Where to find

Map of the Western Volcanic Plains grasslands

Click on a map marker pin for more information about the grassland.

 

Location
Located on the western side of Mount Cottrell Road, Mount Cottrell, approximately 12 km south of Melton. 
Melway reference
221 H5
Facilities
None
Manager
Notes

The vegetation is Plains Woodland dominated by Grey Box Eucalyptus microcarpa and large areas of native grassland. Two types of Plains Grassland occur within Bush’s Paddock, one is dominated by Kangaroo Grass Themeda triandra; the other is dominated by Spear-grass Austrostipa spp. and Wallaby-grasses Rytidosperma spp.

This 45 ha reserve has had a long history of stock grazing, however plantings and weed/pest animal control has recently been undertaken to restore the site. 

Further information

PLEG

http://pinkertonforest.com/

Includes links to a detailed flora and fauna report for the site.

Latitude
-37.762217
Longitude
144.607364
Location
North of Mortlake and Hexham in western Victoria. Ridge Paddock adjoins the eastern boundary of Cobra Killuc Wildlife Reserve on Wordleys Lane, off Hexham-Woorndoo Road, approximately 150 km west of Geelong.
Melway reference
926 E6
Facilities
None. There is pedestrian access to Ridge Paddock from Wordleys Lane via the Cobra Killuc Wildlife Reserve.
Manager
Parks Victoria
Notes

The Ridge Paddock grasslands (130.05 ha) were purchased in 2002 as part of the Department of Sustainability and Environment's conservation land purchase program. The Ridge Paddock and adjoining Cobra Killuc Wildlife Reserve form the largest Plains Grassland/Grassy Woodland reserve (662 ha) in the Dundas Tablelands.

The main Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) present in Ridge Paddock is Plains Grassland. Cobra Killuc Wildlife Reserve has one of the largest and most species-rich examples of Plains Grassy Woodland remaining in Victoria, and includes approximately 150 ha of native grasslands. Creekline Grassy Woodland EVC also occurs at Cobra Killuc Wildlife Reserve.

Narrow rows of native trees border Ridge Paddock on the southern, northern and eastern sides of the reserve.

The DSE Management Statement for these reserves includes a flora and fauna species list for the reserves.

Further information

DSE Management Statement (2005) for the reserve http://nrmonline.nrm.gov.au/catalog/mql:2117

Latitude
-37.969647
Longitude
142.741956
Location
Adjoining Merri Creek between Barry Road and Cooper Street, Campbellfield.
Melway reference
180 K12
Facilities
None
Manager
Parks Victoria
Notes

This reserve of 52.6 ha contains large areas of Plains Grassland and patches of Red Gum Plains Grassy Woodland.

Cooper Street Grassland, together with the Craigieburn Grasslands Flora and Fauna Reserve and the link between, is listed on the Register of the National Estate (Australian Heritage Commission 1998).

Further information
Latitude
-37.650150
Longitude
144.972925
Location
Located east of the Merri Creek, mainly between O’Herns Road and Craigieburn Road East, Somerton, 25 km from Melbourne. Another smaller section of grassland, O'Herns Grassland is located to the south of O'Herns Rd, Craigieburn.
Melway reference
180 G4
Facilities
None. Access from O'Herns Road off Hume Highway, Somerton.
Manager
Parks Victoria
Notes

Mainly open plain native grassland, including some stony ridges (Stony Knoll Grassland) and a seasonal wetland within 340 ha. The Merri Creek and its escarpment form the western boundary.

The State Government purchased this site in 1999 with the assistance of the National Heritage Trust. The Craigieburn Grasslands Flora and Fauna Reserve is listed on the Register of the National Estate and is one of the most significant and largest remaining examples of Western Plains Basalt Grassland.

Latitude
-37.618892
Longitude
144.999689
Location
Between Hamilton Highway B140, Yarima Road and Simpson Street, Cressy, approximately 70 km west of Geelong
Melway reference
927 A6
Facilities
None
Manager
Parks Victoria
Notes

This site, consisting of approximately 250 ha of unimproved Western Plains grassland was purchased with funds from the Commonwealth and State. This reserve provides quality habitat for Plains-wanderers, Striped Legless Lizards and many regionally significant plants. 

