Stunning Natural Reserves
We are very fortunate to have a wide variety of natural reserves within the Frankston municipality, providing a diversity of habitats not only for indigenous wildlife but for our international visitors, the migratory birds. A reserve is also a precious place for people, where we can escape the stresses of modern life and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of nature. They are priceless places of recreation and inspiration for the local community.
Of particular pride to the community is the Frankston Foreshore. This area has been recognised as the state’s cleanest and friendliest beach, winning the Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria’s Clean Beach Challenge. All the other reserves provide active and passive recreation opportunities in wetland, foreshore or natural bushland settings for the whole community to enjoy.
Natural reserves which are excellent wildlife habitats are protected by international agreements or government policies. Seaford Wetlands is protected by an international Ramsar agreement in order to provide a safe habitat for migratory water birds. Our two largest reserves, Langwarrin and Pines Flora and Fauna Reserves are managed by Parks Victoria to protect all of the indigenous plant and animal species. Our creek reserves at Kananook Creek, Boggy Creek, Lower Sweetwater Creek Reserve and Upper Sweetwater Creek Reserve are excellent habitats while also providing natural corridors allowing wildlife to travel between habitats.
Vegetation in the reserves ranges from almost pristine to somewhat disturbed, needing assistance to return to a more natural state. Studio Park Reserve and Bunarong Park Reserve are examples of bushland of high natural value which is relatively untouched. The best Coast Banksia Woodland near Melbourne is located at Seaford Foreshore Reserve, while Paratea Reserve has an excellent example of grassland indigenous to the region. Restoration work in very disturbed sites such as Tangenong Creek Reserve and Belvedere Bushland Reserve is providing improved habitats for native animals.
Watch a video on Kananook Walking Trail