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The Gurdies Natural ReserveA Nature Conservation Reserve near Grantville, Victoria, Australia.
Jun 19, 2010 © Harry P. Schlanger
On the way to Phillip Island is a delightful natural reserve for bushwalking, sightseeing and taking snaps of the local flora and fauna.
Driving from Melbourne to Phillip Island, just about 4km before reaching Grantville, there is
The Gurdies, a
wonderful natural conservation reserve with its main entrance opposite Pioneer Bay.
Historical Background of The Gurdies region
During the 1800s Western Port was a very busy harbour and areas such as Corinella and Grantville were
being settled. Many of the grand eucalypts of the ranges, such as Messmate and Bluegum, which grow to
some 70 metres in height, were felled and used in the construction of wharves, railway bridges and railway
lines.
In 1977 the Gurdies bushland area was recognised as significant in term of its flora and fauna
values and later, in 1992 the area was proclaimed a Flora and Fauna Reserve.
A Walk to The Gurdies Highest Point
The visitor may follow a
Parks Victoria map
and start at the Bass Highway main entrance. There are many nature walks, but an obvious main track to take
is in the South-East direction where trees show telltale signs of a previous bushfire. This track leads to
the top of the hill at the Dunrabbin road car park and lookout, where scenic views of the bays can be enjoyed.
The vegetation in the reserve is predominantly eucalypts such as Messmate and Narrow-leaf Peppermint and
Banksia. The undergrowth consists of various sedges and grasses.
Victoria’s floral emblem, the Common Heath, with its stunning pink and red bell-shaped flower
is also common throughout the reserve.
The Dunrabbin Road entry at the top of the hill allows for Mountain bike riding, but only on vehicle width
tracks and also horse riding, which is permitted on a restricted basis.
Animals and Birds
According to Parks Victoria the reserve is home to a variety of animals and birdlife, including the
Brushtail and Ringtail possums, Sugar Gliders, common wombats, Eastern Grey kangaroos, Crimson and
Eastern rosellas and wattlebirds.
Other native birds such as honeyeaters, wrens and swallows can also be observed.
A Walk down to The Gurdies old Quarry and Creek
Walking in a Northerly direction down the hill from the Lookout leads to an old quarry site. An interesting
pond lies on the way filled with the loud and noisy croaking of frogs. When nearing this small basin of water, all
the noise dies down, as if the frogs are taking time to study and scrutinise any strangers to their domain.
Farther down the slope is a small creek flowing in a V-shaped valley and surrounded by lush vegetation,
including large ferns and green mosses growing over tree trunks. On the other side of the creek, the
vegetation is even denser, creating an isolated peaceful setting, brimming with natural life.
References:
- Reserve Brochure. Parks Victoria.
The copyright of the article The Gurdies Natural Reserve: A Nature Conservation Reserve near Grantville, Victoria, Australia. is owned by Harry P. Schlanger. Permission to republish in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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