Built around a case study of Towra Point Nature and Marine Reserve in Botany Bay, New South Wales, this programme highlights: location and change over time; an examination of the biophysical environment; the challenges of managing a significant nature reserve, including endangered species management, feral animal management and the management of the region's dynamic and ever-changing landforms. These management issues are especially challenging given Australia’s largest airport, container terminal and oil refinery all lie in close proximity, plus Towra Point is the summer home to an endangered migratory bird species. It also protects ever diminishing coastal rainforest habitat, rich mudflats and sea grass beds.