In 2002 we published Discovering Ballarat’s Bushland. It is a handy guide for those wanting to see more of our natural environment within 50km around Ballarat. During 2024 we are updating and revising the book, as there have been changes to the distribution and status of some species; kangaroos and wallabies are now more numerous while many bush birds have become scarcer. The book will be available for purchase later in the year. The previous book is sold out. In the meantime we have listed below places to visit.
Some new locations have been added while a few of the original sites have been excluded as they have been modified by fire and storm. The areas represented have been included to provide a selection of varied habitats that may provide enjoyment for people of all ages with varying interests – bushwalking, picnicing, the study of native flora and fauna, and the appreciation of the natural environment.
We list 37 places including location, facilities, some flora and fauna that may be observed and where relevant, geological and historical information.
On this page we provide links to additional information that couldn’t be included in the book, to aid those who want to know more or see some photos before they choose where to visit. There are some wonderful places to visit and we hope you enjoy getting out in nature and exploring.
Places to visit that are listed in our book
Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail
Brisbane Ranges National Park
Bungal State Forest
Clarkesdale Bird Sanctuary
Clunes State Forest and Dunach Nature Conservation Reserve
Dereel Lagoon Nature Conservation Reserve
Devil’s Kitchen Geological Reserve
Durham Lead State Forest
Enfield State Park
Flagstaff Hill Lookout
Hepburn Regional Park
Illabarook Grasslands Nature Conservation Reserve
Jubilee Mine Historic Area
Koala Park
La Gerche Gully and Trails
Lake Burrumbeet
Lake Goldsmith Wildlife Reserve
Lake Learmonth
Lake Wendouree and North Gardens Wetlands
Lal Falls Scenic Reserve and Lal Lal-Bungal Historic Reserve
Lexton Streamside Reserve, Lexton Nature Conservation Reserve, Talbot Reservoir
Long Point Flora Reserve
Meredith Police Paddocks
Merin Merin and Middle Swamp Wildlife Reserves
Mt Beckworth Scenic Reserve
Mt Buninyong Scenic Reserve
Mt Mercer-Shelford Roadside
Mt Warrenheip Nature Conservation Reserve
Mullawallah Wetlands
Rokewood Cemetery Grassland
Slaty Creek
Sparrow Ground Reserve
St George’s Lake
Union Jack Education Area
Wombat State Forest
Woowookarung Regional Park
Yarrowee Trail North and South
The Field Naturalist Ballarat 