Long Forest Flora And Fauna Reserve is a protected woodland area situated between Melton and Bacchus Marsh, characterized by its ancient rock forms, unique geology, and diverse flora and fauna. This 600-hectare reserve is notable for its small-scale creek escarpments and rocky Mallee tree woodlands, creating varied terrain for outdoor pursuits. It is considered an "ecological island," home to the only occurrence of Bull Mallee south of the Great Dividing Range, alongside other eucalypt species and a rich birdlife. Theβ¦
9
Routes
4.6
(31)
Average rating
353
People visited

4.6
(11)
186
hikers
8.03km
02:41
330m
330m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.4
(9)
55
hikers
16.3km
05:21
660m
660m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
43
hikers
3.76km
01:00
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.4
(8)
48
hikers
16.1km
05:19
660m
660m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4
runners
2.74km
00:20
10m
10m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
runners
7.61km
00:47
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
runners
15.9km
01:40
50m
50m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Long Forest Flora And Fauna Reserve is suitable for outdoor activities such as hiking and jogging. The reserve features a network of tracks through rocky woodland slopes and creek crossings. Visitors can explore various routes, including the Djerriwarrh Track and Happy Valley Track.
The reserve is considered an "ecological island" and is the only place south of the Great Dividing Range where Bull Mallee naturally occurs. It features ancient rock forms, diverse flora with over 400 native plant species, and more than 160 bird species. The landscape includes small-scale creek escarpments and rocky Mallee tree woodlands.
The reserve offers several circuit walks varying in length and difficulty, suitable for different abilities. Tracks are generally classified as Grade 3, indicating a moderate level of difficulty with uneven surfaces and some steps. Shorter options like the Moonah Track (0.9 miles / 1.5 km return) are available.
Popular tracks include the Djerriwarrh Track, a 1.9-mile (3 km) return walk, and the Happy Valley Track, a 2.5-mile (4 km) return walk. The Coimadai Circuit is a 2.5-mile (4 km) loop, and a longer 5.3-mile (8.5 km) loop connects Happy Valley Trailhead to Canopus Circuit Trailhead. For more details, refer to the Hiking in Long Forest Flora And Fauna Reserve guide.
Dogs are not permitted within Long Forest Flora And Fauna Reserve. This restriction is in place to protect the delicate ecosystem and its diverse wildlife. Visitors should plan accordingly and leave pets at home.
The reserve is home to over 160 bird species, including threatened Temperate Woodland birds like the Jacky Winter and Crested Bellbird. Mammals such as Echidnas, Koalas, Eastern Grey Kangaroos, and Black-tailed Wallabies can also be observed. Nocturnal animals like Brushtail Possums are also present.
Basic visitor carparking is available at Canopus Circuit and Happy Valley Trailheads. However, the reserve does not provide toilets, drinking water, or rubbish bins. Visitors are advised to be self-contained and carry out all waste.
Camping is not permitted anywhere within Long Forest Flora And Fauna Reserve. The reserve is intended for day use activities such as hiking and birdwatching. Visitors should seek accommodation outside the reserve boundaries.
Long Forest Flora And Fauna Reserve offers opportunities for jogging on its track network. Information on suitable routes can be found in the Running Trails in Long Forest Flora And Fauna Reserve guide. The terrain includes rocky woodland slopes and uneven surfaces.
Routes in Long Forest Flora And Fauna Reserve have an average rating of 4.61 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on feedback from more than 400 visitors who have explored the area. The reserve offers 1 route for various outdoor activities.
Official information about Long Forest Flora And Fauna Reserve is available on the Parks Victoria website. The general website is parks.vic.gov.au, and a specific page for the reserve can be found there. For general inquiries, Parks Victoria can be contacted by phone.
For general inquiries related to Parks Victoria, which manages Long Forest Flora And Fauna Reserve, the phone number is 13 1963. This number can be used for questions about the reserve's regulations or facilities.

