Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve
The reserve comprises 29.5 hectares of varied bush and grassland with two wetland areas linked by a canyon. A number of paths (wheelchair accessible) and boardwalks offer differing vistas of this conservation park which is home to many birds, insects and plants of the area.
As you enter the car park, there is an information shelter containing informative panels highlighting the history and use of the reserve. The shelter also has a picnic table and seating and a large wooden decking area overlooking the lake. The track takes you around the wetland which is home to numerous bird life and native plants, a popular spot with birdwatchers. Ideal for a leisurely stroll with park benches scattered throughout the reserve.
Close to the main car park is a bike rack, a pavilion with information panels and a drinking fountain. Picnic tables, water tap and seats are located throughout the reserve. There is a wheelchair accessible toilet.
Map of Reserve:
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are permitted but must be on a leash at all times. Dogs are not permitted in the lake.
Access Restrictions:
Horses and trail bikes are not permitted in the reserve.
No swimming or boating in the lake at any time.
Fishing is NOT permitted. There have been several reports of birds tangled in discarded fishing line and injured by hooks and lures.
Feeding of Waterbirds:
BREAD IS ACTUALLY A DANGER TO BIRDS, DUCKS & ALL OTHER WATER VISITORS.
It causes "Angel Wing" which can make their feathers grow too quickly, strains their muscles, and stops them from flying. And Swans develop gut and heart disease.
Bread is bad for the Lake Environment too. It rots, and pollutes the water. This allows bacteria to grow, encouraging rats and algal bloom, which gets into their lungs which kills birds, lizards and useful insects.
If you want to feed the water birds, bring them: Wild Bird Seed, Peas, Sweet Corn, Oats or Cut Lettuce.
Review:
A fantastic location to visit with the highlight being the main lake with lots of waterbirds but don't neglect the remainder of the reserve which has interesting areas including another wetlands area and a deep gully you can explore.
There are plenty of facilities including a carpark, shaded and unshaded tables and seats, toilets, water tap with dog bowl, a shelter with information panels (The Land of the Gunai-Kurnai Nation and the Woolum Woolum People, Grassy Woodland, Settlers and Gippsland History and the development of Traralgon, Connections between Traralgon and the Reserve, Woodland Grassland Wetland, Greening Latrobe and The Reserve Today), table and an ornate cast iron seat, bird hide and boardwalk.
There is an interesting historical artefact, a cast iron valve, perched on the edge of the dam wall. This is one of a series of valves installed above, on and below the wall to siphon water from the reservoir through a cast iron pipe, down hill to the Traralgon Railway Yards. Originally water for the early steam locomotives was supplied from Traralgon Creek. The creek supply at times of low flow was too uncertain and the gravity supply system functioned continuously from the late 19th century until Traralgon was linked into the Tyers supply in the nineteen fifties. Workmen were sent from the railway yards up the hill to open and close the valves to effect a siphon and start the water flowing. The reservoir was therefore an integral part of the railway operating system. Without secure water a railway system in the age of steam could not function. This artefact is a reminder that Traralgon has always been an important part of the Gippsland rail network.
Photos:
Location
116 Hickox Street, Traralgon 3844 View Map
Web Links
→ Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve (Walking Maps)
