Reserve

Dog Rocks Reserve

Trust for Nature acknowledges and respects the Traditional Owners of this land, the Wadawurrung people

Dog Rocks Reserve is a 15.75 ha reserve on the edge of Batesford, near Geelong. It was donated to Trust for Nature to be preserved and managed for its geological, cultural, historical and landscape values. The reserve gets its name from the Devonian granite boulders that resemble lying dogs.

  • Entry via carpark and playground, Tolloora Way, Batesford
  • Open to locals and visitors who respect the property.
    Sheep may be present on the reserve.
  • If you visit a reserve that is open to the public; please leave pets at home.
  • All Trust for Nature reserves are closed on days of Total Fire Ban, and days of extreme or catastrophic fire danger.
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Dog Rocks contains unique granite boulders in an otherwise flat landscape. Prior to clearing the vegetation would likely have been Grassy Woodland. Remnant native grasses still occur on the site. The rocks provide habitat for the Cunningham Skink (Egernia cunninghami)

Wildlife and plants seen on the reserve include: Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides), Spear Grass (Austrostipa spp), Wallaby Grass (Rytidosperma spp), Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra).

Cunningham Skings (Egernia cunninghami) are restricted to rocky outcrops with deep cracks. These large prickly skinks are very shy, but can be seen basking on the rocks on cool mornings’

Dog Rocks Reserve is loved for its scenic beauty and unique natural features.

The intention of the reserve has always been to protect it from development and maintain it for the benefit of the local community and visitors.  Low-density residential development to the north and west of the reserve was carefully planned to avoid any visual obstruction of the reserve and in particular the rocks, so that it could continue to be enjoyed by residents and visitors for years to come.

There are no amenities at this reserve.

Access strictly via carpark and pedestrian gate on Tolloora Way.

Sheep are still used as a management tool on the property so visitors must close gates and be respectful.

Please abide by any dog restrictions to ensure the safety of sheep, skinks and other reserve users.

Our reserves have hazards that may cause serious injury or death. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

The reserve is closed during days declared as Total Fire Bans and/or where the fire danger rating is Severe, Extreme or Code Red.

The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including several species of venomous snake. During summer it is advised that long trousers and gaiters are worn when walking in the reserve.

Visitors to the reserve are requested to not cross any fence-lines, or venture onto neighbouring private property. All visitors are requested to stay on the marked walking trails.

Other hazards:

  • Seasonal long grass

Explore Dog Rocks Reserve

Dog Rocks contains unique granite boulders in an otherwise flat landscape. Prior to clearing the vegetation would likely have been Grassy Woodland. Remnant native grasses still occur on the site. The rocks provide habitat for the Cunningham Skink (Egernia cunninghami)

Wildlife and plants seen on the reserve include: Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides), Spear Grass (Austrostipa spp), Wallaby Grass (Rytidosperma spp), Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra).

Cunningham Skings (Egernia cunninghami) are restricted to rocky outcrops with deep cracks. These large prickly skinks are very shy, but can be seen basking on the rocks on cool mornings’

Dog Rocks Reserve is loved for its scenic beauty and unique natural features.

The intention of the reserve has always been to protect it from development and maintain it for the benefit of the local community and visitors.  Low-density residential development to the north and west of the reserve was carefully planned to avoid any visual obstruction of the reserve and in particular the rocks, so that it could continue to be enjoyed by residents and visitors for years to come.

There are no amenities at this reserve.

Access strictly via carpark and pedestrian gate on Tolloora Way.

Sheep are still used as a management tool on the property so visitors must close gates and be respectful.

Please abide by any dog restrictions to ensure the safety of sheep, skinks and other reserve users.

Our reserves have hazards that may cause serious injury or death. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

The reserve is closed during days declared as Total Fire Bans and/or where the fire danger rating is Severe, Extreme or Code Red.

The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including several species of venomous snake. During summer it is advised that long trousers and gaiters are worn when walking in the reserve.

Visitors to the reserve are requested to not cross any fence-lines, or venture onto neighbouring private property. All visitors are requested to stay on the marked walking trails.

Other hazards:

  • Seasonal long grass