 Be
Bushfire Smart
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The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve, surrounded by the developing suburb of Frankston, contains a significant remnant of bushland on the Mornington Peninsula. As well as its conservation importance the reserve represents a unique passive recreational and educational asset in the greater metropolitan area of Melbourne.
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Things to Do
- The reserve is ideal for recreation activities such as nature study, photography and walking.
- Walk to Trig Point for expansive views of the reserve, Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenongs. A network of tracks allows visitors to walk to most features of the reserve.
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Facilities
- A network of tracks allows visitors to walk to most features of the reserve.
- The nearest visitor facilities are at the Pat Rollo Reserve located nearby in Silver Avenue.
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Heritage
Very little is known of Aboriginal activity in the area other than the use of the springs as a source of fresh water by the Bunurong people. In the 1920's it was planned to plant the whole area between Ballarto Road, Dandenong Road, McClelland Drive and Skye Road with pine trees. Only about 120 hectares was planted, though in the 1950's some of the remaining land was set aside for housing. A proposal in the 1970's to sandmine the remaining bushland met with community uproar and the Eureka flag was raised on Trig Point (the site from which the Frankston area was originally surveyed) and the area claimed for the people of Frankston. Community action also helped prevent the area being subdivided in 1989 and the Flora and Fauna Reserve is now zoned as public open space. Aboriginal Traditional Owners Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters.
Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria
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Fauna
The reserve is a very important habitat for native fauna, particularly small mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Southern Brown Bandicoots, Swamp Wallabies, echidnas and Brushtail and Ringtail Possums are present but are often hard to find as they are not all active during the day. The reserve is also a potential habitat for the endangered New Holland Mouse. Over 100 different bird species have been recorded including honeyeaters, waterbirds, birds of prey and parrots. A number of significant species have been recorded including the Painted Button Quail, Brush Bronzewing, Lathams Snipe and Swift Parrot.
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Vegetation
Much of the vegetation of the reserve is remnant heathland with Silver-leaf Stringybark and Black Sheoak. It is still in a reasonable natural condition and contains many species of plants now rare on the Mornington Peninsula. Native orchids are a highlight of the many wildflowers that mainly bloom in spring. Rabbit Ears Orchid, Dwarf Greenhood Orchid and the not so common Common Spider Orchid are some of the orchids to be found among the 170 or more plant species recorded.
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Looking After the Park
- Take your rubbish with you.
- Keep to the formed walking tracks.
- Dog regulations apply. In areas where dogs are permitted they must be on a leash at all times.
- Firearms are not permitted in the reserve.
- All native plants and animals are protected.
- Leave the reserve as you find it.
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How to Get There
The 238 hectare reserve is 40 kilometres south east of Melbourne, about three kilometres north east of the Frankston Central Business District. Access is via walking tracks on Tamarisk Drive, Excelsior Drive and Warrawee Circuit (Melway ref: 100 C8).
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Special Needs Access
Park Tracks
The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve is generally accessible. There is a step to be negotiated from the car park onto the path, and there is currently a lack of rails and kerbs along the boardwalk and around the viewing area.
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Nearby Parks
- Arthurs Seat State Park
- Coolart Wetlands and Homestead
- Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve
- Mornington Peninsula National Park
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Volunteers
1. Friends of the Pines Flora & Fauna Reserve
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Publications
Brochures 1.
A new guide to Victoria's Parks: Parks Discovery
Park Notes / Maps 1.
The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve
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