back to Local Attractions list
Location:
Shale Road, Latrobe (Off Gilbert Street)Description:
The Warrawee Forest Reserve and Myrtle Hole development are the result of a dedicated and enthusiastic local LandCare Group, situated on the banks of the Mersey River, in Latrobe (follow Hamilton Street down Shale Road, the original highway to Deloraine).The Warrawee Forest Reserve boasts:
- 5 km walking track
- 2 parklands with barbecues and tables. The parklands and walking track were created from disused quarries and rubbish dumps.
- 3 ponds stocked with trout. Ponds fed through a pipe from the river.
- Bridge over the canal, surrounding area sown with grass and mowed regularly.
- Rubbish bins - emptied into Collex bin and recycling bin.
A lot of history is in the area such as the power generation site (first of its type in the area), the old shale works including mine shafts, remains of the shale bridge across the Mersey River, flax and paint factory, the town's old pump station for town water supply and reservoir made of bluestone in the shape of an upside-down pyramid and lots of flora and fauna.
Warrawee is a Tasmanian Aboriginal word meaning "plenty", and within the 229ha of bushland of Warrawee there is plenty of flora and fauna, including several rare species, to stimulate your senses and immerse you in the Australian bush.
The forests of Warrawee are sclerophyll (from the Greek words meaning "hard leaf"). Sclerophyll forests are generally better adapted to cope with fire than, say, rainforests. Within Warrawee, three rare plant species have been identified - Pimelea curviflora var. graalis, Gynatrix pulchella and Epacris exserta.
The rare and wholly protected giant freshwater lobster also makes its home in the Mersey River and inlets whilst the highly manoeuvrable grey goshawk hunts amongst the forest. Insects love the still air above the Myrtle Ponds. Bats, flying and feeding after sunset in the warmer months, are also worth watching for.
Several animals, including Tasmanian bettongs, now extinct on the mainland due to predators, can be seen at Warrawee. The most popular however, is the Platypus.
Warrawee, and places like it, help to ensure a future for many Australian native plants and animals.
BREEDING
Mating usually occurs in the water from August to October. Two eggs are usually laid, and these are incubated by the female until they hatch in 1-2 weeks. The mother feeds the young for 4-5 months from ducts under her abdomen (Platypus have no nipples). The young do not leave the burrow until they are weaned, although the female will leave them periodically to forage.
FEEDING
Platypus feed on a large variety of adult and juvenile invertebrates, although small vertebrates such as juvenile fish, may be taken on occasions. Smaller prey is taken by sifting through mud and detritus, while large prey is snapped up individually. The Platypus closes its eyes, ears and nostrils when diving, and uses its sensitive bill alone to find prey. Prey is stored in the large cheek pouches until the animal surfaces. Platypus have no teeth, but prey is "chewed" using the tongue and a number of hard, bony plates on the upper bill.
CONSERVATION
Platypus are vulnerable because of their sensitivity to pollution and interference. Chemical and thermal pollution, river degradation, irrigation, fishing, netting and river bank destruction all reduce habitat quality for the platypus and may result in local extinction. The presence of Platypus is often a good sign of river health.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Our main aim is the conservation of the Platypus area. To minimise human-related pressure, please observe the following guidelines.
* By far the best way to experience platypus and other native flora and fauna of Warrawee is to use a good guide - someone knowledgeable, communicative and enthusiastic who can share their skills.
* Dress warmly from top to toe by wearing dark coloured clothes, hat, gloves and shoes. Platypus eyesight is fantastic in low light and for detecting movement.
* Conceal your presence using trees and bushes as a background. Platypus know the profile of their area intimately and will instantly detect shoulders and heads poking up against the horizon.
* No torches or flash cameras. Video cameras produce better results with low natural light.
* Have patience. You are trying to see a wild animal that is especially wary. Understand that they operate by their own timetable and may come when not expected.
The Warrawee Forest Reserve provides a unique insight into the Australian bush but perhaps its best attraction is the mystical, lovable and fascinating Australian native mammal - the Platypus.
In 1992, Latrobe Landcare Group Inc voluntarily took on the transformation of the Warrawee Forest Reserve. Landcare improved the water quality of the Mersey River by removing willows, debris, litter and weeds; regenerating native species to improve the area for human use by establishing an all weather walking track; turning the old, disused quarry into parkland and created a small lake with access for the disabled - initiating some national Landcare best practice methods along the way.
You can now wander throughout the Warrawee Forest Reserve along tracks that will take you through the natural environment of a variety of Australian native flora and fauna, or take advantage of the informative guided tour offered by Latrobe Landcare - your experience at Warrawee will be memorable.
It is recommended that you allow one and a half to two hours for the tour and book a day or two beforehand. Tours are generally conducted early morning (dawn) or at dusk.
For Warrawee tour bookings, more information or general enquiries phone (03) 6421 4699 or visit Latrobe Visitor Information Centre, 48 Gilbert Street, Latrobe. Guided tours early morning or late afternoon - bookings necessary.
