The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve (Frankston North)

Explore the heathland, bushland dunes and revegetation spaces of the Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve that provide a home for a diverse range of native wildlife. Walk or cycle the Panorama Circuit to see the full extent of the reserve and climb to the lookout for views over Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges and Port Phillip Bay. A network of gravel and sand trails run through the reserve, connecting with the Peninsula Link Trail that runs 25km from Bonbeach all the way to Mt Eliza.

Set amongst the urban development of Frankston, the Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve protects an important area of remnant heathland.

Hike through the peaceful dunes surrounding remnant heathland and low-lying woodlands, where over 210 indigenous flora species have been found, including vibrant native wildflowers which burst into life in spring. Swamp wallabies can be seen bounding through the scrub at dawn and dusk, and echidnas scurrying through the undergrowth. Snakes and other reptiles, including Blue-tongue Lizards, will often sun themselves in warmer weather, so be cautious where you step. Keep an eye out for native birds, including the New Holland Honeyeater.

Relax with a picnic lunch at the tables near the Ballarto Road entrance. Please remember that there are no toilets or barbecues at the reserve, as its primary objective is to be a nature conservation space.

There are two large areas, one west of Peninsula Link and the other east of Peninsula Link.

Things To Do

Walking
The reserve's trails are made up of a variety of gravel and sand surfaces popular for walking, jogging, cycling and on-lead dog walking.

The 2km Panorama Track takes you to the highest Trig Point with a lookout that provides panoramic views of the Dandenong Ranges, Port Phillip and Frankston. The start point for this walk is 137 Excelsior Drive, Frankston North.

Map of Panorama Track

The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve (Frankston North)

The Warrawee Circuit Walk to Trigger Plant Track is 4.5km and covers a significant portion of the western part of the Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve. The start point for this walk is 137 Excelsior Drive, Frankston North.

Follow the Boundary Track southwards for 800m and turn left into Hakea Ridge Track. It is recommended to take a short detour along Hakea Ridge Track to the Panorama Track Lookout to see the panoramic views of the Dandenong Ranges, Port Phillip and Frankston and return and enter the Warrawee Circuit Track.

The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve (Frankston North)

Re-join Hakea Ridge Track and turn north into Manna Gum Track, along Heathland Track and Sword Sedge Trail until you reach Trigger Plant track. Turning onto Milkwort Track will have you come full circle into Boundary Track and back the the beginning.

Note: The area is well sign-posted but there a few missing signs e.g. at one end of Heathland Track. If you are a bit lost, Google maps on your phone is your friend and will get you back eventually to the start point.

Map of Warrawee Circuit Walk to Trigger Plant Track

Birdwatching
Try and spot some of the native bird species that live in or visit the reserve, such as the New Holland Honeyeater, Wedge-tailed Eagle and Tawny Frogmouth.

Bike Riding
Most trails within the reserve are mixed-use for cyclists and walkers, offering a scenic tour of the scrub, heathland and dunes. The Peninsula Link Trail runs through the reserve, and has a sealed surface suitable for all bikes.

Access for Dogs:

The trails through the reserve are dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash at all times to help protect the flora and fauna.