Ecology Tour of Long Point Bushland Reserve

Jointly presented by Bald Hills Creswick Landcare Group & Clunes Landcare & Waterways Group, with grant funding by City of Ballarat.

Tour of Long Point Flora Reserve by local ecologist, Jeremy Neal

Long Point is remnant vegetation reserve that has rebounded since the gold rush. A grassy woodland, rich in wildflowers, grasses, and small & large trees alike. At this time of year, it comes alive with indigenous wildflowers, and is home to the local population of Silver Banksia (Banksia marginata) and Yarra Gum (Eucalytpus yarraensis). Sited on the western edge of the Black Sheoak's (Allocasuarina littoralis) range, it is largely populated by Candlebark Gums (E. rubida), with the occasional Brown Stringybark (E. obliqua) and Peppermint (E. dives or E. radiata). Get up close to the hemiparasitic Drooping Mistletoe (Amyema pendula) and Cherry Ballart (Exocarpus cupressiformis), and Purple Beard Orchid (Calochilus robertsonii) - pictured below. Come and listen for the bird calls: pardalotes, yellow-tailed black cockatoos and much more.

Accessibility:

The reserve has rocky and uneven terrain. There are no paved paths, as it is natural bushland. There are small rises, slopes as well as mullock heaps from the gold rush. Suitable for children under adult supervision.

Hazards:

Uneven ground & fallen branches make for trip hazards
Collapsed/abandoned mineshafts are present
Snakes may be present

Location / Parking:

Located on Gillies Road, about 100m north of the Ascot-Creswick & Addington Road intersection. https://maps.app.goo.gl/WNxvbpRDjucacsfB8

On-street parking is available on Gillies Road, with more on-street parking on Ascot-Creswick Rd and Addington Rd. Please park well clear of the roadway. Please avoid parking on the eastern side (southbound lane) of Gillies Road adjacent to the reserve to maintain clear visibility for passing vehicles.

The road is a 100km/hr zone - please take care near the roadway.

What to bring / What to wear:

• Sun-smart attire

• Long pants are recommended to avoid scratches

• Camera

• Drinks/snacks (take your rubbish with you)

Want to make a tax-deductible donation to our group?
Head to the Landcare Australia website, and enter our group name along with your donation. https://landcareaustralia.org.au/donate/