Stringybark Conservation Reserve is a small patch of paradise in the middle of a residential area and is a must-visit if you live in Baranduda, or even if you don’t! The reserve is named for the red stringybark tree (Eucalyptus macrorhyncha) found here but there are also many species of wildflowers to be found in the spring. Most notable at present (early spring) are the varnish wattles (Acacia verniciflua) with their bright green and gold display, as well as the juniper wattles (Acacia ulicifolia) which boast splendid cream-coloured flowers. Splashes of purple can also be seen thanks to Australian indigo (Indigofera australis) and false sarsparilla (Hardenbergia violacea) flowers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is just a taste of what’s to come, as around 45 species of native flora have been recorded here, including lilies, orchids, and daisies flowering during the spring. So keep this reserve on your list of places to visit for wildflower spotting!

To access this reserve, which is now surrounded by development, you can park in the carpark on Sage Court, near the Baranduda Community Centre and head along the back of the Baranduda Recreation Reserve oval to find the chicane gates which have signs with maps on them. There is also access off Hurley Circuit and Burdock Lane. You can find maps of this and other reserves and parks on our website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The main trail that leads around the reserve is the Ironbark Trail at around 1 km long. The Varnish Trail traverses across the centre of the reserve and the Juniper Trail overlaps with the Ironbark Trail along one edge. The reserve is flat, so it’s ideal for those that struggle with hills or ground that is very uneven. There are two large information shelters as well as smaller signs around the trails with things to look out for.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apart from the flowers, the reserve has several nest boxes, and squirrel gliders and common ring-tailed possums have been spotted here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bird watchers will also enjoy this reserve with around 60 species of birds to spot, including the vulnerable diamond firetail (Stagonopleura guttata) and the endangered speckled warbler (Chthonicola sagittata).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Things you can do to keep this reserve beautiful for all to enjoy include keeping cats inside, not dumping garden waste, and not picking the wildflowers! Thank you!