Tamleugh - Box Woodland Walk
This short 1.6km walk is within a dry Grey Box Forest remnant.
North of the Hume Freeway beyond Violet Town, the hills become rises, rises become plains and around Tamleugh, the plains contain swamps.
It is particularly worthwhile to stop to walk the scattered small bushland Conservation Reserves that are home to remnant ecosystems you may not otherwise think to visit. Grey Box (Eucalyptus macrocarpa) Grassy Woodlands are listed as an endangered ecological community. Only 10 - 15% remain. Tamleugh Nature Conservation Reserve is one of these.
Sitting atop a low rise above the surrounding plains, this forest pocket presents floral displays such as Golden Wattle and Common Pink Heath (Victoria's floral emblem). Resident Eastern Grey Kangaroos share their home with goannas and echidna. Forest canopy, branches, hollows, trunks and understory accommodate possums, gliders, bats and a variety of birdlife.
As a hillock of clay and sedimentary ironstone, the ground holds little water, giving the surface a dehydrated character that invites you to wonder how so many things survive. However, it is very alive if you make the effort to look. There are also colours and textures to enjoy. The forest is adorned by exhibitions such as the rich reddy brown iron oxide stained rock deposits. Fragments of these are formed into mounded collections of thousands of tiny stones surrounding ant nests. The flaky bark typical of Box Eucalypts dominates the treescape. The filtered light inside the forest space and the brilliant peripheral sunshine of the surrounding rural landscapes bring different hues to each turn.
Note: Add a visit to nearby Shire Dam Swamp Nature Conservation Reserve for a contrasting local experience.
Tamleugh Box Woodland Walk Map
Interactive map
Points of Interest:
1. Bushland Reserve sign
As a threatened remnant Grey Box Grassy Woodland, this is a protected site.
2. The Entrance
There is room for parking off the Shepparton - Violet Town Road along the track.
3. Grey Box
There are mature trees of significant size to be found.
4. Hickory Wattle
Vibrant yellow clusters of wattle flowers infuse the site in late winter and early spring.
5. Many aged trees have not survived human visitation
Firewood collection at this site is prohibited.
6. Fencing in poor condition
Some fencing has been poorly maintained. Please do not be tempted to trespass on private land.
7. Colours and textures
Local geology is of sedimentary rock formation. The rich, reddy browns caused by iron oxidisation make for colourful specimens. Ant workings shed tiny fragments that add colour and texture to nests.
8. Not much rubbish
There is minor rubbish dumping in the Reserve. It helps if visitors to such Reserves take only photographs, leave only foot prints and remove some while there. Roadside litter needs removal too.
9. Common Pink Heath
Home to the Victorian Floral Emblem
10. Views across to Reef Hills
The views of surrounding landscapes comprise sweeping vistas of undulating prime grazing country.
11. Forest art
Photograph, sketch, paint, write; a forest is inspiring if you apply your senses, take your time and make yourself receptive to what is on offer.
12. The Track
The track traces the inside of the Reserve perimeter. This has the advantage of enabling observation inside an out.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are not permitted.
Location
Cnr Shepparton - Violet Town Road and Strathaird Road, Tamleugh 3669 Map
Web Links
→ Box Woodland Walk, Tamleugh (Walking Maps)
