Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve

The Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve is one of the few remaining areas on the South Eastern fringe of Melbourne recognised as an important area for the conservation of indigenous flora and fauna. The reserve which covers 214ha has an important place in military history with almost a 100 year history of military use spanning from 1886 to 1979.

Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve is an ideal setting for quiet recreational activities including walking, jogging, photography, nature study and also cycling and horse riding in defined areas. The park s track network transects a variety of vegetation communities and also provides access to the reserves historical sites. Wheel chair friendly access is available along Centre Break and Reservoir Track providing access to the old hospital site and reservoir. Horse riding is permitted however only on the trail provided beside Robinsons and Warrandyte roads.There is a network of tracks which allows visitors to walk to most features of the reserve. In keeping with the primary objective of protecting the reserve's conservation values, public facilities such as toilets, barbecues and picnic tables are not provided.

This reserve and surrounding lands were originally occupied by the Boonerwrung tribe who travelled across the peninsula in search of seasonally available foods. Evidence of a lithic (stone) scatter can be seen within the reserve and serve as the material remains of past Aboriginal occupation.

The Reserve, first established as the Langwarrin Military reserve in 1886, was used for various activities by the Victorian colonial defence forces. During World War 1, German prisoners of war were detained at the reserve and a hospital was set up for the treatment of soldiers returning from France and Egypt. Today all the military buildings are gone, however evidence of the reserves past use remains in the form of the stone capped reservoir, rifle butts and the fountain located on the old hospital site.

Location: The Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve is located 5km east of Frankston and 42km south east of Melbourne, in the northern section of the Mornington Peninsula. Access and parking is available via McClelland Drive (Melway 103 D10).