Latitude
-38.024772
Longitude
143.633186
Location
Between Denton Avenue, Cairnlea and the Western Ring Road.Between Denton Avenue, Cairnlea and the Western Ring Road.
Melway reference
26 D7
Facilities
Walking trails and bike tracks
Manager
Brimbank Council
Notes

This site is a ‘dog off leash’ area.

Further information

Adjoins Denton Grassland Wildflower Garden and Denton Hills Parkland.

Latitude
-37.765572
Longitude
144.808586
Location
Between Fitzgerald Road, Boundary Road and the Western Ring Road, Derrimut. 
Melway reference
39 J4 - 40 A8
Facilities
None
Manager
Parks Victoria
Notes

This is one of the largest grassland reserves within the Western Volcanic Plains (134 ha). Even though it is close to Melbourne, it provides habitat for many species including bandicoots, Fat-tailed Dunnarts, native rodents and various reptiles and frogs.

This site contains Themeda triandra grassland and Amphibromus nervosus/Agrostis avenacea grassland.

Further information

Nearby are the Gilbertson’s Grasslands (Melway Reference 39 E6), William Angliss Native Grassland Reserve (Melway Reference 39 F10), Mt Derrimut Grasslands (Melway Reference 25 C12) and Laverton North Grasslands (Melway Reference 54 A3).

Latitude
-37.807458
Longitude
144.793747
Location
Sunbury, between Evans Street and the railway line.
Melway reference
382 D6
Facilities
Walking track, interpretive signage, community meeting room (bookings required for this room; contact the Natural Heritage Officer, Hume City Council).
Manager
Hume City Council. The Friends of Evans Street Native Grassland assist with environmental works and maintenance of the site.
Notes

A 4 ha reserve in Sunbury. The site is protected by a Trust for Nature conservation covenant.

Further information

Website: Hume City Council

Latitude
-37.584542
Longitude
144.725019
Location
Between Warin Road, Wallert Street and Dunbarrim Avenue, Cairnlea.
Melway reference
25 F7
Facilities
None
Manager
The site is Crown Land under a Committee of Management arrangement with Victoria University. Friends of Iramoo (FOI) is run by local and regional residents. FOI assists with grassland restoration, conducts walks & talks, and coordinates projects of intere
Notes

A 4 ha reserve.

Latitude
-37.766864
Longitude
144.780478
Location
Eynesbury
Melway reference
220 H11
Facilities
Walking trails
Manager
Melton Shire Council
Notes

This 288 ha forest site is bordered by 64 ha of native grassland reserve. These two sites are home to kangaroos, emus and many other bird species. The Grey Box Forest is registered with the National Estate and has a Melton Shire Natural Heritage Overlay. The area was formerly part of the Eynesbury Station pastoral run.

Latitude
-37.778861
Longitude
144.562506
Location
Located at the northern end of town, off North Boundary Road, approximately 2 km from the Glenelg Highway B160. 
Melway reference
926 B5
Facilities
This site includes a sporting complex and lakes. There is a network of tracks in the bandicoot enclosure including a walking trail. There are two entry points for the general public, one at the north west corner of the Hamilton Institute of Rural Learning
Manager
Southern Grampians Shire Council
Notes

This 221 ha community parkland is a recreation and conservation area known as the bandicoot enclosure.

Further information

Hamilton Community Parklands Bandicoot Enclosure Management Plan 2002.

http://mams.rmit.edu.au/s3zf7x8cun3kz.pdf

Latitude
-37.722747
Longitude
142.022867
Location
Sunbury
Melway reference
382 F11
Facilities
Walking track along a small section of the reserve.
Manager
Parks Victoria. The Friends of Holden Flora Reserve assist with plantings and maintenance of the reserve.
Notes

Natural values include remnant native grasslands and grassy woodlands adjoining Jacksons Creek.

This 38 ha site may provide suitable habitat for the Grassland Earless Dragon. 

Latitude
-37.603308
Longitude
144.736975
Location
Between Cape Clear and Rokewood, on Cape Clear Rokewood Road.The Recreation Reserve has lines of cypress and other pine trees around its perimeter. Drive into the reserve and park near the buildings.
Melway reference
926 J5
Facilities
The Illabarook Recreation Reserve has typical country football ground reserve buildings.
Manager
Ballarat Environment Network
Notes

This 8 ha Recreation Reserve was used as the local football ground for many years but still has a surprising range of native grassland species. Across the road is the 11 ha Grassland Reserve which conserves some excellent native grassland with a diverse range of species represented. 

