 Traveller
safety information
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Ocean Grove Nature Reserve contains the only significant example of woodland on the Bellarine Peninsula as it was prior to European settlement.
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Things to Do
- Take a walk through the reserve and keep an eye out for some of the native animals that live in the reserve.
- Ocean Grove Nature Reserve is a haven for birds and the reserve's bird hides provide a great location for viewing some of the 130 different species that have been spotted there.
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Facilities
- There are walking tracks, car parks and bird hides that have been erected at appropriate sites.
- A picnic area is provided adjacent to the park.
- The Information Centre is open subject to personnel being available.
- Toilets.
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Heritage
A committee was formed in 1962 to launch an appeal for funds to purchase an area of privately owned bushland as a reserve. On 5th January 1968, 81 hectares of adjacent land was purchased bringing the total area to 143 hectares. The reserve was opened to the public in 1971.
Subsequently, the Information Centre and a waterfowl habitat were constructed. All this was mostly achieved by volunteers and the reserve is now managed directly by Parks Victoria. 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
A list of approximately 130 species of birds has been compiled, 35 of which are known to breed in the reserve and 23 of which are permanent residents. Prominent amongst breeding species is the Eastern Rosella and Red-browed Finch. Other frequently sighted include hawks and falcons, honey-eaters, thornbills, blue wrens, whistlers and fantails.
Mammals sometimes seen during daylight hours are the Red-necked Wallaby, Swamp Wallaby and echidna. Most others, such as possums and bats, can only be seen at night. Koalas are sometimes present in the reserve.
Copperhead snakes are occasionally seen while certain species of lizards can be observed during the warmer months. These include blue-tongue lizards and tree dragons.
The reserve is also home to a large variety of insects. Prominent during the warmer months is the Common Brown Butterfly, often in large numbers. Notably, the area supports a population of Nitrides Ants which plays host to a rare butterfly, the Blue Ant.
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Vegetation
Several distinct vegetation communities are present in the reserve. The most prominent is an extensive area of Grass Tree, Manna Gum, Yellow Gum and Drooping Sheoak. Black Sheoak and several species of wattle are scattered throughout the reserve. Black Wattle appears along the natural surface water drainage systems.
Many species of rush are to be found and the increasingly rare Kangaroo Grass is relatively abundant. Some 22 species of orchid have been listed amongst a total plant list of 178 species. Climbing plants such as Small-leaf Clematis and Love Creeper provide conspicuous displays of blossom during spring and summer. Pea plants are abundant with a total of nine species listed including Running Postman.
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Looking After the Park
- All plants and animals in the reserve are protected.
- No part of any animal, plant or nest can be removed or interfered with.
- No dogs, cats, horses or firearms are permitted in the reserve.
- Bicycles and vehicles are permitted to use the entrance road but are not to proceed further than the information carpark.
- Take your rubbish with you.
- Fires are not permitted at any time.
- Camping is not allowed in the reserve.
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How to Get There
The Ocean Grove Nature Reserve is on the west side of Grubb Road between the Bellarine Highway and Ocean Grove, 25 kilometres south-east of Geelong.
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Nearby Parks
- Angahook-Lorne State Park
- Port Phillip Bay
- Serendip Sanctuary
- You Yangs Regional Park
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Volunteers
1. Friends of Ocean Grove Nature Reserve
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Publications
Park Notes / Maps 1.
Ocean Grove Nature Reserve - Visitor Guide
Books & DVDs 1.
Victoria's National Parks
2.
Melbourne's Great Outdoors
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