Introducing the unsung hero of the Tahbilk wetlands

/in , /by

Tucked away behind the oldest family run winery in Victoria lies a wetland eco-system that deserves a lot more attention. Tahbilk Estate Winery celebrates its 100th Anniversary in 2025 but the wetlands within the winery Estate have been around long before the first grapes were planted. Robert (Bobo) McMaster has worked at the winery for 42 years. Starting in 1982 as the farm manager he was responsible for the land surrounding the vineyards, including the wetlands. What he thought would be a job quickly became a lifelong commitment to restoring and protecting this extraordinary landscape.

Tell us about your long tenure and various roles at Tahbilk

Back in 1982, the wetlands were struggling—invasive species had taken hold, native vegetation was sparse, and the balance of the ecosystem was slipping away. It was clear to me that if we didn’t step in, we’d lose something irreplaceable. So, I got to work—collecting native seeds, restoring habitat corridors, and reintroducing indigenous plant species. The property consists of 1260 hectares, and approximately 400 ha is now revegetated or Wetlands. The revegetation work was done to increase the plant species and get it back to as near as possible to what it was prior to white settlement – using native plants that existed in the area. We wanted a balance of upper story - gums, box, eucalyptus, mid story – wattles, etc., and understory. This was possible using the Dookie Seed Bank and direct seeding. The last planting with me was in 2014, where we direct-seeded 26 different species. This was the start of creating habitat corridors from the roadways to remnant vegetation, then to the waterways. The Tahbilk billabong only came into its own when we started to block the inlet and outlet pipes/culverts. This was done in the winter to do work on the Weir wall, and then it was refilled in summer. This process went entirely against nature, which was to flood in winter and be dry in summer. We had to jump many hurdles to do this. One reason we have such a diverse ecosystem is that, although we get circulation but no current in the billabong, the water temperature is a more constant 26 degrees, perfect for endangered native Catfish to breed. In this waterway, the authorities are working on removing introduced species, i.e., Carp/Redfin, and want to get to 75% native and 25% introduced fish. In later years, my role expanded into eco-tourism, and I took on the role of Boat Captain, guiding visitors through the wetlands and sharing what we’ve achieved. These days, I may have stepped back from the farm work, but I still take great pride in introducing people to this landscape and helping them understand why it’s worth protecting.

As a boat captain you get to spend a lot of time out on the wetlands. What are some of your best experiences of being out on the water?

The beauty of these wetlands is that no two days are ever the same. Every time I take the boat out, there’s something remarkable—whether it’s an unexpected wildlife encounter or the way the light hits the water just right. One of the moments that’s stayed with me happened one late afternoon, just as the sun was dipping low over the water. We were gliding through the billabong, and everything had that golden glow—the kind of light that makes you stop and take it all in. Then, right in front of us, a platypus surfaced. Now, I’ve been out on these wetlands more times than I can count, and you don’t see a platypus every day—they’re shy, they keep to themselves. But this one? It must have decided we weren’t a threat, because it stayed up, paddling, diving, coming back up, completely unbothered by us floating there in quiet amazement. One of the passengers whispered, "I never thought I’d see one in the wild." And that’s just it—you can read about them, you can see pictures, but nothing compares to seeing a creature like that in its natural home. It was a reminder that when we look after the wetlands, they look after the wildlife—and in return, we get to witness something truly special. Another time, a kangaroo swam across the lagoon. You don’t expect to see that, but there he was—paddling with purpose, making his way to the nearest red gum. He climbed out, gave himself a shake, and stared back at me as if to say, "You didn't see that, mate." These moments are a gift. They remind me that the wetlands are not just a place we pass through—they are a world unto themselves, full of life, resilience, and quiet wisdom.

What is something people may not know about the wetlands?

One of the most surprising things is that the wetlands are not a recent addition to the landscape—they have been shaped by the Goulburn River for thousands of years. When the Goulburn Weir was constructed in 1891, it permanently changed the water levels here, creating an ever-evolving wetland system. But long before that, the Taungurung People were the true custodians of this land, moving through these waterways, relying on the billabong for food, medicine, and cultural practices. Another lesser-known fact is that we have one of the last remaining populations of Freshwater Catfish in Victoria. These fish were once abundant in our river systems, but with habitat destruction and waterway changes, their numbers plummeted. When we started our restoration work, we discovered a thriving remnant population in the Tahbilk billabong—a testament to how important these wetlands are for species survival.

Why are these wetlands so special?

The Tahbilk Wetlands are a sanctuary—for wildlife, for the land, and for all of us who come here seeking a deeper connection with nature. They filter water, stabilise the soil, provide essential habitat, and act as a refuge for species that have nowhere else to go. Beyond the science, there’s something about this place that grounds you. You can step onto the walking tracks or glide through the water in the boat and suddenly, the world slows down. You notice the intricate dance of dragonflies, the quiet presence of an echidna foraging near the water’s edge, the chorus of frogs signalling the changing seasons. In a time where so much of the natural world is under pressure, having a place like this—where nature is given the space to be what it was always meant to be—is something truly special.

Have you learnt a lot by having our Taungurung guides on the boat delivering our tours?

Absolutely. Uncle Shane brings a depth of knowledge and perspective that has profoundly changed the way I see this landscape. Hearing him speak about the relationship between land, water, and people reinforces what I’ve come to understand through years of working on the wetlands—everything is connected. The Taungurung perspective isn’t just about conservation; it’s about respect and responsibility. It’s about recognising that the land doesn’t belong to us—we belong to it. That’s something I try to share with visitors—it’s not just about what we can take from the land, but what we can give back. Our Tahbilk guides bring their own passion and expertise as well—whether it’s birdlife, native plants, or the science behind the wetlands, they help paint a complete picture of what makes this place extraordinary. I might have spent decades here, but I’m still learning every day.

What needs to happen to look after these wetlands and protect the biodiversity?

The key to protecting these wetlands lies in understanding that they are a living system, not just a body of water. That means: • Continuing revegetation efforts—restoring native species and removing invasive plants that choke the ecosystem. • Protecting water quality—minimising agricultural runoff and ensuring water levels are maintained to support wetland habitats. • Providing habitat for native species—through programs like re-snagging fallen logs in the waterways to support fish and aquatic life. (So far, we have 460 logs in place.) • Community awareness and involvement—conservation isn’t just for scientists; it’s for all of us. When people experience the wetlands firsthand, they become invested in their protection. We’ve seen incredible success in bringing species back from the brink here. If we stay committed, future generations will inherit a landscape that is richer, healthier, and full of life.

Any other comments or reflections about the importance of wetland ecosystems?

Wetlands are often overlooked, seen as swamps or wastelands, but in truth, they are some of the most vital ecosystems on Earth. They provide clean water, protect against floods, store carbon, and support an extraordinary range of life. But beyond their function, they are places of beauty, stillness, and renewal. They remind us that nature has its own rhythm, and if we listen, we can learn so much. As I look back on the work we’ve done here at Tahbilk, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude—for the land, for the Purbrick family, for the people who’ve worked alongside me, and for the wildlife that has returned, piece by piece, to a home that was always theirs. The wetlands are not just a project—they are a legacy. And it’s one I hope we continue to protect for many generations to come.