Mt. Beckworth Scenic Reserve
Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve is 8 km west of Clunes and 35 km north of Ballarat. A huge old pine tree and magnificent views are two of the features of this picturesque granite outcrop.
History
Only a few known relics remain from the Jajowurrong Tribe which occupied an area of 15,600 square kilometres and included Mt. Beckworth.
Major Mitchell passed through the area in 1836 and described it as being well covered with trees. The huge pine tree on the peak is one of twelve planted over 70 years ago. It remains as a landmark and can be seen from at least 50 km away.
From its early days, Mt. Beckworth was grazed but this ceased in 1962 because of erosion and deterioration of the granitic soils. Firewood and granite sands for roadworks were removed in the past but this is no longer permitted.
What to do and see
Picnicking, camping, rock climbing and walking are popular activities at Mt. Beckworth. Naturalists and photographers also visit the area, especially in spring. Walk to the peak and see different areas of the reserve while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Camping: You can camp for short stays at a number of camping sites but there are only limited facilities. There are no toilets in the reserve. Bring your own drinking water and firewood.
Flora and fauna
Open woodland and a grassy understorey dominate most of the reserve, Kangaroo Grass being the most common native grass. Look for Messmate and Manna Gum on the higher slopes with Yellow Box and Long-leaved Box on the lower slopes. Silver Banksia and Drooping Sheoak are also present but are less common than when Major Mitchell came.
Orchids and other wildflowers make a colorful display in spring. The Mt. Beckworth plant list contains more than 250 species including 35 species of orchids.
Some of the nocturnal animals found at the Mount are Ringtail and
Brushtail Possums, Sugar
Gliders, native marsupial mice and geckoes. Grey Kangaroos
and Echidnas can sometimes be seen during the day.
Over 100 species of birds have been recorded including migrants such as the Rainbow Bee-eater, White-winged Triller, Rufous Songlark, cuckoos and woodswallows. Permanent residents include White-browed Babblers, Mistletoe-birds, treecreepers, robins, parrots and honeyeaters, as well as birds of prey. About 60 species breed locally.
Looking after the reserve
Please remember:
·
All wildlife and native plants are protected.·
Fires must be lit only in the fireplaces provided. No fires may be lit on days of Total Fire Ban.·
Please take your rubbish home as there are no bins provided in the reserve.·
Vehicles, including motor cycles, must not be driven off open formed roads. All vehicles must be registered and drivers licensed.·
Firewood removal is prohibited.
Further information
Department of Natural Resources and Environment, National Parks Service, cnr Mair and Doveton Streets, Ballarat. Telephone Ballarat (053) 336782
Revised October 1993