Wombolano Reserve

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There is also an entrance from Rotherwood Avenue which has a very small off-street parking area.


This 7.5 ha reserve is really a hidden forest of natural bushland as 95% of the reserve is almost untouched bushland. The only man-made intrusions would be a small playground, picnic shelter, a toilet block and the gravel paths, both wide and narrow. Some of the paths are steep and would not be suitable for wheelchairs and prams.


By following the map at the two main entrances, a short flat trail will lead to the playground and picnic area allowing easy access to the mobility challenged and give them a real bush experience on the way.


Incorporated into the many walking paths is the Ringwood Rotary Sensory Trail. This trail is frequently marked with interpretive plaques naming adjacent trees, plants, flowers and butterflies that can be seen in the immediate area. The flower and butterfly sightings would be seasonal.




Part of the sensory trail passes a small wetlands area with boardwalks to allow a closer inspection. It is the habitat of the common froglet.


The reserve area is described as a remnant forest containing over 120 indigenous plants, which provide the habitat for powerful owls and possums.

Upon looking up at the top of a long dead tree, I became excited thinking I saw two powerful owls perched upon the upper branches. I did see two of them, but they were very life-like wooden carvings.






An information board in the picnic shelters lists ten different species of birds that can be seen and heard in the reserve. These include the powerful owl, grey butcherbird, crimson rosella, red wattlebird, gang gang cockatoo and kookaburras. On my walk, I heard many, but saw none, apart from the wooden owls.


This reserve is surrounded by suburbia but the only indications of that is where the perimeter paths are close to neighbouring properties and the occasional sound of distant passing traffic.


This is an ideal venue if you want to give your children a taste for bush-walking with the reward of a playground on the way.

If you want to go bush without going bush, this is the place for you.

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#ringwood_east
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