Wetland Track to Ballarto Road

Wetland Track to Ballarto Road

This walk explores the eastern section of the Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve. It starts at the pedestrian access point on Tamarisk Drive; travelling along the Wetland Track which goes under the freeway, joins into Orchard Track alongside Boggy Creek, and finishes at the Flinders Track Car Park where there are picnic tables and car parking. Set amongst the urban development of Frankston, the Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve protects an important area of remnant heathland. The diversity of habitats and the large size of the reserve make it an important sanctuary for many different native animals, particularly small mammals. The resident Swamp Wallabies and Short-beaked Echidnas are active during the day while Southern Brown Bandicoots and Sugar Gliders are nocturnal. Snakes are present in the reserve so walkers should keep a lookout on the tracks. It is one of the last remaining habitats for some species, such as the endangered New Holland Mouse and the Southern Brown Bandicoot, which need the cover of the dense heathy vegetation for their survival. Over 100 species of birds have been recorded, including many honeyeaters, waterbirds, parrots and birds of prey like the Tawny Frogmouth. The Red and Little Wattlebirds are common in the surrounding eucalypts while the White-eared Honeyeater is often found in the heathy vegetation. The combination of sand dunes, springs, swampy areas and creeks create a mosaic of different plant communities at the reserve. The low-growing heathland is composed of Heath Tea-tree and many other smaller shrubs including Silver Banksia, Spike Wattle, Green Sheoak and Common Heath. Coast Manna Gum is also found in the heathland. At lower levels, Narrow-leaf Peppermint and Black Sheoak join the Manna Gum. Scented Paperbark and Swamp Paperbark occur in the poorly drained areas, such as along Boggy Creek.