The reserve contains significant wetland and coastal vegetation communities. The mangroves and the other vegetation communities of the reserve also provide significant habitat for birds. Of the 160 bird species identified in the reserve and surrounding area, 22 of the shorebirds are protected under international conservation agreements.
The reserve is part of a landscape that is of cultural importance to the Bundjalung Aboriginal people and contains middens and open campsites. The reserve is also an important recreation resource for residents and visitors to the Ballina area. Popular activities include fishing, walking, surfing, swimming and bird watching.
