Old railway dam in Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve
(K Stockwell)There are lots of reserves and National Parks in northern Victoria and southern NSW. Many sites and references are limited to either NSW or Victoria, something which can be very frustrating when visiting this border area. An attempt has been made to cover all but the smaller reserves.
Click on one of the listed reserves or scroll down the alphabetical list.
Major bushland areas in the area include the Ramsar-listed Barmah-Millewa and Perricoota-Gunbower forests, Whipstick-Kamarooka Forest, Rushworth area forests, the Warby Range and Terrick Terrick National Park.
There are scores of small reserves not listed here. No attempt has been made to provide detailed information about the huge national parks which exist to the north-west of the region, in 'Mallee' country - Hattah Lakes, the Little Desert, Wyperfeld, Big Desert Wilderness, Annuello Fauna Reserve (which protects the endangered Lowan ~ Mallee Fowl).
This page has been updated to account for changes resulting from the Environment Conservation Council's investigation of box-ironbark forests and woodlands and VEACs River Red Gum Invewstigation. Further changes will be necessary depending on the outcome of VEACs final recommendations.
The discussion paper released by VEAC as part of its River Red Gum Investigation contains a wealth of information and is worth studying.
Additional and official information on many of these reserves can be obtained from the Parks Victoria web site. Maps of some of these reserves, including State Game Reserves, can be downloaded from the DSE and Parks Victoria web sites in pdf form.
Parks Victoria has produced a large folded sheet guide to Victoria's Box-Ironbark Parks and Reserves.
It has been difficult to obtain information about the small reserves in southern (Riverina) NSW and many may not be listed.
A cross-border map showing reserves in the Barmah-Millewa Forest was to be produced by the Barmah-Millewa Forum but the Forum has been wound up and the map may not now be forthcoming.
Bendigo Field Naturalist Club has prepared a number of publications on the region's plants and animals.
More information about Victoria's box-ironbark country is included in a book by Chris Tzaros, Wildlife of the Box-Ironbark forests
Bushland reserves
of
northern Victoria and Southern RiverinaPage 2: P to Z
Even though lots of small reserves are not included in this section, unfortunately it has become too large for one file and a second page has become necessary (for parks stating P' through to 'Z'). In addition, separate pages have been created for Barmah-Millewa Forest, Greater Bendigo National Park, Gunbower-Perricoota Forest and Terrick Terrick National Park.
Most of the bushland reserves in the area have been badly affected by over 10 years of drought.
As a result of the Victorian Environment Assessment Council (VEAC) investigation of River Red Gum Forests in northern Victoria, several new parks and reserves are likely to be gazetted in 2008. Some of the possible changes are indicated in blue below.
Some of the parks contained on this page are:
Paddy's Ranges State Park
Perricoota-Koondrook Forest
Pilchers Bridge NCR
Plumptons NCR
Polly McQuinn's
Prairie NCR
Pyramid Creek NCR
Pyramid Hill
Reedy Swamp, Shepparton
Reef Hills
Rowland NCR
Runnymead NFR
Shepparton Regional Park
Tang Tang Swamp NCR
Terrick Terrick National Park
Thunder Swamp NCR
Tresco West Bushland Reserve
Ulupna Island
Victoria Park, Echuca
Waanyara NCR
Wakool riverside reserves
Wallenjoe Swamp NCR
Wandella NCR
Warby Range State Park (Warby Range-Lower Ovens National Park)
Wellsford Forest, Bendigo
Welton NCR
Werai Forest
Wettupa Forest
Whroo Nature Conservation Reserve
Whymoul SF
Wills Bend
Winlaton NCR
Woolshed Swamp NCR
Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve
Wyuna River Reserve
Yanga National ParkIn some of the listings below, topographic map names/numbers have been given; in some cases VicRoads map references are given. CFA regional map books are also useful map resources.
VEAC recommendations are shown in blue.Paddys Ranges State Park
This 1,954ha box-ironbark forest is located close to Maryborough. A picnic area and camping area may be accessed from the Talbot to Maryborough Road. The nearby reservoir affords good birding opportunities. The gently undulating country is covered by Red Box, Red Ironbark, Yellow Gum and Grey Box, with a sparse but rich understorey. Some birds which are declining throughout their range (e.g. Swift Parrot, Crested Bellbird, Painted Button Quail and Spotted Quail Thrush) find refuge here. Mammals of the park include Echidna, Brush-tailed Phascogale and Sugar Glider. VicRoads Map 58 D3.
See Parks Victoria web site and/or Chris Tsaros book Wildlife of the Box-Ironbark Country for maps and more about Paddys Ranges NCR.
Patho Native Flora Reserve and NCR ~ Patho Flora Reserve and NCR is a small area (75ha) of native grassland west of Echuca. Because most of the indigenous grassland which covered the northern plains have been lost, this is an important reserve. It is treeless. Parks Victoria recently acquired adjoining native grassland to add to the reserve. A nearby lignum swamp may offer better birding opportunities. Location: Kelly Road, off Tomara Road, VicRoads Map 30 H3.
Peechalba State Forest ~ see Warby Range-Ovens River National Park (proposed).
Pelican Island in Lake Mulwala ~ an important roosting site for a range of waterbirds including Australian White Ibis. CFA Rural Directory map 225 165161.
Perricoota-Koondrook State Forest
A large red gum forest on the NSW side of the Murray, downstream of Echuca and opposite Gunbower Island, is called Perricoota Forest (SF395) in the south-east near Moama and Koondrook Forest (SF625) downstream near Barham - Koondrook. Part of Australia's second largest red-gum forest, it is one of six sites of ecological significance under the Living Murray initiative.The forest has been logged over many decades. Box trees are found on the slightly higher areas. Access is from Perricoota Road. It is possible to enter the forest near Womboota and drive alongside the river all the way to the outskirts of Barham and return via Lower Thule Road, Perricoota Road or via Koondrook and the Murray Valley Highway (Vic). This forest is inaccessible to road vehicles after rain or flooding. Apart from foresters, most who visit are water-skiers, anglers or boaters, many of whom launch their craft at Torrumbarry. There are some delightful bush camping sites with beaches alongside the Murray River (no facilities). The best time to visit is usually between December and April. Fires are not permitted for most of the year.
The Gunbower and Koondrook-Perricoota Forests have a combined area of about 50,000 hectares. The Koondrook and Perricoota Forests are included in the NSW Central Murray State Forests Ramsar site. It is an important breeding area for colonial waterbirds and is visited by migratory birds listed under international treaties with Japan (JAMBA) and China (CAMBA). Interim objectives and outcomes for actions under the First Step of the Living Murray initiative is to maintain and restore a mosaic of healthy floodplain communities, ensuring 80% of permanent and semi-permanent wetlands remains in healthy condition, 30% of River red gum forest remains in healthy condition, that successful breeding of thousands of colonial waterbirds occurs in at least three years in ten and that there are healthy populations of resident native fish in wetlands
One of the most attractive parts of this forest is in the vicinity of Kate Malone Bend, where there is a varied under-storey and where fields of everlastings carpet the forest floor following good rains or floods. At times, everlastings carpet the forest floor from here for many kilometres westwards toward Koondrook. This area is ideal for bushwalking and there are secluded camping sites alongside the Murray. Some riverside camp sites have beaches. East of Kate Malone Bend is an area of regenerating box which lacks a middle storey or under-storey and which may lack aesthetic appeal.
