Latrobe City's Reserves and Walking Trails

Crinigan Bushland Reserve is a 100-acre reserve located on the northern edge of Morwell. The reserve has been an ongoing project between Council and Friends of the Reserve to turn a misused vacant block into the serene bushland community space it is today. The main carpark, on Fairway Drive (next to the Morwell Golf Course entrance), has a public toilet and an information booth that provides a map of walking routes and details of plants and birdlife found there. There is also access via Maryvale Road and Crinigan Road. 

The reserve consists of a mixture of Lowland Forest, Plains Grassy Forest and Swamp Scrub/Swampy Woodland mosaic, and two waterbodies. There is an extensive list of plant species at the site including Narrow-leaf Peppermint (Eucalyptus radiata) and Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) and 30 identified native orchids. It has become a haven for birdlife, home to five of the six Gippsland frog species and has been rehabilitated to the extent that wombats, koalas and kangaroos have begun to return. 

The reserve boasts well signed and maintained walking tracks that are suitable for most fitness levels, two small dams, a picnic shelter, tables and chairs, and a newly installed waterbird viewing panel.

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The Edward Hunter Heritage Bush Reserve has a fascinating history of swimming carnivals and steam trains and is a stunning example of remnant native vegetation nestled in the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges.

Sitting on approximately 58ha, this reserve has a number of easy to moderate well defined walking trails that range in length from 700m to approximately 5km.

The reserve comprises of two main types of good quality remnant vegetation, Lowland Forest (vulnerable) and Fern Swamp (endangered), and a wide variety of plants and animals. 

The main entrance and carpark are located on Coalville Road, and facilities include a covered seating area, bins, an information board, boardwalks and viewing platforms.

The reserve sits around a wetland area, you can walk through beautiful fern gullies and woodlands where you can spy a variety of indigenous plants and birdlife.

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Edward Hunter Heritage Bush Reserve | Moe 3825 Victoria (wordpress.com)

This 10ha reserve is a nice stop to stretch your legs and enjoy some nature when you are in the Moe area. The main entrance is located at the Ollerton Avenue roundabout where an information sign had an overview of the walking tracks.

The plains grassy forest vegetation is of high conservation significance and provides valuable habitat for wildlife. There are more than 120 native flora species, and the reserve is well known for its orchids and the presence of three species of State Conservation Significance: Grey Scentbark (Eucalyptus ignorabilis), Green Scentbark (Eucalyptus fulgens) and Slender Pink-Fingers Orchid (Caladenia vulgaris). The reserve is dog, horse and bicycle friendly.

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The Yallourn to Moe Rail Trail is a short, flat, 8.5km (one-way) scenic trail with farmland, lake and mountain views. The trail is good quality and perfect for walking or cycling. The presence of the imposing Yallourn power station provides interest at the end of the trail, where it opens into the Graeme Edwards Memorial Park for visitors to enjoy.

A number of significant species occur along the Trail, including Green Scentbark (Eucalyptus fulgens) and Strzelecki Gum (Eucalyptus strzeleckii).

The easiest place to start this trail is at the Moe botanical gardens. The starting point is also close by a variety of cafes, which makes trail a great addition to your day out itinerary.

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The Gippsland Plains Rail Trail provides a low intensity walking or riding experience through the natural beauty, local history and small-town hospitality of the Central Gippsland region. The trail can be started and ended at either Traralgon or Stratford and is 63kms in total. If the distance is daunting fear not because you can pick or chose to do different lengths of the trail with start and end points in six other local towns. For more information visit Home - Gippsland Plains Rail Trail.

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The 3.1ha Eric Lubke Reserve was established in 1992 and is situated in the south of Morwell, just north of the Princes Highway. Although small, the reserve is important for the conservation of a rare Eucalyptus yarraensis (Yarra Gum) community. Within Gippsland Yarra Gum is restricted to four localities, of which the reserve is considered one of the most important. Endangered Dianella amoena (Matted Flax-lily) has also been identified within the reserve further increasing the sites flora conservation importance. The reserve is protected under a national agreement. You can access this reserve from Maryvale Crescent in Morwell. 

