Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Bunurong People. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Bunurong Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.

Explore a preserved pocket of the indigenous flora and wilderness that once extended across this area of the Mornington Peninsula. The network of trails that wind through Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve offer a fascinating insight into the different vegetation communities, fauna habitats and historical sites. The mixed-use tracks are popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists.

This reserve and surrounding lands were originally occupied by the Bunurong people who travelled across the peninsula in search of seasonally available foods, and the remnants of a lithic (stone) scatter in the reserve is testament to the long history of use and pre-European occupation.

First established as the Langwarrin Military reserve in 1886, this park was used for various activities by the Victorian colonial defence forces. During World War 1, German prisoners of war were detained at the reserve and a hospital was set up for the treatment of soldiers returning from France and Egypt. The Langwarrin Historical Trail provides an insight into the history and remains of this military use, including the stone-capped reservoir and rifle butts.

The vegetation of the reserve is of state significance, with 300 indigenous flora species recorded, equating to 45 percent of the species indigenous to the Mornington Peninsula. Plant communities here, such as the Silverleaf Stringybark open woodland, were cleared from surrounding areas to accommodate Melbourne’s expanding eastern suburbs.

The reserve also provides important habitat for native fauna, particularly small mammals, including the echidna and swamp wallaby. A total of 98 bird species, including the rare Southern Emu-wren, Glossy black cockatoo and Powerful owl have been recorded here, making it an excellent reserve for birdwatching.