Long Forest Flora and Fauna Reserve (Long Forest)

Long Forest Nature Conservation Reserve is a 600 hectare reserve situated 50 kilometres to the west of Melbourne, between Melton and Bacchus Marsh. This park provides the opportunity to view Mallee vegetation in close proximity to Melbourne. Plants typical of arid landscapes and small creek escarpments make the reserve a fantastic retreat for bushwalkers and birdwatchers.

Things to Do

Walking

There are walking experiences to suit all ages, abilities and aspirations.

Moonah Track (1.5km return, easy)
Start on Moonah Drive to the north-east of Long Forest Road and walk east to a bend in Djerriwarrh Creek. Return on the same track.

Coimadai Circuit (5km return, medium)
Start west of Canopus Circuit and follow Long Point Track to Long Point on Coimadai Creek, then continue south along the creek via the Coimadai Creek Track. Turn east on Coimadai Track back to Canopus Circuit.

Happy Valley Track (4km return, easy)
Start from Happy Valley car park on Long Forest Road and go west to a beautiful Blue Box flat on Coimadai Creek. Return via the same track.

Old House Track Circuit (5km return, medium)
Start at the gate to Mallee Track on Long Forest Road and follow Old House Track west. Just east of Coimadai Creek turn north-east via Gravelly Track to the top of a hill to an unnamed track heading north to Happy Valley Track, then east to Happy Valley car park. Walk south beside Long Forest Road back to your car.

Djerriwarrh Track (3km return, easy)
Start on the east side of Long Forest Road from a gate 1km north of the freeway and walk east on Dherriwarrh Track to a flat on Djerriwarrh Creek. Return via the same track.

Birdwatching

Keep your ears tuned for the distinctive calls of the Barking Owl, Jacky Winter, Speckled Warbler, Red-capped Robin, Rufus Whistler, Crested Bellbird and Diamond Firetail. These are just some of the birds of the threatened Temperate Woodland Bird Community the reserve protects.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs and other pets are not permitted in the reserve.

How to get there

Long Forest Nature Conservation Reserve is along Long Forest Road between Melton and Bacchus Marsh north of the Western Freeway. Park at one of the four access points and follow the walking tracks into the Reserve.