Oswin Roberts Reserve circuit, Phillip Island
Oswin Roberts Reserve circuit, Phillip Island
This is a lovely loop walk through Phillip Island's remaining remnant bushland, gifted by Florence Oswin Roberts. It is halfway between the bridge and Cowes (behind the Koala Conservation area).
Summary
This is a lovely loop walk through Phillip Island's remaining remnant bushland, gifted by Florence Oswin Roberts. It is halfway between the bridge and Cowes (behind the Koala Conservation area).
Description
This lovely loop walk through one of Phillip Island's last remaining swathes of remnant bushland is located is halfway between the bridge onto the Island and the main township of Cowes.
Find the reserve's southern car park just behind the Koala Conservation Reserve (if coming from the main Phillip Island road).
The land, predominantly Plains Grassy Woodland and Swampy Riparian Woodland and Scrub, was gifted to the public by Phillip Island resident and passionate conservationist Florence Oswin Roberts.
If you're lucky you might spot a variety of birdlife, and possibly wallabies, echidnas or even a reclusive koala.
This map follows the main gravel circuit 4.5km, beginning and ending at the northern car park. The path is largely flat, with some slight, gradual inclines in parts. The car park is also fine gravel surface.
There are shorter loops available (Woodlands Loop, 2.8km, and the Melaleuca Loop, 1km). Follow the signage located at each track junction to do the circuit that best suits you.
To learn more about local conservation efforts, see the local Landcare Network website or this local newspaper article local about current efforts to revegetate the island.
FACILITIES
Please note there are no toilets available within the reserve.
Dogs are not allowed at all in the reserve.
3066 Views
Points of Interest
1. Walk start
If driving, park in the Reserve's north car park and make your way to the introductory signage about the local trails.
2. Plains grassy woodland
Local conservation groups have worked hard to revitalise this remnant bushland, so please keep to the gravel track! Continue straight at this point.
3. Seating
You'll find seating in a few places on this circuit, usually near track junctions. Take a right here if you are doing the shorter Woodlands circuit.
4. Swamps
In some areas just off the main track you will see swampier, shadier areas where vegetation changes. Read about typical Plains Grassy, Lowlands Flats and Heathy Woodland typographies at link below.
5. Wildlife
Can you spot the wallaby (left of track)? Echidnas, possums, bats and koalas can call this remnant patch of the Island home.
6. North point (alternate start)
You can enter the reserve from a shared path running alongside Cowes-Rhyll Road here through this handy gate!
7. Evolving country?
This side of the reserve will give you a very different view of the Island's history, with almost 90% of native vegetation cleared since settlement for housing and farmland.
8. Landcare
As you near the end of the circuit you will see evidence of efforts to restore this landscape and reserve to its natural, healthy state.
9. Farming history
As you come back toward the walk start, look out for an old chicory kiln just outside the reserve to your right. To read about the history of chicory farming on the island, see the link below.
Features
Picnic spot
Seating available
Pram friendly
Nature trail
