Long Swamp: Murray Family Conservation Reserve

Long Swamp: Murray Family Conservation Reserve

Trust for Nature acknowledges and respects the Traditional Owners of this land, the Dja Dja Wurrung people.

The 178 ha Long Swamp: Murray Family Conservation Reserve was purchased in two parts: 40 ha in 1992 and another 138 ha in 2016, both with thanks to the generous donations and support of the local community, particularly Chris Murray and the Murray family. The reserve is located along Cotswold Road, approximately 30 km west of Castlemaine.

Long Swamp is at the heart of the Mooloort wetland complex of 50 wetlands covering 1,000 ha and is one of only two large natural wetlands in the northern part of the Ballarat region.

Open by appointment.

All Trust for Nature reserves are closed on days of Total Fire Ban, and days of severe, extreme and code red fire danger.

Explore Long Swamp Reserve

Habitat

Long Swamp is the only deep freshwater marsh in the Moolort Plains wetland complex. This wetland complex is situated on the north-eastern tip of the Victorian Volcanic Plain. Located between Maryborough and Castlemaine, there are approximately 50 diverse wetlands in the complex, consisting of freshwater meadows, shallow freshwater marshes and one deep freshwater marsh.

The reserve protects a large area of cane-grass wetland vegetation, a highly restricted habitat type which is essential for a number of plants and animals.

Wildlife and plants

A number threatened animals have been recorded on the property including Brolga (Grus rubicunda), Growling Grass Frog (Litoria raniformis), Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus), Painted Snipe (Rostratula australis) and Fat-tailed Dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata).

A number of threatened plants are also present including Slender Bindweed (Convolvulus angustissimus). During the wetter periods, a number of water-dependent species appear in the reserve.

History

The Long Swamp was drained and a drainage system was constructed in 1965 by the local council as a result of a local landholder petition. This activity had a significant impact on the local ecology. Once the drainage occurred, there was a greater increase in agriculture including sheep grazing.

The original 40 ha of Long Swamp: Murray Family Conservation Reserve was provided to Trust for Nature in 1992 after it was purchased by the local community of Maryborough and the State Conservation Department. The remainder of the current reserve was purchased by Trust for Nature in 2016.

Amenities

No amenities.

Staying safe

NOTE: this reserve is open by APPOINTMENT ONLY, please contact the Reserve Manager on 03 8631 5888.

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 include:

Falling limbs
Uneven surfaces