Derwent Views and Dry Eucalypt Bushland at Poimena Reserve
Overview
Poimena Reserve is a 29-hectare bushland reserve in Austins Ferry, on the northern side of Hobart. Set on a small hill above the suburb, it combines native woodland with more open parkland and gives the place a surprisingly spacious feel for a reserve within the urban area.
What stands out most is its position. From higher ground, the reserve looks east across the Derwent River and west toward kunanyi / Mount Wellington, so the setting feels closely tied to the broader Hobart landscape rather than cut off from it.
Highlights
The main appeal here is the contrast between open hilltop ground and dry eucalypt bushland. White gum, peppermint and blue gum woodland shape much of the reserve, creating a landscape that changes character as you move between the more sheltered sections and the exposed ground with wider views.
Its elevated position gives Poimena Reserve a strong sense of outlook. The broad views over the Derwent on one side and toward the mountain on the other are a big part of what makes this reserve distinctive within Glenorchy’s network of natural areas.
Best Time to Visit
Poimena Reserve suits clear days when those river and mountain views are at their best. Spring is a particularly good time for seeing the reserve at its freshest, while the milder conditions of autumn also make the open hillside and woodland especially pleasant.
Because this is a dry, open bushland setting rather than a shaded gully or wet forest, summer can feel more exposed. Cooler, settled weather usually gives the most comfortable experience.
Plants and Animals
The reserve protects a mix of native white gum, peppermint and blue gum woodland, along with managed parkland. That vegetation supports a healthy spread of wildlife for a relatively compact suburban reserve.
Bandicoots are among the mammals recorded here, and more than 70 native bird species have been noted in the reserve. Several rare beetles and herbaceous plants also occur here, which points to the local ecological value of this patch of bushland despite its suburban setting.
