Neerim Junction - Glen Nayook Bushland Reserve
Nayook Reserve is a delightful fern glen on the east branch of the Tarago River and a remnant of a Mountain Ash rainforest
The Crown reserved the 9-hectare area in 1907 as a site for public recreation. The reserve is suitable for a short visit or picnic and has been a popular spot for visitors since 1914.
Special features of the reserve include the tree fern gully where the river runs under ground for 100 metres, the split rocks and the moss covered granite boulders.
Facilities:
The walking track has a return trip taking approximately 30 minutes. Some sections of the track are quite steep requiring walkers to be moderately fit. The track would not be suitable for access by wheelchairs. Picnic tables and seats are available, with the closest public toilets located at Neerim South and Noojee.
Fauna
Wildlife including wombats, possums, swamp wallabies and lyrebirds inhabit the reserve. There is likely to be a variety of other small mammals including Sugar Gliders, which become active at nightfall.
Flora
A feature of the vegetation in the reserve is the picturesque tree fern gully with some rain forest species including Myrtle Beech. The over storey is dominated by Mountain Ash with a dense understorey of tree ferns and epiphytes.
Terrestrial and epiphytic orchids are common amongst the tree ferns along the Tarago River. Watch for them flowering in spring!
Geology
The bedrock in the channel of the valley in which Glen Nayook sits is coarse-grained Devonian granite, otherwise known as Tynong granite.
A feature of the reserve is an area where large granite boulders have fallen into the river valley. This area is known as "The Sinks" and the river runs underground for 100 metres.
The soil type above the river area is the dark brown clay loam, which is common in the Neerim area.
Height above sea level is approximately 400m at the entrance to the walking track.
Location
Glen Nayook Reserve is situated at the end of Paynter Road, Neerim Junction.
Location
90 Paynter Road, Neerim Junction 3832 Map
