Long Forest Flora Reserve

Noted for its scientific value and unusual landscape, the Long Forest is a small and isolated remnant of mallee vegetation only 50 kilometres from Melbourne. Long Forest Flora Reserve was established in 1981 to protect this unique bushland.

Flora & FaunaAbout 200 bird species have been recorded in the reserve. It is an important habitat for raptors such as the Wedge-tailed Eagle and Peregrine Falcon. Mammals include kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, echidnas, possums and gliders. In addition, there is a wide range of insects. There are 12 species of bullants found in the reserve, two of which occur nowhere else in Victoria.

Bull Mallee (Eucalyptus behriana) is the dominant tree species in the Long Forest and because of the absence of major fires, some stands are believed to be several hundred years old. There are many other tree and shrub species, some usually associated only with semi-arid areas and a number of rare native grasses and orchids.