Moorabool Shire - An environmental hotspot
Moorabool Shire sits at the juxtaposition of the Victorian Volcanic Plains and the Central Victorian Uplands. Here you will find a diverse range of environments, from endangered wildflower grasslands to tree-fern laden forest gullies, all intersected by three major rivers and creeks a-plenty.
Moorabool Shire is home to an astonishing range of wildlife, including a vast array of threatened species. These include Greater Gliders, Growling Grass Frogs, Little Eagles, Stiped Legless Lizards, Platypus, and, in winter, beautiful, critically endangered Swift Parrots.
Read more about Moorabool Shire's unique environment below...
(Photo to left: Critically endangered Swift Parrot, Moorabool Shire.
Photographer: David Whelan)
Moorabool's own plant species!
Did you know Bacchus Marsh (in Moorabool Shire) has its very own species of wattle - aptly named, "Bacchus Marsh Wattle" (Acacia rostriformis)?!
The little ‘beak’ at the end of each leaf-like structure is how Bacchus Marsh Wattle got its Latin name… rostriformis means ‘beak-shaped’!
This lovely species only occurs in the Bacchus Marsh area.
The beautiful Werribee Blue Box tree (Eucalyptus baueriana subsp. thalassina) is unique to the Werribee River. This endangered trees goes intriguingly gnarled with age, with a large, shady canopy. It has slightly rounded, light teal coloured leaves.
(Photo to right: Artist's depiction of Bacchus Marsh Wattle and Growling Grass Frog, in 'Platypus River Mural', Bacchus Marsh.
Photo by artist, Lukas Kasper)
Where three major rivers run, or is it four?
Three major rivers have their headwaters in Moorabool Shire - the Moorabool River, Werribee River, and Lerderderg River. But the Moorabool River really starts off as two river 'branches' - Moorabool River West and Moorabool River East - before merging into one.
These three rivers have carved spectacular gorges in Moorabool Shire, including those in Werribee Gorge State Park, and Lerderderg State Park (which we hope will soon be part of the Wombat-Lerderderg National Park).
These rivers are home to platypus (especially the Moorabool and Werribee Rivers), and also provide vital habitat for a wide range of other species. Their beauty is also important to the human inhabitants of Moorabool Shire, and has been for many thousands of years.
(Photo to left: Lerderderg River, north of Bacchus Marsh
Photographer: David Whelan)
Fauna of Moorabool Shire
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Flora & Landscapes of Moorabool Shire