There are several wetland areas, most of which have been deprived of water over recent years. It is hoped to release environmental water to flood these areas from time to time, thereby promoting the breeding of waterbirds. Regulators are being upgraded and additional regulators are to be constructed.
There are smaller State Forest reserves (Guttram Vic and Campbells Island NSW) just downstream of Barham-Koondrook.
Reference maps: Keely 1:50,000 (Central Mapping Authority of New South Wales); Region 20 CFA Rural Directory maps 217, 218, 192, 193.
Perricoota Road TSR reserves ~ see Moama State Forest (The Five Mile Reserve)
Piantas Road River Reserve ~ a small reserve alongside the Murray River downstream of Echuca off Piantas Road and across the Murray River from Moama State Forest (Five Mile Reserve). VicRoads Map 31 C3
VEAC's draft proposal is for this area to be included in the proposed Murray River ParkPilchers Bridge Nature Conservation Reserve
Located 18km south-east of Bendigo, this 2,274 hectare reserve supports Grey Box, Red Ironbark and Yellow Gum forest with a sparse under-storey dominated by wattles and Dropping Cassinia. Ridges support Red Stringybark, Red Box and Long-leaf Box with an under-storey of small shrubs. Access by unsealed tracks off Myrtle Creek Road or Abbots Road (VicRoads Map 44H8). Some species which have been observed in this reserve include Yellow-footed Antechinus, Sugar Glider, Bush Stone Curlew, Speckled Warbler, Powerful Owl, Barking Owl, White's Skink, Common Spadefoot Toad and Perons Tree Frog. Apparently there is a gully in which some uncommon bird species are sometimes sighted.
Pine Grove NCR ~ a small area (38ha) of endangered northern plains grassland alongside the Mitiamo-Echuca Road. Gilgais and natural drainage lines are still present
VEAC's draft proposal is for this area to be a block of Terrick Terrick National Park .Plumptons NCR (proposed D24) ~ 160ha of public land 5km north-east of Kerang which is being restored as bushland by local residents. It provides habitat for the endangered Grey-crowned Babbler, Curl Snake and Bush Stone Curlew.
Polly McQuinn's
Polly McQuinn's Weir is located between Euroa-Mansfield Road and Merton-Strathbogie Road where McQuinn's Road and Galls Gap Road meet (VicRoads Map 47D8). The weir supports a variety of water birds and the surrounding bushland also provides good habitat. There is a small, free camping area with toilets.The nearby Gooram Falls Reserve affords good birding opportunities. There are toilets downstream of the falls.
Prairie NCR (proposed D32) ~ 35ha of public land alongside Myer Creek at Prairie (south-west of Echuca).
Pyramid Creek NCR (proposed D25) ~ 50 ha of presently uncategorised public land south-east of Kerang, containing Chenopod Grassland around a Lignum Wetland.
Pyramid Hill ~ a walking track can be followed from the base of Pyramid Hill through degraded bushland to the summit. From the top, visitors can obtain extensive views of the surrounding plains. Pyramid Hill township lies to the west of the reserve.
Red Gum Swamp Wildlife Area ~ located north of McDonald Swamp, south-west of Koondrook, this 148 hectare wetland contains saltbush, lignum and dead river red gums. VicRoads Map 21 C5.
Reed Beds, the ~ part of Moira State Forest, this wetland alongside Gulpa Creek east of Mathoura has been declared an 'exclosure' of about 1,000 hectares. A 'new' waterbird observation structure has been constructed just off Mathoura-Picnic Point Road (west of the Tocumwal turnoff), replacing an older hide which was not readily accessible. The new structure has been constructed so that it is accessible even in a one in 100 year flood and so it is wheelchair accessible. The Reed Beds are often dry but are a major colonoial waterbird breeding location when this wetland contains water. Experiences frequent seasonal flooding from Gulpa Creek. Dry during 2006-7 and 2007-8.
Elevated walkway to Reed Beds bird hide (K Stockwell)Reedy Lake ~ a wetland west of Goulburn Weir managed by Parks Victoria; a drought refuge for water birds.
Reedy Lagoon ~ a wetland reserve on Gunbower Island.
Reedy Lagoon, June 2008 (K Stockwell)Reedy Swamp Wildlife Reserve ~ a wetland on the northern edge of Shepparton. Access from the western end of Wanganui Road (VicRoads Map 272 D1). Environmental water was released into this wetland in May 2008 and many water birds wasted no time moving into this drought refuge.
VEAC's draft proposal is for a this reserve to be part of the proposed Lower Goulburn River National Park.
Reedy Swamp, Shepparton, late May 2008 (K Stockwell)
Reef Hills State Park
A 2,013ha park straddling the Hume Freeway about five kilometres south of Benalla.There is a parking area alongside the Midland Highway (VicRoads Map 47 H3). The park provides habitat for a number of threatened plant and animal species, including Large Forest Bat, Sloanes Froglet, Squirrel Glider, Tawny Frogmouth, Turquoise Parrot, Swift Parrot, Gang Gang Cockatoo, Painted Honeyeater, Gilberts Whistler, Regent Honeyeater and Bush Stone Curlew.
Tawny Frogmouth (D Ong)It is a herb-rich woodland dominated by Red Box, Red Stringybark and Long-leaf Box. In alluvial soils to the south of the park, River Red Gum, Yellow Box and White Box dominate. August is, perhaps, the best time to visit the park insofar as many of the trees are in blossom and Swift Parrots may be observed.
Richardsons (Baillieu's) Lagoon
See Baillieu's Lagoon
VEAC's draft proposal is for public land here to be part of the proposed Murray River Reserve. Private property is unlikely to be affected. Shooting, grazing and timber harvesting will not be allowed.Roslynmead Flora Reserve ~ two paddocks of highly diverse and endangered northern plains grassland (six threatened plant species observed) between Davis and Murray roads Roslynmead (west of Echuca) ( VicRoads Map 30 J3). Total area: 574 hectares.
VEAC's draft proposal is for these paddocks to be blocks of Terrick Terrick National Park.Rowland Wildlife Reserve ~ 143 hectares of heathy wetland with Black Box located south-east of Hird Swamp and north-west of Flannery's Reserve. Much revegetation work has been carried out using indigenous vegetation. The reserve, which has a Pyramid Creek frontage, can be accessed from Kerang-Leitchville Road, Flannery's Road and Mincha-West Cohuna Road. CFA Region 20 Rural Directory map 216 425 255; VicRoads Map 21 C8.