Latitude
-37.826414
Longitude
143.645342
Location
Located on Playhouse Avenue, Cairnlea. The main access point to the grassland is on the Victoria University/Jones Creek side. Adjoins Victoria University St Albans Campus. McKechnie Street, St Albans, VU Building 1J. 
Melway reference
25 J3
Facilities
Iramoo Sustainable Community Centre
Manager
The site is Crown Land and is under a Committee of Management arrangement with Victoria University. Friends of Iramoo (FOI) is run by local and regional residents. FOI assists with grassland restoration, conducts walks & talks, and coordinates projects of
Notes

Approximately 40 ha of Western Volcanic Plains grassland, adjacent to Jones Creek.

Species present may include the Striped Legless Lizard and the Spiny Rice-flower (Pimelea spinescens ssp. spinescens). 

Further information

Friends of Iramoo

http://www.iramoo.org.au/about

Latitude
-37.751242
Longitude
144.789197
Location
The Crossway, Keilor East. 
Melway reference
27 D2
Facilities
Toilets, picnic facilities and recreational spaces for walking, jogging, ball games and other activities.
Manager
Moonee Valley City Council.
Notes

A large tree lined reserve. There is a conservation area of native grassland at the southern end of the reserve. 

Latitude
-37.747614
Longitude
144.857244
Location
Adjoins Kororoit Creek, Altona North. Park on the west side of Barnes Road bridge. 
Melway reference
54 J4
Facilities
Walking trail
Manager
The Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek assist with maintenance and plantings.
Notes

The main vegetation type upstream of Kororoit Creek Road, for the length of Kororoit Creek, is a combination of Western Plains grassland, escarpment vegetation and riparian scrub along the watercourses. Western Plains grasslands were dominated in the past by Kangaroo Grass. The escarpment vegetation included Sweet Bursaria, Tree Violet and Blackwood. The Riparian woodlands were dominated by Red Gum, with scattered shrubs and a range of grassy wetland plants on the alluvial flats. Remnants of these vegetation communities along Kororoit Creek have been highlighted for protection.

Further information

Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek.

http://www.folkc.com.au/

Latitude
-37.842800
Longitude
144.834758
Location
Clifton Avenue, Point Henry, Geelong.
Melway reference
453 H2
Facilities
None
Manager
Greening Australia and Alcoa Point Henry.
Notes

The Moolapio project is a partnership initiative between Greening Australia and Alcoa of Australia, at Point Henry, Geelong. One component of the project is broad-scale restoration (300 ha over 15 years) of a grassland ecosystem.

Grassland Field Days have been held for the public at four established areas of grassland (14 ha) located on Alcoa land off Clifton Avenue.

The grassland supports a number of regionally threatened or endangered grass and wildflower species.

Greening Australia’s work, supported by Alcoa Point Henry, is helping to bring this ecosystem back from the brink.

Latitude
-38.146786
Longitude
144.433603
Location
On Connewarren Lane, approximately 3 km west of the Mortlake township and approximately 150 km west of Geelong.
Melway reference
926 E7
Facilities
None
Manager
Parks Victoria
Notes

Approximately 160 ha of open Western Plains Grassland and wetland.

Latitude
-38.072544
Longitude
142.755211
Location
Driveway entrance located at 5 Mt Rothwell Road, Little River, 38 km north of Geelong and 31 km south of Bacchus Marsh. 
Melway reference
Page 11 C10
Facilities
An evening guided walk is conducted on the last Saturday of each month. Bookings are essential. For groups of 10 or more, a guided walk can be arranged for any night of the week.
Manager
Privately owned.
Notes

A 400 ha conservation site enclosed by an 11 kilometre electrified predator proof fence, making it the largest predator free ecosystem in Victoria. The site contains native plains grassland, herb rich grassy woodland, granitic hills habitat and old growth woodland. The remnant grasslands contain many critically endangered flora species.

The property is managed to conserve and breed some of Australia’s most threatened fauna, including native grassland species such as the Eastern Barred Bandicoot.

Management and research is carried out in consultation with the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), Zoos Victoria and various universities.

