Perhaps you’ve heard tales of hidden gems? Bald Hill Nature Conservation Reserve is such a place. It is a treasure waiting to be discovered just six kilometers east of Kyneton.
Bald Hill Reserve spans 96 hectares. This area of forest, woodland, and grassland teems with life. It holds ecological, geological, and cultural significance. This reserve represents the largest intact area of native vegetation in the Kyneton region. Eucalypts tower above native grasses, herbs, lilies, and orchids.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council acknowledges the Taungurung. They are the Traditional Owners of Bald Hill Reserve.
Bald Hill Reserve has two prominent peaks. They form a junction between granitic and basaltic geological formations. The reserve is perfect for bird watching and bushwalking. Photographers and naturalists will also find much to love. Native plants, wildflowers, frogs, birds, reptiles, and other creatures abound. Keep an eye out for the phascogale and sugar gliders.
The reserve’s flora and fauna include state and nationally significant species. Three vegetation communities overlap here. There is Basalt Grassy Woodland. This surrounds the northwest corner of the Bald Hill volcanic cone. Manna Gums dominate this open eucalypt woodland. A diverse understory of grasses and herbs thrives below.
Then there is Granitic Grassy Woodland. This is located on the northeast peak. Weathered granite supports Manna Gums. Grasses, herbs, lilies, and some orchids also grow here. Both these areas are considered endangered vegetation communities.
Finally, Valley Grassy Forest is present. This is dominated by Narrow Leaf Peppermint trees. A minimal mid-story exists. The understory supports various herbs, orchids, lilies, sedges, and grasses. These trees are coppiced from past logging. Closer to Pipers Creek Road, native and introduced grasses mingle. This is considered a vulnerable vegetation community.
Keep an eye out for specific flora. Dianella amoena or Matted Flax Lily is present. Glycine latrobeana or Clover Glycine also grows here.
Several significant fauna species call Bald Hill Reserve home. The Brush-tailed Phascogale is considered near threatened nationally. It is vulnerable in Victoria. The Brown Toadlet is endangered in Victoria. You might spot a Powerful Owl. It is vulnerable in Victoria. Koalas were once common. There have been recent sightings. You might see mobs of Grey Kangaroos. Echidnas are often seen. The Blotch-back Blue Tongue Lizard can be spotted. Sugar Gliders live in nest boxes. Swamp wallabies are common.
Access to Bald Hill Reserve is via Mount St Marys Lane. It’s off Baynton Road.
Dogs are welcome. They must be on a lead. Mountain biking is permitted on established tracks.
The Kyneton Gun Club has a lease on the southern section. They use it for clay target shooting. This occurs on the third Sunday of the month. It also happens on the second Sunday in December. Shooting takes place from 11 am to 6 pm. Avoid this area during these times. Comply with the signage.
The main public entrance to Bald Hill Reserve has been recently improved. This was achieved through collaboration between the Friends of Bald Hill Reserve and the Council. The Mt St Mary’s Lane Entrance Area Master Plan was developed. It aims to provide a welcoming and accessible entry. This preserves and enhances the environmental values.
The new entrance includes a primary pathway. Elevated boardwalks connect to the network of walking trails. The manual installation of the concrete boardwalks reduced compaction. It protects the habitat of the Brown Toadlet. A new shelter and seating area have been built at the entrance. Taungurung welcome and interpretative signage has been installed. Wayfinding signs are present. A picnic setting is near the shelter.
The new signage was created by Taungurung artist Maddi Moser. It shows people coming together. It represents daily life on and around the Bald Hill Reserve. Bald Hill Reserve welcomes you to explore its beauty.