Jindivick - Nangara Reserve
Nangara Reserve is a 14 hectare reserve which was formerly a quarry and has unpaved walking trails and picnic tables. It is located 3km south west of Jindivick and adjoining to the Bunyip State Park.
Nangara means 'meeting of the waters,' and the reserve forms part of the headwaters to the Labertouche Creek that runs south west to the Tarago River and then the Bunyip River. Indigenous culture is an important part of the reserve and the local area.
The reserve has lots of short tracks (some steep sections) that feature art installations, interpretive signage and access to the Bunyip State Park.
The walking tracks offer a varied terrain for all levels of walkers. There are several kilometers of walking tracks within the reserve that take visitors through low land creeks, gum forests, sections of regenerating bush and alongside settlement ponds that have become home to a number of frog species.
Black Saturday
A life changing event happened here on February 7th 2009. A number of lightning strikes occurred in the Bunyip State Park starting numerous fires. Due to hot and windy conditions on the day the fires spread across the region affecting many residents and forest areas. Thirty two houses were lost in the region, hundreds of kilometres of fencing destroyed, sheds and outbuildings lost and peoples lives changed. The northern section of the reserve was burnt. That day is referred to as Black Saturday. A memorial to the event is a short stroll down the track within the reserve.
Nangara Reserve to Jindivick Walking Track
From the top of Nangara Reserve you can walk or horse ride to Jindivick. Enjoy the surrounds and views as the 3.5km track takes you to Jindivick. The track runs parallel to Jacksons Track all the way to Jindivick. There a few road crossings - so take your time and watch out for traffic along the route.
Review:
This is a wonderful reserve for exploring with interesting artwork throughout the reserve, informative signage, a little stream and pond. There are good tracks which are well maintained and signposted. Some areas have plentiful tree ferns. Some tracks are shared with horses (yellow track signs) and some tracks are for walkers only (red track signs).
At the entrance there is a gate with metal animal silhouettes, a rock with a ceramic mural of a lyrebird and "Kurnai Ancestor Dreaming" painted by Dale Hayes and Lionel Rose Jnr.
About 80m along Nangara Loop from the entrance is the Black Saturday Memorial (7th February, 2009). There are also many painted bollards along Nangara Loop.
Beside Nangara Loop is "Bloom No 3", a sculpture by John Bishop.
Further along in a clearing are six wonderful kids wombat seats chainsawed by Lynette Childe, a Jindivick resident 1990-2017. There are also some normal size seats for adults to rest on.
Along Tatelek (Frog) Track there is a sculpture "Tiddalick" by sculptor David Doyle.
Along Quarry Track on the way to an entrance / exit on Jacksons Track there are a series of sculptures on pedestals.
Near the entrance is a kookaburra metal sculpture.
Photos:
Location
95 Nangara Road, Jindivick 3818 Map