Further information

The Mount Rothwell Biodiversity Interpretation Centre website has extensive information about the site and species.

http://www.mtrothwell.com.au/index.php/

Latitude
-37.885503
Longitude
144.441356
Location
Woodland Street, Strathmore.
Melway reference
16 H12
Facilities
None
Manager
Moonee Valley Council
Notes

Contains remnant Plains Woodland dominated by Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Eucalyptus melliodora, and has an Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO1). The Napier Family bequeathed Napier Park to the City of Essendon in the 1920s when the suburb of Strathmore was developed. The family highly valued this 10-ha site of remnant Plains Woodland and wished to see it preserved. Today this is highly valued by the community and is the only large remnant woodland within Moonee Valley representing the original Plains Woodland landscape and environmental character of the area.

Latitude
-37.739911
Longitude
144.917594
Location
Enter via Margaret Street off Mason Street, Newport. 
Melway reference
55 G2
Facilities
Picnic facilities, walking trails.
Manager
Hobsons Bay City Council
Notes

The 33 ha Newport Lakes Reserve was created from a former bluestone quarry and rubbish tip site. The lakes area of the park has been extensively revegetated with over 200 species of plants and 85 species of birds recorded at the site.

A self-guided two-kilometre nature trail around the lake takes approximately 40 minutes at a leisurely pace. A trail brochure is available from the on-site nursery.

Further information

Website: Hobsons Bay City Council

Friends of Newport Lakes, for map, species lists etc.

http://www.friendsofnewportlakes.com/

Latitude
-37.839792
Longitude
144.869881
Location
121-127 Woods Road, Truganina. Approximately 4 km north of the township.
Melway reference
360 C15
Facilities
None
Manager
Wyndham City Council
Notes

This historical cemetery site supports one of the best remaining examples of original Kangaroo Grass Themeda triandra. The Button Wrinklewort Rutidosis leptorrhyncoides may still exist here. The central section of the cemetery has been reserved for the preservation of these species. The area is burnt once in three years during winter when the Button Wrinklewort is dormant.

Further information
Latitude
-37.823900
Longitude
144.722475
Location
Entrance off Calder Highway, Calder Park. 
Melway reference
3 C4
Facilities
Information centre, walking trails, toilets, picnic facilities.
Manager
Parks Victoria
Notes

85 ha of Keilor plains landscape adjoining Jacksons Creek. In 1972 this area was covered with weeds including thistles and boxthorn. Weeds have been progressively removed and native trees and shrubs have established. The task of re-establishing native grasses and herbs has been more difficult, but there is now a substantial field of Kangaroo Grass Themeda triandra on the north side of the track.

Latitude
-37.667056
Longitude
144.766422
Location
Located adjoining Pimelea Terrace, Cairnlea.
Melway reference
26 A6
Facilities
None
Manager
This site is Crown Land and is under a Committee of Management arrangement with Victoria University. Friends of Iramoo (FOI) is run by local and regional residents. FOI assists with grassland restoration, conducts talks & walks, and coordinates projects o
Notes

Spiny-rice Flower may occur on this site.

Latitude
-37.761425
Longitude
144.800311
Location
Off Butlers Road, Mount Cottrell, about 12 km south of Melton. 
Melway reference
221 E7
Facilities
None
Manager
Melton City Council, Western Water and Pinkerton Landcare & Environment Group (PLEG).
Notes

35 ha of mature mostly Plains Woodland dominated by Grey Box Eucalyptus microcarpa, with a sparse understorey dominated by indigenous grasses.

PLEG is helping to restore native grasslands and grassy grey-box woodlands, including the grassy woodland of Pinkerton Forest and the nearby native grassland in Bush's Paddock (Mulla Mulla Grasslands).

Further information

PLEG

http://pinkertonforest.com/

Includes links to a detailed flora and fauna report for the site.

Latitude
-37.766981
Longitude
144.597669
Location
The Western Grassland Reserves will cover two large areas; around Mount Cottrell, south east of Melton, and north of Little River, west of Werribee. Several smaller areas closer to Melbourne will also be protected. 
Melway reference
Not yet established.
Facilities
Large areas of the reserves will not be open to the public due to their highly sensitive conservation requirements. Some sections will be open to the public for recreation activities that are compatible with conservation.
Manager
Parks Victoria will become Manager of the Reserves.
Notes

The Victorian Government will reserve 15,000 ha of land to protect native grasslands in Melbourne’s west. The reserves will offset the loss of native grassland in areas designated by the state government for urban growth in Melbourne’s north and west. The government plans to purchase all of the designated land required by 2020.

