Wildflowers, Wetlands and Bushland Close to Hobart

Overview

Peter Murrell Conservation Area forms part of the wider Peter Murrell Reserves on Hobart’s southern edge, between Kingston, Blackmans Bay and Tinderbox. It protects a surprisingly varied patch of bushland close to the suburbs, with forest, buttongrass and heathland sitting alongside creeks, ponds and wet ground.

What makes this place stand out is that mix of habitats in a relatively compact area. Instead of one single landscape type, you move through dry eucalypt country, open heathy sections and wetter pockets that give the reserve much of its character.

Highlights

The scenery here is subtle rather than dramatic, shaped by sandy soils, low heath, black peppermint forest and small wetlands tucked into the bush. Ponds and creeklines break up the drier country and add a softer feel to the landscape, especially around Penrhyn Pond and the wetter parts of the reserve system.

Seasonal colour is one of the big drawcards. From late winter into summer, the reserve is known for its wildflower displays, which can change the feel of the bush from muted greens and browns to a much brighter, more detailed landscape.

Best Time to Visit

Late winter to summer is the standout period if you want to see the area at its most colourful, when orchids and other wildflowers are on show. Spring is especially rewarding, with the mix of heath, forest edge and damp ground bringing plenty into flower at once.

At other times of year, the reserve still has appeal for quieter bushwalking, birdwatching and simply seeing how much native vegetation survives so close to Hobart.

Plants and Animals

Plant diversity is a real strength here. The reserves support 37 orchid species, including five found only in Tasmania, and the vegetation ranges from black peppermint woodland to buttongrass, grassland, open heath, sedgeland and wetland.

That habitat variety supports plenty of wildlife. Eastern barred bandicoots are regularly associated with the more open grassy areas, and the reserve also provides habitat for the endangered forty-spotted pardalote along Coffee Creek, where white gum is present for feeding. Other animals recorded here include potoroos, eastern bettongs, Bennett’s wallabies, bats, reptiles and amphibians.