VEAC proposed this being renamed as Rowland Nature Conservation Reserve. Duck shooting will no longer be allowed.Runnymeade Natural Features Reserve
This is an isolated box-ironbark bushland, 240 hectares in size, east of the B75 and west of Colbinabbin. The reserve bears scars of gold mining. Being isolated from other areas of bushland, its birdlife is often somewhat disappointing. Many of the trees are multi-stemmed regrowth. To avoid disappointment, hope for little and expect less. VicRoads Map 45 C2.Rutherglen NCR ~ a small reserve south-east of Rutherglen and east of Lilliput.
Salomon Gully NCR ~ see Solomon Gully.
Sand-dune Pine Flora Reserve ~ see Barmah...
Shelbourne Nature Conservation Reserve
An 712 hectare block west of Bendigo with a diverse vegetation. Swift Parrots and Brush-tailed Phascogale are sometimes observed here during Winter. The Bendigo-Maryborough Road runs through this reserve. VicRoads Map 44 C7.Shepparton Regional Park (proposed) ~ 603ha area of Red Gum bushland alongside the Goulburn River and Midland Highway between Shepparton and Mooroopna. Sections of the proposed Lower Goulburn River Park lie boith upstream and downstream.
St. Arnaud Range National Park and St. Arnaud Regional Park
These reserves near St. Arnaud, to the west of the region covered by this site, protect a large relatively in-tact Box-Ironbark landscape. There are some old Red Ironbark and Grey Box trees, some of which have hollows useful for birds and other wildlife. The understorey is dominated by wattles. Camping is permitted at a site alongside Upper Teddington Reservoir. There are several nature conservation reserves near St Arnaud, including Gowar NCR, Gowar South NCR, Hard Hills NCR and Stony Creek NCR.
Solomon Gully NCR ~ a 20ha area of bushland west of Flora hill Cemetery (Bendigo) with intact under-storey, including Ausfields Wattle. It is being impacted upon by infrastructure associated with nearby underground mining. VicRoads Map 283 L18. Spelt as Salomon Gully in some publications.
Spring Creek NCR ~ an enclave within the Heathcote-Graytown National Park north of Graytown along the Nagambie-Rushworth Road (VicRoads Map 46 B5).
Spring Plains NCR ~ a small reserve between Tooborac and Heathcote south-west of the B75.
Tang Tang Swamp Wildlife Reserve ~ This 129 hectare reserve lies immediately north of Dingee-Rochester Road, north of Thunder Swamp and west of Winghee Swamp (which sometimes supports Brolga). Shooting of game is often allowed here during duck season. CFA Region 2 Directory, Map 252, grid reference 574 720.
VEAC recommends that this become a Nature Conservation Reserve in which shooting will be prohibited.
Tarnagulla Flora Reserve ~ now part of Waanyarra NCR.
Terrick Terrick East NCR ~ This area of indigenous grassland lies to the east of Terrick Terrick National Park.
VEAC's draft proposal is for a this reserve to be added to Terrick Terrick National Park.Terrick Terrick National Park
Better known to locals as Mitiamo Rock, Mt. Terrick Terrick is a low granitic outcrop rising above the flat riverine plains at Mitiamo, west of Echuca, in northern Victoria. This hill, and two others, are covered in bushland but surrounded by a sea of farmland. The park is important because it protects one of the few areas of relatively undisturbed vegetation in northern Victoria as well as an area of grassy lowland plain, an endangered ecosystem.The recent purchase of an adjoining 1262 hectare property ,which is covered in native grasses and which contains more Plains Wanderers than any area of comparable size in Victoria, plus the largest dunnart colony in Victoria, means the park's status has recently been upgraded to a National Park (3,854ha). The recently-acquired property is between the former State Park and an area east of Bendigo Creek. The creek area includes Lignum (a thin-leafed shrub which provides protection for small birds) and River Red Gum. The new addition means Terrick Terrick National Park has the largest native grassland area of any Victorian conservation park.
Indigenous grasslands and Ms Davies old house at Terrick Terrick (K Stockwell)
Before the large new addition, this park covered an area of 2,500 hectares. Additions have increase the size to about 3,854 hectares.
VEAC's draft proposal is for a number of nearby indigenous grassland areas to be added to the National Park, further increasing its size to 5,882 hectares.
Terrick Terrick National Park has Victoria's largest stand of native White Cypress Pine, meaning parts of the park have a European rather than Australian appearance.
Terrick Terrick protects several species of plant which are rare and threatened in the region, e.g. Annual Buttons, Pepper Grass, Bottle Bluebush, Fragrant Leech Orchid, Murray Swainson Pea, Deane's Wattle and Shiny Correa. The Grey Kangaroo, Black Wallaby and Tree Goanna are common here. Birds likely to be observed include Gilbert's Whistler, Mallee Ringneck, Cockatiel, Diamond Firetail, Peaceful Dove, Grey-crowned Babbler and Brown Tree Creeper.
Near Reigal Rock there are some aboriginal wells, both large and small, one of which still has a rock cover lying alongside it! And the cap fits.
There is a well-kept picnic ground at the base of Mt Terrick Terrick (Mitiamo Rock) and overnight camping is permitted in a recently relocated camp ground (contact the ranger on 5450 3951 in advance). The camp ground is now separate from the day visitor area.
There are no motels or holiday flats in the immediate area. Such accommodation is available, however, in Echuca-Moama, Lockington, Cohuna, Gunbower (Hotel) and elsewhere.
Mt Terrick Terrick illustrates the old saying that what is a mountain in one region may not even be called a hill in another: it is a mere 95 metres high. The "Rock" can be climbed in a few minutes but allows great views across the very flat plains of northern Victoria.
Rock Isotome on Mitiamo Rock (D Ong)Now that cattle grazing ended and rabbit numbers have fallen, the vegetation is recovering particularly well; there are lots of young pine trees and everlastings are thriving. In places, wattle, Hakea and hop bush are reappearing. Unfortunately introduced weeds like Paterson's Curse and Capeweed are a problem . Sheep will continue to lightly graze the grasslands area to help keep introduced grasses at bay and to encourage the growth of native grasses.
Apart from Mt Terrick Terrick itself, few visit this park. But it is worth a visit, especially in Spring when the everlastings are in bloom. Echuca birders visit here from time to time and never seem to get tired of the place! Brolgas are sometimes seen alongside Bendigo Creek or in the vicinity of the nearby township of Mitiamo.
