In the early twentieth century, after European settlement, the swamp was drained for farming purposes (with wet areas remaining only at low lands; including Seaford and the Edithvale wetlands).

[2] The name Seaford arose during a meeting of local residents in 1913, called to decide upon a name for the settlement and the new railway station about to open.

In 1985 a report was produced titled Ecology and Management of Seaford Swamp, recommending the creation of lagoons, substantial tree plantations and improvement of public facilities.

This reserve was the site for an extensive dune restoration program undertaken by the Port Phillip Authority in 1972, under the title of the "Seaford Experimental Project".

The program involved extensive areas of fencing, revegetation and the installation of walking tracks, seats, tables and shelters.

The park serves a broad range of functions, including the Carrum Bowls Club, the sea scouts, public toilets and change facilities, a multi-purpose community space and a small café.

The wetlands are home to a wide variety of bird life, including a number of rare and endangered migratory species protected by international agreements.

Three types of fish can also be found in the wetlands: common galaxias, short-finned eels and mosquitofish (an exotic pest species).

Main article: Kananook Creek Once draining part of the Carrum Carrum Swamp, the Kananook Creek runs from northern Seaford where it is fed by the Eel Race Drain and flows southwards through Seaford, roughly adjacent to the Nepean Highway through to Frankston where it flows into Port Phillip.

Since the state election on 29 November 2014, the suburb of Seaford has been represented by Labor MP Sonya Kilkenny in Victoria's Legislative Assembly.