Wonthaggi - Tank Hill Reserve
Tank Hill Reserve features birds, bushland and regrowth after a fire damaged the area in December 2015.
Take a wander through the native bushland and see if you can spot a wide range of birds species. The 600m return main trail takes you through the site of Wonthaggi's first water supply, and you can explore a number of smaller tracks branching off from the main loop. You may also notice some new vegetation planted by dedicated volunteers.
- Length/Time - 600m return / 10 minutes return (main track)
- Grading is Moderate, narrow uneven track with short steep climbs
- Track surface is sand and dirt
- Car Parking on the verge in Reed Crescent , Wonthaggi
- Not wheelchair friendly
- Not pram friendly
- Bicycles not permitted
Access for Dogs:
Dogs permitted on a lead.
The Past to Present of Tank Hill
Water & Trees to Wonthaggi (1910 - 1915)
The tallest sand ridge in south Wonthaggi on Reed Crescent, proved its worth with good clean spring water and so became known as Tank Hill. Prior to the construction of Lance Creek Reservoir water carters filled their tanks at the spring and delivered water around the town. Miners travelled to Tank Hill after their shifts to fill kerosene tins for household use. In 1910 the Forestry Department employed Herbert Lewis and a group of men including Mr Johnson and Mr Mummery to plant 3000 trees along the streets of the new township of Wonthaggi. Because of the natural spring, they camped at Tank Hill until plantings were completed.
The Many Uses of Tank Hill (1939 - 1999)
During the Second World War, an air raid shelter was dug into the eastern dune to shelter neighbouring families in the event of an attack. In the 1980s, the Borough of Wonthaggi mined the sand hill to use on roads and footpaths. Later, after a grazing lease lapsed members of the local Conservation Society began revegetating the area.
Caring for Tank Hill Today (1999 - Present)
Today the Tank Hill Reserve measures 6.3 hectares and protects the remnant forest type of Eucalyptus Radiata with a dominant understory of Saw-sedge and Hop Goodenia. The reserve is managed by Parks Victoria, with assistance from the Friends of Tank Hill and Wonthaggi Urban Landcare.
Review:
There is a small parking area near an entrance gate opposite 94 Reed Crescent. There is basically a small circle in the middle of the reserve with a number of side tracks to explore leading out to neighbouring roads. Even though there are maps at each of the main entry / exit points, it can still be a bit tricky to know exactly where you are. Google maps is definitely your friend.
The bushland reserve doesn't have any exceptional features but is a pleasant if short walk.
There are no facilities such as toilets or water tap.
Photos:
Location
94 Reed Crescent, Wonthaggi 3995 Map
