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• Walking trails enable visitors to enjoy activities such as bird watching and orchid viewing.
• Many of the native orchid species, such as the Green-comb Spider Orchid, are best seen in spring when they are in flower.
• Other autumn-winter flowering species include the Cobra Greenhood and various helmet orchids. These species are best seen between June and August.

In 1899, a 12.5ha portion of what is now known as Baluk Willam Nature Conservation Reserve was gazetted for use as a wateirng site for stock. This classification was revoked in 1981, at which time the land became known as Ash Reserve. Between 1959 and 1983, the area was used as a campsite for the Girl Guide Association. Several small ironclad buildings, since demolished, were erected during this time.

The remaining 55ha of the reserve was originally a privately owned block known as "Bullen's Land". The block appears to be one of the few properties in the area to have remained in a relatively natural state. An adobe house was built at the site early last century, but was dismantled in the 1960s. In 1977, the land was purchased and set aside as a reserve following recommendations by the Land Coservation Council.

Both Ash Reserve and Bullen's Land were later renamed "Baluk Willam Flora Reserve", as suggested by the Wurundjeri people. Meaning 'meeting of the clans', the name reflects the area's previous land use by Aboriginal people. Today the reserve is primarily used for the protection and study of its flora and fauna.

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

A great deal is yet to be discovered about the fauna of the reserve. The secluded nature of the reserve and its closeness to other parks, such as Lysterfield Park and Churchill National Park, suggest that it may have significant fauna. Numerous bird species are known to use the reserve.

Of significance are the recorded sightings of the Southern Boobook Owl and Powerful Owl. Hakea, casuarina and acacia plants are important food resources for cockatoos and other parrot species in the reserve. Tawny Frogmouths, Laughing Kookaburras and a numberof honeyeater species are present. Brown Antechinus, Bush Rats, Swamp Rats, Swamp Wallabies, possums and echidnas also inhabit the reserve.

Baluk Willam Nature Conservation Reserve is highly valued for its diversity of flora. This diversity arises from variations in topography, aspect, soil and drainage patterns.

Four ecological vegetation classes can be recognised. These are shrubby foothill forest, damp sclerophyll forest, wet sclerophyll forest and healthy woodland (dominated by Silver-leafed Stringybark).

Of the 250 indigenous plant species recorded, 73 are orchid species. This makes the reserve one of the most significant flora terrestrial orchid sites in Victoria. Several orchid species are rare or vulnerable in Victoria. Other significant flora species are Spreading Rope-rush, Cinnamon Wattle and Stiff Sword-sedge.

• No dogs, cats, horses, trail bikes or bicycles are permitted.
• Please take all rubbish with you as no bins are provided.
• No fires are permitted.
• Firearms are not permitted.
• All native plants and animals are protected. Removal of native flora is strictly prohibited.

• Aura Vale Lake Park
• Churhchill National Park
• Dandenong Ranges National Park
• Lysterfield Park