The new addition was managed by the Davies family, on a low-input basis, grazing stock at conservative levels, since the early 1900s. They had no need to add super phosphate, herbicides and other chemicals. Fortunately for animals such as the Plains Wanderer and the Hooded Scaley-foot, and plants such as Plains Leek-orchid and Annual Buttons, the owners were not tempted by the economic returns supposedly offered by the addition of super phosphate and so forth. Rather, they preferred the conservative approach and enjoyed a unique lifestyle. No less than 27 of the 1200 indigenous pants recorded for the property are of significance. Annual Buttons, which grows on the property and no where else, was believed to be extinct until discovered growing on this property. The grassland supports the largest known colony of Plains-wanderers in Victoria. The Plains-wanderer is a small bird resembling Button Quail. This is a fastidious bird, demanding native grasses and daisies and grassland tall enough to conceal it from predators. Its plumage offers excellent camouflage. A Deniliquin bird enthusiast, has sighted 27 Plains Wanderer on the recently-acquired grassland area. Parks Victoria believe that over 100 individuals of this species live within the Park. The endangered Hooded Scaley-foot is a legless lizard which grows up to 450mm in length.
There are a number of grassland reserves in this area, including Terrick Terrick East NCR (corner Tomara Road and Clee Road), Tomara Gilgai NCR, Roslynmead NCR (between Davis and Murray roads), Patho NCR (off Kelly Road), Kotta NCR (alongside Whitfield Road), Pinegrove NCR (alongside Mitiamo-Echuca Road), Warup NCR (alongside Pinegrove Road), Canegrass NCR (off Baxter Road), Millewa NCR (south end of Cantwell Road) and Glassons Grassland (see above)
The best time for hiking here is in spring. It is usually very hot in summer. In summer and autumn, gaiters are advisable to protect against grass seeds. March flies can be annoying in autumn. It is wise to avoid walking through high grass: the Brown Snake is found here. A circuit could incorporate Mitiamo Rock, Reigal's Rock and Rogers Road. Parks Victoria runs an open day on the grasslands in late September or early October each year.
The cemetery area, the vegetation of which remains relatively undisturbed, is worth visiting: some plants not common in the Park are found here, e.g. Hakea.
A 'Friends' group was formed in 2006.
Access off Mitiamo Forest Road, at southern end of park. Pamphlet box at entrance. VicRoads Map 30 E4. Topographic map: Mitiamo-Patho 7725-N 1:50,000 (VicMap).
Terrick Terrick East NCR
This 212 hectare grassland reserve at the corner of Tomara and Clee Roads, east of Terrick Terrick N.P. not only provides suitable habitat for the endangered Plains Wanderer but also contains populations of two nationally threatened plants, Chariot Wheels and Slender Darling Pea. VEAC's draft proposal is for a this reserve to be added to Terrick Terrick National Park.The Granites NCR, Wychitella ~ see Mt. Egbert and Wychitella NCR. Good birding at the mountain's base.
The Granites (Mt. Egbert), part of Wychitella NCR (K Stockwell)The Rock Nature Reserve ~ an upland bush reserve 8km west of The Rock and north-east of the region covered by this site.
Thule State Forest ~ a relatively small non-permanent wetland (SF367) area bordering Perricoota Road north-west of its (eastern) intersection with Lower Thule Road. To the south-east, Green Gully State Forest all but adjoins it.
Thunder Swamp Wildlife Reserve ~ Aitkens Road Tandarra, north of Bendigo, and south of Tang Tang Swamp. This ephemeral wetland covers 129 hectares. CFA Region 2 Directory, Map 287 GR 555 640.
VEAC recommends the creation of a 90 ha Nature Conservation Reserve in which shooting will not be permitted.Tocumwal Regional Park ~ two reserves west of Cobram, one of which fronts the Murray River. There are a number of sandy beaches.
VEAC recommends this be included in the proposed Murray River Park.Tomara Gilgais NCR
336 hectares of endangered northern plains grassland south of Terrick Terrick East NCR. Plains-wanderer and Brolga have been observed on the grassland which features some significant flora, including Umbrella Wattle, Spiny Lignum and Yakka Grass.
VEAC's draft proposal is for this NCR to be a block of Terrick Terrick National Park.Tooborac NCR
This is a small reserve along the Tooborac-Seymour Road. An interesting form of Grevillea alpina grows in the reserve.
Grevillea alpina (D Ong)Too-rour State Forest and Lima Falls
Native bushland in the vicinity of Lima Falls affords good birding opportunities. Access is via Old Bonnie Doon Road and Police Road. Some covenanted high-quality adjoining bushland is privately owned. Some nearby pine plantations are better managed (from an ecological point of view) than most, with indigenous understorey.Tootool Wetlands
Located 12km west of The Rock along Henderson Road (southern NSW), this naturally occurring wetland is managed by Milbulong Landcare Group.Torogo Wildlife Reserve
This wetland is located alongside the Barham-Moama Road east of its (western) intersection with the Lower Thule Road. The reserve includes Thule Swamp and a section of Thule Creek.Torrumbarry area reserves
There are a number of riverfront reserves near Torrumbarry Weir. Most are along the Murray River. Wills Bend is popular with campers, anglers and boaters. One small reserve alongside the National Channel supports a Melaleuca Forest. There are several excellent birding spots, including Richardsons (Baillieu's) Lagoon and Torrumbarry Weir. VEAC's draft proposal is for most of these reserve to be included in either Gunbower National Park or Murray River Park.Tottington Nature Conservation Reserve
An open forest dominated by Red Ironbark, grey Box and Red Box, this 2120 hectare reserve is located 23km south-west of St. Arnaud. In places, it closely resembles the original pre-European box-ironbark landscape, with some old trees and an herbaceous ground layer. Access via Kanya Road. VicRoads Map 42 C6.
Toupna Creek Reserve ~ located off Mills Road (which runs of Fishermen's Bend Road) in the Millewa State Forest (NSW), this reserve (FR119) is an area of Grey Box and a good spot to look for Painted Quail. Shooting is not permitted in the reserve.
Tragowel Swamp Wildlife Reserve ~ a 274 hectare 'important' wetland south of Kerang with scattered Black Box. it supports an ibis rookery. Shooting is not permitted. CFA Region 20 Rural Directory, Map 191 (F) GR 670 330.
VEAC proposes upgrading the reserve to a NCR. As is presently the case, shooting will not be permitted.Tresco West Bushland Reserve
This small mallee reserve alongside the seldom-used Lake Boga golf course is of immense importance because it and the adjoining lake support a huge variety of bush birds, waders and water birds. When the adjoining lake contains water and when there are many plants in flower, over 60 species may be observed over the course of a few hours. At other times, numbers are much lower. Blue Bonnets (parrots) live here. Bird observers often combine their visit with a trip to Goschen Bushland Reserve and the Kerang Lakes.Tresco West Bushland Reserve contains Berrigan or Long-leaf Emu-bush (Eremophila longifolia) that acts as a food source for nomadic honeyeaters such as Black Honeyeater and Pied Honeyeater.
