis in the reserve will be on protection of its ecological integrity, habitat values and special features such as the chenier complex. Fauna and flora surveys, weed control, rehabilitation of disturbed areas, and control of access and use to ensure that they are sustainable, will be the main management programs in the foreseeable future. Aboriginal sites subject to erosion will be protected and there will be continued provision for scientific research.
