There is a complex of plant communities within the reserve, six of which are endangered ecological communities. Protection of the mosaic of vegetation is an important function of the reserve. Spinifex and coastal wattle bind the sand dunes, which preserve the coastline and provide protection for the bangalay woodland. Ancient palm-like burrawangs grow beneath the bangalay.
Away from the salt winds, the woodland merges into forest with red bloodwood, blackbutt and turpentine. On low lying land swamp mahogany grows, with a dense understorey of melaleuca species.