Weeping Pittosporum in Tresco West Bushland Reserve (K Stockwell)
Weeping Pittosporum is also present. There are Box and Callitris Pine trees, many of which are heavily infested with mistletoe.
Mistletoe on a tree at Tresco West Bushland Reserve (K Stockwell)When it contains water, the salt lake alongside the reserve (Golf Course Lake) sometimes attracts large numbers of Red-necked Avocet, Black-winged Stilt and migratory waders.
Blue Bonnet at Tresco West (D Ong)Some of the more interesting bird species recorded here include Spotted Harrier; Little and Painted Button-quail; Red-backed Kingfisher; Budgerigar; Cockatiel; Blue Bonnet; Mulga Parrot; Variegated Fairy-wren; White-winged Fairy-wren; Yellow-throated Miner; Singing, Yellow-plumed, Striped, White-fronted, Pied and Black Honeyeater; Crimson and Orange Chat; Hooded and Red-capped Robin; Masked, Black-faced, White-breasted, White-browed and Dusky Woodswallow; Zebra Finch and Pied Butcherbird. VicRoads Map 14 C10 (look for golf course).
Tungamah Nature Conservation Reserve
This 883 hectare reserve includes Tungamah Swamp and Rowan Swamp. It provides habitat for many threatened species, including Red-chested Button Quail, Grey-crowned Babbler, Plains Leek Orchid, Bluish Raspwart, Buloke, Small Scurf Pea and Spurred Spear-grass.Tuppal (Bullatale) State Forest
See Bullatale Forest. This forest is the northern tip of the Barmah-Millewa Forest.Tutchewop Wildlife Area (G85)
See Lake Tutchewop.Two Tree Swamp Wildlife Reserve ~ a cane grass wetland which adjoins One Tree Swamp and which is located south-west of Stanhope. Managed by Parks Victoria and sometimes supplied with water as a drought refuge for water birds. Environmental water was released into the swamp in May 2008. CFA Map 290 120575
(Proposed NCR, with One Tree Swamp, in which shooting will not be allowed)Ulupna Island
This red gum forest is located in Victoria upstream of the Barmah-Millewa Forest, north of Strathmerton. Morgans Beach is a popular beach located between Ulupna Island State Forest and Barmah Forest. Reference: Strathmerton 7926-S 1:50,000 (Central Mapping Authority of New South Wales).Victoria Park, Echuca ~ "Scenic Reserve"
At the northern end of High Street Echuca, between the Campaspe and Murray rivers, is a 95 hectare reserve which includes remnant native bushland, Victoria Park Scenic Reserve. In the very early days of European settlement, the area was used by NSW police based in Goulburn as a horse paddock. Yorta Yorta nations used it and the adjoining rivers as a major source of food, including water birds, crayfish and wallabies.It was a police paddock until 1865 when a 215 acre reserve was gazetted. It was to be managed by the then Borough of Echuca. In 1909, the remaining police paddock area was incorporated into the park. Subsequently, in 1913, a 10 acre section was excised for a high school. The Shire of Campaspe remains responsible for the management of the reserve apart from a sandhill section which the high school was allowed to fence and restore in the 1990s.
Whilst most of the area remains bushland, a section has been set aside for sporting grounds and a caravan park. The bushland section contains a large number of old trees with hollows. It is an important refuge for wildlife. In summer, Rainbow Bee-eaters nest in the sandhills. Also over summer, Dollarbirds nest in trees alongside the Campaspe River.
Whilst red gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) line the rivers, the clay flats are covered by Black Box (Eucalyptus largiflorens). A fenced sandhill in the reserve marks the edge of a prior lake. The sandhill is covered in Callitris (Native Pine).
In places where flooding is uncommon, there are areas of Yellow Gum (Eucalyptus melliodora) and Grey Box. Shrubs include Dwarf Cherry (Exocarpus stricta), Gold Dust Wattle (Acacia acinacea), Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha) and Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata). Many native grasses survive in the reserve. Ground plants include Rice flower (Pimelea) and Flax Lilly (Dianella).
The area is widely used by local residents and visitors for recreational purposes. Many go jogging and walking in the reserve. Every day, manyjog or drive around "the Scenic Drive".
Much work is being done to lessen weed infestations. Bridal Creeper is a major problem.
It is possible that a new road river crossing will pass through the high school and grass tennis courts. There is considerable opposition to this alignment as the following site indicates.
VicRoads intends to set up a site about the proposed alignment.
Disclosure: I am a member of an advisory committee looking at this proposed alignment. KS.
A draft management plan has been prepared by Chris Rochow for the Shire of Campaspe.
VicRoads Map 266 B2. Access is from Dickson Street.
VEAC recommends that the bushland area of this Victoria Park become part of the proposed Murray River Park. The remainder is to remain as a recreational area.
Vinnifera State Forest ~ a red gum forest in Victoria between Nyah West and Beverford (Mallee Region).
Waanyara Nature Conservation Reserve ~ 2,927 ha north-east of Dunolly. An extensive area of box-ironbark forest between Dunolly and Tarnagulla. It incorporates the former Tarnagulla Flora Reserve and provides habitat for a number of threatened species, including Powerful Owl, Swift Parrot and Dainty Phebalium. Timber harvesting continues in a larger area of State Forest adjoining this reserve. VicRoads Map 43 F7.
Wakool riverside reserves
There are a few narrow State Forests alongside the Wakool River north-west of Barham. The largest, Wetuppa State Forest (SF192) is about 25km long and is a continuation of a section of Noorong Forest (SF201), the two being separated only by the Swan Hill-Tullakool Road. These are seldom visited but some afford pleasant camp sites and are likely to interest field naturalists. Shooting is not permitted and a wood fire ban applies for most of the year.(Big and Little) Wallenjoe Swamp State Game Reserve ~ 425 ha wildlife reserve east of Lake Cooper and immediately south of Mansfield Swamp. When the wetland contains water, brolgas are often observed here. Relies on local runoff and storm events for water. No environmental water delivery appears possible. VicRoads Map 31 F9.
VEAC proposed that this become a Nature Conservation Reserve in which shooting will not be allowed. (D44).
Brolgas: often observed in Wallenjoe Swamp (D Ong)
Wandella Flora and Fauna Reserve (formerly Wandella State Forest & Recreation Reserve) ~ a 981 hectare reserve located 5km west of Kerang, bisected by the C262. Black Box with an understorey of Lignum, herbs and grasses. Supports many water birds. VicRoads Map 20 F5.
VEAC's draft proposal is for this area to be part of the proposed Leaghur-Koorangie National ParkWarby Range State Park ~ including Killawarra Forest
VEAC recommends that this park be part of Warby Range-Ovens River National Park. Public land to be added to the existing State park would include Lower Ovens State Forest, Lower Ovens Regional Park and Peechelba Flora Reserve.
