It is permanently waterlogged, with a gradient of saline to fresh water arising from regular tidal inundation at the seaward fringe and freshwater flooding from inland.

The site's elevation is generally sea level, but rises to approximately 4 ft (1.2 m) along river banks.

The site's bird life, Morelet's crocodiles, lepidoptera and odonata have been examined, along with adjacent waterways further down the Canal and along the Haulover Creek.

The land cover of the reserve and surrounding area has been mapped and is shown on large scale colour air photos held by the Forest Department.

The reserve's vegetation is almost entirely Red Mangrove, with a belt of mixed freshwater swamp species such as Bullet Tree around Fabers Lagoon.