The reserves will contain native grassland, open grassy woodland, rocky knolls, waterways and ephemeral wetlands. These grassland reserves will provide habitat for species including the Golden Sun Moth, Striped Legless Lizard, Growling Grass Frog, Button Wrinklewort and Spiny Rice-flower.

Latitude
-37.826735
Longitude
144.515448
Location
Rokewood Cemetery is off Carrs Lane, 1.6 km north west of the Rokewood township, which is about 70 km north west of Geelong.  
Melway reference
926 J5
Facilities
None
Manager
Rokewood Cemetery Trust.
Notes

The cemetery was set up in the 1870s on approximately 5 ha.

Rokewood Cemetery contains a good example of Plains Grassland. The cemetery site contains a number of grassland species including Feather-heads, Billy Buttons and Sundews. The grassland area is regularly burnt for biomass removal every second summer to provide suitable conditions for the Button Wrinklewort, Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides

Further information

The Rokewood Cemetery is of historical, social, architectural and scientific (botanical) significance to the Golden Plains Shire.

Latitude
-37.888986
Longitude
143.712175
Location
Rutherglen Way, Taylors Lakes
Melway reference
14 B2
Facilities
Walking track. Enter from Sunshine Avenue.
Manager
Brimbank City Council and Friends of Taylors Creek.
Notes

The Friends of Taylors Creek have created a wildflower garden at Rutherglen Way to showcase the indigenous grasses, wildflowers, shrubs and trees that were once widespread across the Western Volcanic Plains area. The Friends of Taylors Creek are a small group of residents that revegetate and help to preserve the natural beauty of this area, extend the pathways and the plantings, and promote it within the community so that more residents can discover it.

Further information
Latitude
-37.704283
Longitude
144.803178
Location
100 Windermere Road, Lara. The sanctuary is at the base of the You Yangs, 60 km from Melbourne and 22 km north of Geelong. 
Melway reference
423 A1-E1
Facilities
Free entry. Picnic facilities, toilets, water, information shelter. Open from 10am to 4pm every day except Christmas Day and Good Friday. Four interconnecting nature trails, each less than 2 km.
Manager
Parks Victoria
Notes

This 250 ha sanctuary enables visitors to interact with wetland and open grassy woodland habitats of the Western Volcanic Plains, and view native wildlife. 

Latitude
-38.004019
Longitude
144.411878
Location
Located on the Beaufort-Skipton Road, approximately 1 km north of the Skipton township.
Melway reference
926 H4
Facilities
None
Manager
A partnership between the Ballarat Environment Network, the Selkirk Rises Landcare Group, and the former Skipton Common managers.
Notes

This 74 ha site is primarily native grassland, close to Mt Emu Creek, also the site of Corangamite Shire’s Transfer Station.

Further information
Latitude
-37.682853
Longitude
143.361525
Location
Strathnaver Avenue, Strathmore Heights
Melway reference
16 D6
Facilities
Moonee Ponds Creek walking trail
Manager
Moonee Valley Council
Notes

Contains remnant Western Volcanic Plains Grassland and is protected with an Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO2). The adjoining Moonee Ponds Creek also provides some natural environmental values and habitat corridor values.

Latitude
-37.717656
Longitude
144.903903
Location
K Road, Werribee.
Melway reference
201 B1
Facilities
Full range of visitor facilities, including Zoo education programs.
Manager
Zoos Victoria
Notes

Werribee Open Range Zoo manages a restored native grassland site in which Eastern Barred Bandicoots have been released.

Further information
Latitude
-37.922169
Longitude
144.679114
Location
Entrance off Oaklands Road, Greenvale, near Melbourne airport.
Melway reference
177 K9
Facilities
The site is open to vehicles daily from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Pedestrian access is available at all times. The 150-year old Woodlands Homestead is open 7 days a week from 10am – 4pm (except Christmas Day). Somerton Road Picnic Area has electric barbecues, tab
Manager
Parks Victoria
Notes

This park allows visitors to experience the landscape and wildlife seen by European settlers in the 1840s. The park has remnant grassy woodland and native grassland. Kangaroos, birds and other wildlife may be viewed in the fenced 400 ha ‘Back Paddock’, which is a recovery site for Eastern Barred Bandicoots. The 'Back Paddock' was fenced in 1987, as a nature reserve to protect native wildlife from dogs, cats and foxes. The Eastern Barred Bandicoot was re-established there the following year. 

Latitude
-37.637064
Longitude
144.845622