The Warby Range lies west of Wangaratta. The best time to visit is in Spring when the wildflower display is at its best. Another good time to walk in the Warbys is late Autumn but the creeks and falls are usually still dry. The Killawarra Forest, an ironbark forest to the north, was added to the State Park late in 2002 . The State Park now covers around 11,000ha.One of the most interesting parts of the park is Pine Valley. A nature circuit can be walked from Pine Gully Picnic Area, off Thoona Road.
An excellent 17km walk can be taken from Pine Valley along an old track to Adams Road and then along Skeet Track and via Black Springs to Wenhams Camp: a detailed map is essential.
A large but lightly-used free camping area, Wenhams, is located near Mt. Warby. Birding is particularly good near Wenhams Camp. This is an excellent area to search for the endangered, attractive Turquoise Parrot. At dawn and dusk, it is an excellent spot to see kangaroos.
Friends Track
The Friends Track is a 4.6km walking circuit that commences at Wenhams, south of the camping ground.Post 1: Eucalyptus macrorhynchia (red Stringybark) and Xanthorrhoea australis (Grass Tree).
Post 2: There are 11 species of Eucalypts in the Warbys. Eucalyptus goniocalyx (Long-leaf Box) is the one growing here.
Post 3: Eucalyptus polyanthemos (Red Box) is one of five box species in the Warbys. It grows here alongside Acacia rubida (Red-stem Wattle). In Spring up to 40 species of orchids can be seen. Some grow near here.
Post 4: On this granitic outcrop grows Eucalyptus blakelyi (Blakely's Red Gum) and Acacia triptera (Spurwing Wattle).
Post 5: This thick scrub layer includes Acacia buxifolia (Box-leaf Wattle), Calytrix tetragona (Common Fringe Myrtle) and Grevillea alpina.
Post 6: The top of Mt Warby. In summer, look for the pretty blue flowers of Isotome axillaris and the orange flowers of Pultenaea platyphylla (Flat-leaf Bush Pea).
Post 7: This old Red Box is home of sugar gliders.
Post 8: In the gully is a creek which flows after heavy rain. Note the grass trees on the opposite slope.
Post 9: At Gilbert's Gully, the creek plunges into the valley below. The side track to Kwat Kwat Lookout is worth taking.
Post 10: This is a copse of Drooping She-oaks (Allocasuarina verticillata).Male and female flowers are on different trees.
Follow the track back to the campsite. A colony of Babblers lives near where the track crosses a creek (in the large clearing).
When visiting the Warby Range, you can stay in a delightful privately-owned cottage, Kurringai Cottage (03 5725 3270), which is set in two acres of native gardens. This is also a good staging post for visiting Beechworth Historic Park and Chiltern Box-ironbark National Park.
For better or worse, the Park is fragmented but the Killawarra ironbark forest to the north has been added to the park.
Wildflower Walk
This 4km circuit commences at Old Camp in the heart of the Killawarra Forest. This forest is one of the largest remaining stands of ironbark in Victoria. The track is through box and ironbark forest. Trees include Red Box (Eucalyptus polyanthemos), Red Ironbark (Eucalyptus sideroxylon), Grey Box (E. microcarpa), Red Stringybark (E. macrorhyncha), and Blakely's Red Gum (E. blakelyi), each of which is clearly sign posted. The track heads south to an old sawmill site and its concrete wells before turning back to the north.From September to November, Acacia pycnantha and A. verniciflua are in bloom. Grevillea alpina (see photo),
Grevillea alpina (D Ong)Hibbertia obtusifolia (yellow), Brachyloma daphnoides (cream ~ a heath), Brunonia australis (blue ~ herb) and Podolepis jaceoides (yellow ~ herb) add colour. There are many species of native orchid. There are also many animals and birds to be seen, including the endangered Regent Honeyeater. Listen for the rustle of an Echidna (Spiny Ant Eater) on the ground and the grunts of the Koala. Kangaroos and wallabies are quite common.
Until late in 2002, relatively little of this type of forest is protected in national parks and reserves. Only 5 hectares of old-growth ironbark forest remained ~ in a flora reserve near St. Arnaud ~ so it is terrific that this forest has been added to the parks system so that ironbarks can grow to maturity and provide nectar and nesting holes for honey eaters, parrots, the Tuan, sugar gliders, possums and other animals. The box-ironbark ecosystem is under threat and is worthy of preservation. The rare Tuan (Phascogale) is believed to exist in the Killawarra Forest and this is just one reason why this forest is to be protected. There are many unsightly stumps in the Killawarra and in places clear felling has occurred. Hopefully, time will repair much of the damage. Congratulations, by the way, to the Wangaratta Garden Club for its wildflower walk.
Warby Range State Park is over two hours drive north from Melbourne along the Hume Freeway, an hour east of Shepparton and two hours east of Echuca via Devenish or St. James.
Topographic map: Warby Range 8125-3-1 1:25,000 (VicMap).
Wanurp NCR
This 120 hectare indigenous grassland on the Patho Plain alongside Pinegrove Road, west of Echuca is known habitat for Bush Stone Curlew, Plains-wanderer, Curl Snake, Pale Flax Lily and Red Swainson Pea. VicRoads Map 30 H5.
VEAC's draft proposal is for this NCR to be a block of Terrick Terrick National Park.Wehla Nature Conservation Reserve
Located north-west of Bendigo, this is a small area of 'Alluvial Terraces Herb-rich Woodland'. It provides habitat for the Swift Parrot and often affords very good birding. VicRoads Map 43 B3. Topographic map: Rheola North 7624-4-N 1:25,000 (VicMap).Wellsford Forest
This box-ironbark forest lies between Bendigo and Axedale. When ironbark is in flower, it is usually alive with various species of Honeyeater and other birds. This forest is sometimes logged in places but probably should not be as it is very slow to recover without active management, e.g. to curtail Dodder vines.Part of Wellsford Forest has been incorporated into Bendigo Regional Park. Hopefully, more will be. The dominant trees include Yellow Gum, Ironbark, Grey Box and various species of Mallee. Understorey plants include Whirrakee Wattle (Acacia williamsonii), Bent-leaf Wattle and Gold-dust Wattle all of which are particularly attractive when in full bloom. Much of the forest is a silvaculture plot. There are a few big ironbarks between one and two kilometres west of Mt Sugarloaf. Private bushland (Gunyah Valley Farm; accommodation available) to the north-east is of higher conservation value than most of the public land, the owners having kept under-storey in tact; they have created wetland areas for birds. The eastern side of the forest, Mt Sugarloaf Nature Conservation Reserve, affords good bushwalking and birding opportunities and supports a range (no pun intended) of vegetation types.
