The Gresswell Nature Conservation Reserves, made up of Gresswell Forest, Gresswell Hill and Gresswell Habitat Link, protect 70 hectares of important flora and fauna habitat. Experience the area's diverse vegetation and abundant wildlife on the reserves' many walking trails, and explore this precious pocket of wilderness in Melbourne's north-east. 

Gresswell Forest Nature Conservation Reserve is the largest of the three Nature Conservation Reserves. Here you'll find remnant River Red Gum woodland that's home to many different bird and animal species. It is significant as one of the most intact examples of remnant Grassy Woodland in the Melbourne region Gresswell Forest Nature Conservation Reserve was first created as a buffer zone around a quarantine wing of the Mont Park Hospital in the early 20th century. The land was then excised from the hospital in 1976 and managed by La Trobe University from 1978 until 2011. 

Gresswell Hill Nature Conservation is part of the endangered Box Woodland environment and is dominated by Yellow Box and River Red Gums. Gresswell Hill is also considered to be regionally significant animal habitat. The nine hectare reserve was once part of the Mont Park Psychiatric Hospital grounds and formed a Nature Conservation Reserve in 1978. La Trobe University commenced management of the reserve in the mid 1990’s at the time the land around it was developed for housing. Gresswell Hill once contained a former army signal tower and still contains a decommissioned water tower. 

Gresswell Habitat Link Nature Conservation Reserve  was created to provide a vegetated link between Gresswell Forest Nature Conservation Reserve and the La Trobe Wildlife Sanctuary. The Gresswell Habitat Link Nature Conservation Reserve is 18 hectares in size. The Strathallan Creek runs the length of the link. Dogs and bicycles are permitted within the Gresswell Habitat Link Nature Conservation Reserve provided dogs remain on a leash at all times and all users remain on formed trails at all times. 

Gresswell Forest is perfect for families to enjoy together. In addition to the Nature Play area, the tracks are easy for young children to manage. In the early mornings and evenings, the forest is a cacophony of bird calls.