Morning Mist Nature Reserve (Cranbourne South)

Morning Mist is a unique nature reserve which combines recreation and conservation. The 15 hectare site is divided into two distinctive sections. Half of the reserve has been retained as natural bush, while the pony club, tennis club and pigeon club are nestled amongst the bushes on the remaining land.

With more than 50 plant species, the nature reserve is dominated by Eucalyptus trees with a dense understory of grasses and sedges. The vegetation provides shelter for the Southern Brown Bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus obesulus). Copperhead (Austrelaps superbus) and Tiger (Notechis scutatus) snakes share the paths and can often be seen basking in the sun.

At the entrance there are two unshaded tables and two shaded BBQs. From here a short track leads down to a gravel circuit track which is about 1km in length. There are plenty of seats beside the trail and a number of information panels.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs are permitted on-leash.

Tiger Snakes (Notechis scutatus)

Keep your eyes open for tiger snakes who like to bask in the summer months. They are attracted to the large supply of food in Morning Mist, including frogs and small mammals.

Tiger snakes vary in size and colour, but are distinctly banded. They are a wide-ranging species, adapted to many different environments. Unlike most other Australian snakes, tiger snakes are able to climb on vegetation and human constructions.

In spite of their fearsome reputation it is rare to see a tiger snake, they are notoriously shy and only strike when feeling threatened. If you see one be careful not to disturb, catch or harm the snake, as most cases of snake bite occur this way.

Tiger snakes protected in Victoria under the Wildlife Act 1975. If you need to relocate a snake please call your local snake catcher.

Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps)

At night you may be lucky enough to see a sugar glider. These small possums use their unique wing-like shape to glide from tree to tree to eat the sugary nectar of plants. You may see scratch marks on the trees where they have been feeding. The sugar glider has excellent night vision which helps it to avoid obstacles.

Gliders are very social and often nest together in groups of six or more, but search for food alone. sugar gliders need hollows to nest in and raise their young. If you want to help keep track of hollows in your area, and find information on providing hollows in your back yard. seek out the organisation "Hollows as Homes".

Birds of Prey

You may be Lucky enough to see a bird of prey soaring above Morning Mist Reserve. This bushland is a hunting ground for wedge tailed eagles, brown goshawks, barn owls and masked owls to name a few. They are hunting for mice and other small mammals in the scrub.

These birds need large tree hollows to nest in, but with the increase in urbanisation suitable trees are becoming rare. Hollows big enough for these birds usually take over 100 years to form. To make up for the lack of hollows at Morning Mist a number of nest boxes have been installed.

Photos:

Location

45 Langley Road, Cranbourne South 3977 Map