Parks VictoriaPhone 13 1963www.parks.vic.gov.au

Getting thereLangwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve is located 5km east of Frankston and 42km south-east of Melbourne.The main visitor entrance and parking is accessed from McClelland Drive Langwarrin.

Things to see and doWalking, jogging and cyclingThe park’s trails are made up of a variety of gravel and sand surfaces popular for walking, jogging and cycling. The trails transect the reserve’s different vegetation communities and historical sites.Wheelchair friendly access is available along Centre Break and Reservoir Track. Cycling is available on all tracks, except designated walking tracks.

Langwarrin Historical Trail – 3km, 1 hour return

Visit the reserve’s military sites along the Langwarrin Historical Trail. Signs along the trail provide an insight into previous land use. Today all the military buildings are gone, however evidence of past actvities remains including the stone-capped reservoir, rifle butts and the fountain of a hospital site. Horse ridingHorse riding is permitted on the designated trail beside Robinsons and Warrandyte roads only. There are no vehicle off-loading areas available in the park.

FacilitiesIn keeping with the primary objective of protecting the reserve's conservation values, public facilities such as toilets, barbecues and picnic tables are not provided.A map and park information can be found at the main entrance to the reserve, along McClelland Drive.

Exploring the historyThis reserve and surrounding lands were originally occupied by the Boonerwrung tribe who travelled across the peninsula in search of seasonally available foods. Evidence of a lithic

(stone) scatter can be seen in the reserve and serve as the material remains of past Aboriginal occupation. The reserve, first established as the Langwarrin Military reserve in 1886, was used for various activities by the Victorian colonial defence forces. During WWI, German prisoners of war were detained at the reserve and a hospital was set up for the treatment of soldiers returning from France and Egypt.

Plants and animalsThe reserve comprises vegetation of state significance with 300 indigenous flora species, equating to 45 per cent of the species indigenous to the Mornington Peninsula, being present. Plant communities present in the reserve such as the Silver-leaf Stringybark open woodland have largely been cleared from surrounding areas to accommodate Melbourne’s expanding eastern suburbs. The reserve also provides important habitat for native fauna, particularly small mammals. Half the mammal species known to exist on the peninsula were once present within this reserve, including two endangered species, the Southern Brown Bandicoot and the New Holland Mouse. A total of 98 bird species including the rare Southern Emu-wren have been recorded in this reserve.

Be prepared and stay safeLangwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve is in the Central fire district. Bushfire safety is a personal responsibility. Anyone entering parks and forests during the bushfire season needs to stay aware of forecast weather conditions. Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at www.emergency.vic.gov.au , on the VicEmergency smartphone app or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226. No fires may be lit on Total Fire Ban days. On Code Red Fire Danger Rating days this park will be closed for public safety. Closure signs may be erected but do not expect an official warning. Check the latest conditions at www.parks.vic.gov.au or by calling 13 1963.

Langwarrin Flora and Fauna ReserveVisitor Guide

Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve is an island of relatively undisturbed natural bushland surrounded by the suburbs of Frankston and Langwarrin. It is an ideal setting for recreational activities including nature study, walking, jogging, horse riding and cycling. The reserve has an important place in military history with an almost a 100-year history of military use spanning from 1886 to 1979.

         

     

For emergency assistance call Triple Zero (000). If there is a green emergency marker sign near you, read the information on the marker to the operator.

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