Wonthaggi Heathland and Coastal Reserve

Wonthaggi Heathland and Coastal Reserve is a mix of bush and beach. It is a 811 hectare area surrounded by 10 kilometres of unspoiled and secluded coastland. The reserve was formed from old coastal dunes, and the developed heathland has been able to sustain a specialised vegetation cover. It's also the perfect place for viewing the area's flora and fauna.

The Wonthaggi Heathland may be accessed from a number of points, all involving easy sandy tracks, although wet in patches during winter.

The Heathland carpark, south end of Chisholm Rd via Campbell Street off Cameron Street
Wind through the marshy bush at the west end of Viminaria Road, Harmers Haven
Walk through the Wonthaggi Rifle Range Wetland at the west end of Reed Crescent into the Heathland
Come in from the magnificent coastal stretch (from Mouth of the Powlett, Williamsons Beach, Baxters Beach or Harmers Haven) via Cutlers Beach Track (Beach No.20)

History of the Wonthaggi Heathland and Coastal Reserve

Traditional owners were the Bunurong tribe
1827 Hovell and party from the Corinella Settlement explored the area and found coal at Harmers Haven
1841 coal mine established at Harmers Haven
1846 Wild Cattle Run, named after cattle abandoned from Corinella Settlement
1866 part of the Powlett South Cattle Run.
After the establishment of the Wonthaggi Rifle Range in 1911, this area became a 'drop zone'. Grazing licences were issued over most of the reserve.
1928 the Forest Dept established trial pine plantations on site, the southern-most becoming the local picnic area.
Access to Harmers Haven in the but days (pre 1950) and at the beginning of subdivision in the 1950s was via the Rifle Range and Heathland
Project to remove the pine plantations commenced in 1992
The South Gippsland Conservation Society lobbied the Land Conservation Council to preserve the site in the 1970s
Grazing licences ceased on the Heathland in 1987 and Browns Lease (northern section) in 1995
Wonthaggi Heathland Nature Conservation Reserve established in 1997

Flora

The Heathland is a naturalist's treasure house, having over 400 species, including 50 terrestrial orchids. In spring the lilies, orchids and wildflowers stitch the bush together, creating a rich and colourful tapestry. From Coast Manna Gum to Pygmy Sundew, it is a floral carpet, abounding in heaths, peas, waving grasses, rushes and reeds.

Ecological burns are important to maintain the vigour and biodiversity of the heathland. Signposts indicate the dates of these burns. Problems since 1980 have been the steady invasion of Coast Tea-tree and dieback of Coast Banksias. An ecological burn program is addressing the tea-tree issue.

Fauna

The area is rich in fauna, monitored by local naturalists and RMIT. Birds include offshore (Albatross, Gannet, Little Penguin, Short-tailed Shearwater), shorebirds (Hooded Plover, Sooty Oystercatcher, Red-necked Stint), raptors (Swamp Harrier, White-bellied Sea-eagle), visitors (Latham's Snipe, White-throated Needletail, Blue-winged Parrot) and residents (Beautiful Firetail, Southern Emu-wren, Crested Shrike-tit). Altogether, over 100 species.

Insects abound, Shield Shrimp have been found breeding in trackside pools and spiders bind the shrubbery in summer.

Beach dunes give vantage points for glimpses of Australian Fur Seals, Humpback and Southern Right Whales, Orcas and Dolphins. Recent beach finds have included Leatherbacked Turtle and Long-finned Pilot Whale.

Two snakes (Lowland Copperhead and White-lipped Snake), ten skinks, nine frogs (including Growling Grass Frog) and Long-necked Turtle have been recorded.

Fifteen indigenous animals inhabit the Heathland from bats to possums, rats to Black Wallaby and even Koalas.

Walk Summary

Length - Multiple walking tracks throughout the reserve/various times to complete
Loop - 6.7km / 2 hours walking return (main track)
Rating is Moderate
Track surface is grass and sand
Car park, (gravel) located at the end of Chisholm Road, Wonthaggi
Not wheelchair friendly
Not pram friendly
Bicycles permitted
Horses permitted

Access for Dogs:

Dogs permitted on a lead.

Location

Chisholm Road, Wonthaggi 3995 Map