Welton NCR (proposed ~ D40)
VEAC recommends the creation of a 162 ha reserve north of Echuca, near Torrumbarry, including the existing Patho Wildlife Reserve (in which hunting is presently not allowed).Werai Forest
The Werai State Forest (SF384) is a large wetland area alongside of the Edward, north-west of Deniliquin. Werai State Forest is located on the southern side of The Edward. On the north-north-east side of The Edward, the forest is called Barratta Creek State Forest SF692) and, upstream of it are Banangalite State Forests (SF88-91) and Morago Forests (SF92-97). Closer to Deniliquin are the two small blocks of Stevens Weir State Forest (SF989). Downstream of Werai, alongside The Edward, are a number of smaller state red gum forests.It is hoped that this forested area can be added to the list of Living Murray icon sites and/or that it can be flooded periodically. Without periodic flooding, the forest will deteriorate further. Although part of the forest was flooded in 2004, it is in a parlous state. To access Werai Forest from Deniliquin, take Wakool Road, then Calimo Road and then Rangemore Road. A number of side roads, one of which is near the bridge over Gwynnes Creek, lead into the forest. Werai River Road runs the length of the forest more-or-less alongside the Edward River (on the south-western sideof the river).
Wetuppa State Forest ~ a long, thin forest alongside the Wakool River, east of Swan Hill.
Wharparilla Bushland Reserve ~ a small wetland area on the north-western outskirts of Echuca alongside the Murray Valley Highway.
VEAC's draft proposal is for a this reserve to be part of Murray River Park.Whipstick Nature Conservation Reserve ~ 83 hectares near Bendigo
Whipstick State Park ~ see Greater Bendigo National Park
Whroo Nature Conservation Reserve
This 2,298ha reserve south of Rushworth protects remnants of gold-mining days and box-ironbark forest which supports a diversity of birds, including a wide range of honeyeaters, when the ironbarks are in bloom. It is popular with bird observers and sightseers. An attraction of the reserve is an open cut gold mine with a tunnel which is open to the public. Unfortunately it is feared that authorities may dismantle stairs and close the tunnel (for reasons of legal liability). There is also an historic cemetery which is of interest to many. A private tea room/information centre provides refreshments. The reserve was increased in area to its present size late in 2002. VicRoads Map 45 J4. Topographic map: Whroo 7924-4-3 1:25,000 (VicMap).Whymoul State Forest
Located 18km west of Wakool and near the intersection of Tulla Road and Barham-Moulamein Road, the two sections of this degraded forest (SF575) feature Red Gum forest, Box Forest and sandhills.
Box Trees in Whymoul Forest (K Stockwell)Willbriggie State Forest ~ see Murrumbidgee State Forests
Wills Bend
Located alongside the Murray River downstream of Echuca, at the end of O'Dwyer Road (VicRoads Map 31 C3), Wills Bend is a popular camping, fishing and picnicking area. Bird watchers are usually pleased with the variety of birds found here and in the Torrumbarry area generally.
VEAC proposes including this area in the proposed Murray River Park.Winlaton NCR (proposed)
An 86 ha Chenopod Scrubland has been purchased by DSE north-west of Murrabit.Woolshed Swamp Wildlife Reserve, Boort ~ a 472 hectare ephemeral wetland reserve south of Boort. When containing water, it is an important waterbird breeding area. VicRoads Map 29 D4
VEAC proposes that the reserve be increased to 497 ha and upgraded to a NCR in which shooting will not be allowed.Wooroonook Lakes Wildlife (State Game) Reserve ~ ephemeral wetland between Donald and Charlton. VicRoads Map 28 E6.
Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve
The Nature Conservation Reserve incorporates the former Wychitella Flora Reserve and some other areas of public land. Grazing is no longer permitted in the reserve. Prospecting activities are allowed with the permission of the land manager.
The public land is largely linked by freehold land with substantially intact native vegetation; co-operative arrangements may be made with adjacent landholders in due course. Some privately-owned land is protected by a conservation covenant. Bush Heritage Fund's Judith Eardley Reserve of well over 300 hectares adjoins the western side of the Park and protects grassy woodland. Many landholders are participating in a revegetation scheme to provide and protect habitat for Lowan (Mallee Fowl).
Photo: old reservoir, Korong Vale Block (K Stockwell).
The Korong Vale Block is be entered on a dirt track which starts west of Korong Vale and continues south-west toward Wedderburn. There are no sign posts (so maps are needed) and an aqueduct crossing will deter many motorists. With care, however, the aqueduct can be crossed successfully. South-west of the aqueduct is an artificial lake (see photo above) which is an ideal camping spot. This is also an excellent place for bird watching. A cross-country circuit walk of the reserve can start here...but it is necessary to have a map and compass! Pushing through thick Melaleuca scrub is slow and tedious but affords a chance to hear or catch a glimpse of the elusive Mallee Fowl. There are some delightful creeks which can be followed. There are some disused aqueducts which can be followed in place of roads.
Immediately south of the reservoir, a seldom-used track heads west off the Korong Vale-Wedderburn track. It is well worth walking along this track. Look for wrens, pardalotes, thornbills, Southern Scrub Robin, Gilbert Whistler, Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, White-eared Honeyeater, Fuscous Honeyeater and Common Bronzewing.
Some large blocks can be accessed from Old Wedderburn-Boort Road and from Wedderburn-Wychitella Road. A large private bushland property along the old Wedderburn-Boort Road is protected by a Trust for Nature covenant and several other property holders are participating in a scheme to protect habitat for the Malleefowl (Lowan).
Wattle Track heads east from the Wychitella-Wedderburn Road near the northern boundary of the park. Malleefowl (Lowan) are sometimes sighted near the start of the track. After about a kilometre, Wattle Track detours around a Lowan mound. White-browed Babblers are often observed along the track, as are Weebills and a variety of honeyeaters.
A dwarf form of Gold Dust Wattle (Acacia acinacea) grows in the reserve.
Below: Gold Dust Wattle in bloom, Korong Vale Block (K Stockwell)
The Calder Highway can be followed north from Wedderburn to the Skinners Reservoir turnoff. Alongside the track, at Skinners Creek Reservoir, which was dry when I visited in April 2007, is a picnic ground. The Skinners Flat Block allows easy cross-country walking. It is best to commence a walk a few kilometres past the reservoir. It is possible to scale Mt Kerang and then walk into the nearby Wychitella Block where a profusion of orchids can be seen in Spring. Most ridges have kangaroo pads atop them and these can be followed quite easily.Unfortunately, there is cleared private land between some of the blocks and this may frustrate those who like long bush walks. However, some blocks are linked with land that is still covered in bush. It is hoped that co-operative arrangements can be made with the owners of the freehold bushland.
It takes more than just a weekend to explore this little known but fascinating jewel. There are no facilities for the general public and most visitors are natural historians, bushwalkers and birders. Nearby Mt Korong NCR is worth visiting: it is well worth the steep climb to the top to enjoy a 360 degree view of the surrounding area.
