Panton Hill Bushland Reserve System
Nillumbik Shire Council owns and manages seven bushland reserves in the Panton Hill, Smiths Gully and Watsons Creek area collectively known as the Panton Hill Bushland Reserve System.
The reserves
The individual reserves are named using Wurundjeri names for species found in the reserves.
Download an electronic version(PDF, 2MB) of the brochure map, or a printable version(PDF, 3MB) of the reserves.
The reserves total approximately 140 hectares in area and as a system of reserves, in association with Parks Victoria Reserves and Crown Land, form a corridor of relatively intact remnant bushland extends from Smiths Gully in the north to Watsons Creek in the south, primarily adjoining Long Gully Creek.
The reserves are significant for their diverse array of native plants, animals and vegetation communities, important regional habitat links, the presence of threatened species, the presence of historical and heritage sites, and opportunities for environmental education and recreation.
Following an extensive period of community consultation spanning six years, Council adopted the Panton Hill Bushland Reserves System Management Plan(PDF, 2MB) in June 2011 as the key document to manage the important conservation, social and recreation values of the reserves.
The Panton Hill Bushland Reserves Interpretation Design Report
The report(PDF, 15MB) has been developed to:
- encourage an understanding, appreciation and care within the community of the exceptional and outstanding natural features, biodiversity, social and historical values of these reserves and the natural environment in general
- ensure that the Panton Hill Bushland Reserves are responsibly managed as an important social resource and that they provide opportunities for members of the community to enjoy and appreciate the natural environment.
Get involved
Over the 40 years since the land that now forms the Panton Hill Bushland Reserves came into public ownership, the reserves have been highly valued by the community as a place for variety of recreational pursuits, including bushwalking, bird watching, horse riding and mountain biking.
The Panton Hill Bushland Reserves System User Group was established to provide opportunities for volunteers to engage in activities that protect the values of the Panton Hill Bushland Reserves and help manage user impacts.
The group is no longer active following a Council resolution in 2025.