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This flora reserve is a tribute to the renowned local botanist and writer, Jean Galbraith. There is a short, leisurely walk to showcase the native flora on display. The site can be found on the corner of Mt Hope Road and Hall Drive.

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This 29.5ha reserve has been beautifully cared for to achieve a balance of conservation and recreation. Over 100 years old, the reservoir it is named for, was first constructed to fuel steam trains, and retains some of its historical artefacts for viewing today. Vegetation varies between grassy plains and woodlands with two wetland areas where you can spot wetland bird species, turtles, and frogs. Significant species include the Matted Flax-lily Dianella ameona (endangered), Showy Willow-herb Epilobium pallidiflorum (threatened, State significance) Fen Sedge Carex gaudichaudiana (threatened), and Sticky Wattle Acacia howittii (rare in Victoria) and a population of Gippsland Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis subsp. mediana).

There are a number of easy to moderate walking paths to explore, which are wheelchair accessible. Amenities include a pavilion, information panels, drinking fountain, toilet block, waterbird viewing area and picnic tables and seats that are located throughout the reserve. The main carpark is located towards the end of Hickox Street in Traralgon, with walkway entry points on Rose Avenue and Hyde Park Road. There is a variety of flora and fauna to see and is a favourite spot for bird enthusiasts and families.  

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Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve (trrcr.com)

Situated in the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges, the 565ha park has a number of walks through stunning Eucalypt forests to explore and a variety of wildlife to spot. Facilities include picnic tables, gas barbecues, toilets, and an information shelter. The Kerry Road Picnic Area is an ideal place to have a peaceful picnic in a quiet bushland setting. There are also picnic tables at Lyndons Clearing and Billys Creek. Dog and other pets are not allowed in the National Park, and it can be challenging for people with disabilities. The start of the main walking tracks commence from a small carpark on Junction Road. The reserve is managed by Parks Victoria.

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Morwell National Park is also one of the starting points for the Grand Strzelecki Track: https://www.grandstrzeleckitrack.org.au/information-for-walkers/

Morwell River Falls Reserve has been a popular tourist attraction for over 100 years. The Morwell River passes through a steep gorge down a series of three waterfalls that you can walk along and explore. Moderate levels of fitness are required to navigate the steep paths down to the river and falls. The largest waterfall is a 15-minute walk from the main carpark. The reserve consists of Strzelecki Wet Forest and remanent Mountain Ash bushland. There are minimal facilities, a picnic table above the falls and information signs. No toilets are available, and we encourage all visitors to think of the environment and take your rubbish away when you leave. Dedicated volunteers from the Friends of Upper Morwell River group manage this reserve.

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Wirilda Environment Park is a State Park located just outside the township of Tyres. The Park offers a bush setting picnic area with toilets, shelter, barbecue facilities and signage to read about the Parks history. One of the main walks from the park leads to Moondarra Dam, traversing 12.5km of steep, formed track.

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The Wetlands is located along part of the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail, across from the main Toongabbie township. The car-park can be accessed from the Traralgon-Maffra Road next to the CFA station, other facilities include picnic tables, easy walking tracks around the wetlands and grassed space for picnicking. Toilets are located close by at the Village Green on Cowen Street.

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Nestled in the heart of Morwell’s industrial area, the Firmins Lane Wetland was a project developed to serve both environmental and social purposes. The wetlands were built to filter water runoff from heavy industry before it flows into Waterhole Creek. The wetland has become a popular place for the community to meet and spend time in nature. It is now home to a variety of wildlife, attracting water birds such as ducks, swamp hens, herons and black swans. There is a short, sealed walking track around the wetland, parking and bench seats to enjoy the surrounds. There are no toilet facilities at the reserve.

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