Explore
The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve
Explore the heathland, bushland dunes and revegetation spaces of the Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve that provide a home for a diverse range of native wildlife. Walk or cycle the Panorama Circuit to see the full extent of the reserve and climb to the lookout for views over Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges and Port Phillip Bay. A network of gravel and sand trails run through the reserve, connecting with the Peninsula Link Trail that runs 25km from Bonbeach all the way to Mt Eliza.
Hike through the peaceful dunes surrounding remnant heathland and low-lying woodlands, where over 210 indigenous flora species have been found, including vibrant native wildflowers which burst into life in spring. Swamp wallabies can be seen bounding through the scrub at dawn and dusk, and echidnas scurrying through the undergrowth. Snakes and other reptiles, including Blue-tongue Lizards, will often sun themselves in warmer weather, so be cautious where you step. Keep an eye out for native birds, including the New Holland Honeyeater.
The trails through the reserve are dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash at all times to help protect the flora and fauna. Relax with a picnic lunch at the tables near the Ballarto Road entrance. Please remember that there are no toilets or barbecues at the reserve, as its primary objective is to be a nature conservation space.
Things To Do
Walking
Birdwatching
Bike riding
The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve
This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.
How to get there
The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve
When you're there
Download The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve Visitor Guide for more information about the park and a map.
Panorama Circuit – 6.2km, 1hr 45mins return
This walk takes you through the dune system to the lookout, with spectacular views across Melbourne. Upgrades to the trail signage allow for easy navigation, making the trail the best way to explore and experience the reserve, showcasing the amazing diversity of native plants and animals.
Orchard Circuit - 3km, 45mins return
This flat, short walk takes you alongside the former orchard research site, before looping around the remnants of Heathy Woodland.
Boggy Creek Circuit - 3.5km, 1hr 15mins return
This pleasant walk takes you through gentle sloping bushland dunes where you can take in the view of the surrounding region, before circling your way back to the carpark along Boggy Creek.
When to go
Need to know
The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
There are no toilet facilities here, in keeping with the reserve's primary objective of nature conservation and protection.
Shared access paths into Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve can be reached via the Peninsula Link Trail.
The reserve does not have direct wheelchair accessible entrances. Ballarto Road and Excelsior Drive entrances have narrow ‘kissing gates’ that are not accessible for most wheelchairs or motorised scooters.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Safety
Help us look after this reserve by following the guidelines for protecting the park.
- There are no bins provided, so please take all rubbish home with you.
- Fires and camping are not permitted.
- Keep to the designated walking tracks, and please do not disturb the native plants and wildlife.
- Keep dogs on a leash at all times.
- Tiger Snakes and Copperhead Snakes are often seen in the park. For your safety, please be careful where you step.