Much of reserved area has been exploited in the past. There is evidence of gold mining, forestry, eucalyptus-oil distillation and thoughtless bulldozing. Some of the intermittent water courses and tracks are quite badly eroded. But the spring wildflower display is still sensational.
There are some large quarries near reserved areas.
2,780 hectares were added to the reserve in 2004.
CFA Region 2 Directory, Map 249 C and E. Topographic map: Wedderburn-Kinypanial 7625-S 1:50,000.
Wyperfeld National Park
This huge national park lies to the west of the region covered by this site. The Friends of Wyperfeld have published an outstanding book on this park but all copies have been sold. See Parks Victoria web site.Wyuna River Reserve
Wyuna, derived from the Koori word for "clear water" (waioona), is a locality north of Kyabram. Agnes Road runs from the Murray Valley Highway, just east of Wyuna township, to Wyuna River Reserve alongside the Goulburn River. Wyuna River Reserve covers around 201ha (over 400 acres) and has been fenced and restored by Wyuna Landcare Group, the Irrigation Committee of Goulburn Murray Catchment Management Authority and the Department of Sustainability & Environment.This lovely reserve gives an indication of what pre-European vegetation looked like and is one of the best natural areas in northern Victoria. Dominant trees are Red Gum (E. Camaldulensis), Grey Box (E. microcarpa) and, in places, Yellow Box (E. melliodora). The Bush Stone Curlew and the Squirrel Glider still live here. Two families of Tree Goanna (Varannus varius) have been recorded here. At least 110 plant species have been recorded in the reserve, including Creeping Mint (Mentha saturoides) and Leafy Templetonia (Templetonia stenophylla). Since cattle were fenced out of the reserve, the understorey has recovered remarkably well, despite several years of drought. In particular, native grasses, Gold Dust Wattle (Acacia acinacea) , Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata) and Chinese Scrub (Cassinia sp) have recovered well. Nest boxes made of hollow branches have been placed in some of the trees and there are information shelters at some entrances. There is a delightful sandbank on the reserve side of the Goulburn River which should appeal to bathers and anglers. Over 100 bird species have been observed in the reserve. A draft management plant was released in 2006.
Topographic map: Nathalia South 7925-4-N.
VEAC's draft proposal is for this delightful reserve to be a block of the proposed Lower Goulburn River National Park.
Yambuna Bridge Streamside Reserve ~ 44 hectares of native bushland alongside the Goulburn River upstream of Echuca Village.
VEAC's draft proposal is for this bushland area to be incorporated into the proposed Lower Goulburn River National Park.Yando Lake ~ see Lake Yando NCR.
Yanga National Park
Yanga is a new , 70,000ha national park alongside the Murrumbidgee River in New South Wales, north of Swan Hill. It largely wraps around a smaller conservation reserve. A former grazing station, the property features areas of indigenous grassland as well as riverine vegetation and was purchased at the invitation of the previous owners in 2005.At the 2006 wetlands forum in Leeton, Ross McDonnell of the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation spoke about Yanga, near Balranald. This is an unofficial summary of his address:
On the invitation of its then owners,Yanga Station was acquired by the NSW government late in 2005. Around 80,000ha in area, it contained the largest privately-owned River Red Gum forest in NSW. Located on the 300,000 Lowbidgee floodplain, Yanga features 17,000 ha of wetlands and water-dependant vegetation and 150km of Murrumbidgee River frontage.
The ecology of Yanga has been affected by grazing, dams in the upper catchment, two local weirs, an irrigation area with public and privately-funded infrastructure, feral animals and the conversion of a drainage system to a supply system with a resultant increase in farmed land and a reduction in native biota.
As Yanga occurs at the bottomı end of the Lowbidgee irrigation area, the co-operation of local land-holders in the management of the reserve is essential.
10,000ha of farmed land is to be sold and an effort is to be made to restore the remaining 70,000ha to a healthy ecological condition. One third of the Red Gum is dead, one-third is dying and the remaining third is in good condition. There is an extensive area of Black Box and Lignum which could do with a water.
Waterbird numbers are down by 90% on pre-European numbers.
Restoring the area is a great challenge. Getting environmental water to the new park is proving very difficult and costly. The park recently received a huge bill which needs to be paid if the park is to retain its water license. About 150 gigalitres is required for the wetlands and this amount of water will be costly.
Feral animal control is another issue. 1,000km of fox bait stations has been laid and over 335 pigs have already been killed.
It will be some years before the park is open to the public. Camping areas will be needed. The park is expected to become a mecca for bird observers ~ a Kakadu of the south. The main attraction is likely to be the opportunity to boat along the isolated 150km stretch of the Murrumbidgee.
Yassom Swamp Flora and fauna Reserve
This wetland reserve occupies 362 hectares.
VEAC's draft proposal is for this area to be included in Leaghur-Koorangie National Park.Youanmite NCR
This reserve is located south of Katamatite on the north side of Youanmite Road. Formerly part of a farm, this relatively new reserve was purchased from a farmer. It was the original site for Youanmite township, but the township relocated when a railway was built a short distance to the north. The reserve is a grassy woodland which lacks a shrub layer. Trees include Grey Box, Buloke and Red Gum. Birds often observed here include Flame Robin (in winter), Brown Tree-creeper, Weebill, Golden Whistler, Red-rumped Parrot, White-winged Chough, Magpie Lark and Restless Flycatcher. 36 degrees 09 minutes south; 145 degrees 40 minutes east. VicRoads Map 33 D4.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * Several maps available for sale cover part of the area covered above. For NSW Forests, refer Central Murray Valley State Forests (NSW Forestry 1992). Topographic maps of the area are available by phone order from Information Victoria. Local topographic maps are sold at the Mathoura Rural Transaction Centre, Cobb Highway Mathoura. For bushwalking, 1:25,000 maps are best. However, only 1:50,000 maps are available for much of the region. The Barmah-Millewa Forum has been dissolved by the Ministerial Council and its new map of the Barmah-Millewa Forest is not likely to be released for sale in the foreseeable future.
Abbreviations: NP=National Park; NCR=Nature Conservation Reserve; SF=State Forest; TSR=Travelling Stock Route Reserve
Northern Victoria and Southern Riverina Conservation and Environment Site
Section 1: Conservation News Section 5: Photo Gallery Section 2: Bushwalking Section 6: Bushland Reserves Section 3: Birding Section 7: Animals Section 4: Indigenous Plants Section 8: Conservation Links
Click here for Echuca Landcare Group's home page
Click here for Echuca and District BOCA home page Created April 1997; redesigned and amended February 2006; last revision January 2008 by Keith Stockwell. The information above is based on various DSE publications, Box-Ironbark Investigative reports, newspaper articles, tourist brochures, bird surveys, maps, word of mouth, emails and personal observation. E&OE: if you detect errors or wish to make suggestions, email stocky at mcmedia dot com dot au
