Pallisters Reserve

Pallisters Reserve

Trust for Nature acknowledges and
respects the Traditional Owners of
this land, the Gunditj Mirring people.

As one of the largest remaining examples of remnant vegetation in the area, Pallisters Reserve is home to a number of grassland, woodland and wetlands plants including orchids, lilies and aquatic plants. The reserve also provides a range of habitats for birds, mammals and frogs.

The reserve is 254 ha and located off Masons Road, Orford.

Trust for Nature purchased the first section of Pallisters Reserve in 1989 with the second section purchased in 1993. The property is managed by the Friends of Pallisters Reserve Inc.

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

Explore Pallisters Reserve

Habitat

The reserve contains four vegetation communities, three of which are endangered. These are the Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland, the Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland/Plains Swampy Woodland/Aquatic Herbland Mosaic and the Aquatic Herbland/Plains Sedgy Wetland Mosaic.

Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis ssp. cygnetensis) and Peppermint (Eucalyptus falciformis) dominated woodlands provide habitat for Koalas and threatened woodland birds. The understorey in the woodlands is diverse with species such as Silver Banksia (Banksia marginata), Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa) and Wattles (Acacia spp). The groundcover, while dominated by Bracken (Pteridium esculentum), has a diverse array of flowering herbs and grasses.

Wildlife and plants

The reserve is home two breeding pairs of brolgas (Grus rubicunda). These striking birds are listed as vulnerable in Victoria and will nest in the same area for up to 20 years. Also present is the endangered Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) and the migratory Latham’s Snipe (Gallinago hardwickii).

Notable plants on site includes the rare Western Peppermint (Eucalyptus falciformis) which can be recognised by its cream bark, often with rough, fibrous stripes of older bark at the base.

Greenhood orchids (Pterostylis spp), Donkey orchids (Diuris spp), Blue Pincushion Flower (Brunonia australis), Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis ssp cygnetensis) and Grass trees (Xanthorrhoea sp.) provide habitat and diversity in the woodlands.

History

Pallister’s Reserve is a 254 ha site at Orford in the south east corner of the Portland basin. The reserve, previously owned by Mr W Pallister, was purchased in 1989 thanks to donations from the RE Ross Trust, Victorian Conservation Trust (now Trust for Nature), the Department of Sustainability and Environment (now the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning) and local conservation groups. Soon after, the Friends of Pallisters Reserve was formed to manage the property.

The reserve was extended in 1992 when land adjoining the western boundary was purchased from the Hocking family.

Amenities

The previous wool shed has been converted into a comfortable club house. Walking tracks traverse the areas of woodlands, wetlands and open grasslands across the property, from where you may catch a glimpse of wildlife in their natural habitat.

Staying safe

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:

Fire
Falling limbs
Waterbodies
Machinery
Chemical Storage