The word “swamp” brings to mind all manner of oozy and disgusting things, but mangrove “swamps” are one of my favourite ecosystems. So much so that I spent the Honours year of my Science degree doing a research project on mangrove ecology. If you share my enthusiasm for tidal wetlands, the Maroochy Wetland Sanctuary and Bilai Environmental Education Centre in Bli Bli is a wonderful place to visit.