large valley and its associated alluvial plains. The glacially carved landscape of the region has resulted in the shape of the estuarine system being greatly different to other ria formations around Tasmania such as the Derwent Estuary, instead bearing close resemblance to artificial impoundments like Lake Pedder, to the north. Bathurst Harbour is one of only two places in the world where the Maugean Skate, endemic to Tasmania, has been reported from. The main population is found in similar habitats in Macquarie Harbour to the north. Settlement The land around the harbour is unpopulated with little infrastructure. Most buildings and structures in the vicinity of the harbour are located at Melaleuca which supports an airstrip, several light structures, boat moorings and remains from the tin mines in the early 1900s. A mining department camp was formerly located at Woureddy Bay on Melaleuca Creek and the homestead "Claytons Corner" is located at the mouth of Melaleuca Creek on Forest Lagoon which includes a timber jetty. At present the region has no permanent population, but has in time had a number reclusive inhabitants. Access Bathurst Harbour has no vehicular access of any kind. Access is instead provided by either boat, air or walking. The only marine access to the harbour is via the Bathurst Channel from Port Davey. Two walking tracks, South Coast Track and the Port Davey Track, provide land access via either Cockle Creek or Scotts Peak Dam. An airstrip at Melaleuca gives the only aerial access to the region and is in turn connected to the main walking tracks. See also Macquarie Harbour Port Davey References Further reading External links South West Tasmania Ports and harbours of Tasmania Bays of Tasmania