Friday 2/02/2024 Tasmanian Arboretum
Eugenana State Reserve, lutruwita / TASMANIA
Palawa Country
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies, Geri Louis, John Louis
We had headed here largely based on reports it was an excellent place to see a platypus or two. The grounds are well maintained with a lot of open, mown lawn separating treed areas. Numerous tracks lead you through areas themed by continent, based on the species planted there.
Max elevation: 68 m
Total climbing: 65 m
Total descent: -73 m
Average speed: 2.93 km/h
Total time: 02:27:30
After wandering around on the hillside for a while I noticed what I thought might be some Wollomi Pines. Noticing a sign amongst the long grass near one of them I was about to investigate when I noted a Tiger snake also investigating what was amongst the grass, needless to say, I subsequently focused my attention on the snake for a while. I never did get to read the sign.
Not long after, Geri pointed me in the direction she had just seen an echidna. It was unperturbed by my close presence, resulting in some great, close-up photos of it scratching around for food.
Tasmanian Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus setosus)
Back down to the pond, we spent some time in the bird-hide. Here we were lucky enough to catch glimpses of a platypus coming up periodically for a breath, whilst spending most of its time searching out food out of sight. With a stiff breeze across the water and a bright, glare to contend with, the photos I took were of poor quality, although I did catch all of the glare in its full glory.
It’s not every day that you get to see a snake, echidna and platypus, so despite the fact this is an arboretum, the highlight for me was the wildlife.
Geri’s Dairy Entry for the Day
“Trish was feeling well enough today to join us at the Tasmanian Arboretum, the Anver’s Chocolate factory and Reliquaire (at Latrobe). “Yipee”!! The chemo hasn’t knocked her around too much and she had her appetite back for a great lunch at the chocolate Factory. Four sandwiches were ordered (3x turkey, cranberry, camembert, salad and IX roast vegetable) and 2 x potato, spinach flan a Salad) The sandwiches were $10 each – great value for triple layer sourdough bread and more than ample filling. We bought some chocolate and had a sample tasting bag – yummy chocolate. We observed the workers making Easter eggs.
Prior to the chocolate factory and lunch we spent a pleasant few hours wandering around the arboretum. Plenty of amazing trees from all around the world and sections of Tasmanian flora.
Fauna sightings as well including an echidna, platypus, black swans, Australian shelducks, thornbill (las or brown), green parrot, little wattlebirds, kookaburra, superb fairy wren, magpies, bandicoot/at Pt Sorrell), pacific gulls, Tasmanian native hens (turbo chools) white faced herons, eastern spinebills, grey fantails, scrubwren.
Camping at Port Sorrell tonight (Lions Caravan Park).”
Information on Parks Tasmania signage along the way
Welcome – walks, wildlife, peaceful
The Members invite you to enjoy our Garden of Trees, the Tasmanian Arboretum.
Walk among our trees. Imagine them when they are fully grown, in another season or in their place of origin. Take our Visitor Guide from the Kiosk, suggested walks are included.
Please leave gates as you find them to exclude animals from unguarded collections.
Panels throughout the site tell the story of plants and describe our collections and features.
Wildlife on the site is generally shy but if you are quiet you may see a platypus among the water birds on Founders Lake. Many small birds also inhabit the site. A bird list is available at the kiosk.
Take the Nature Walk through a remnant of the local forest. Guide sheets are in boxes at each end of the walk.
The geology under much of the site is limestone. Take the Limestone Heritage Walk around natural and historic features. Guide sheets are available at the Kiosk.
Our peaceful site offers a chance to rest from the day-to-day rush of life. Take a little time out. The Tasmanian Collection of woody plants offers the chance to learn what the plants you see in Tasmania are commonly called and scientifically named.
Plants are grouped in geographic and themed Collections as shown on the map.
The local landscape features, geology, scenic highlights, flora, fauna, indigenous history, white history and other walks in the area (Bard)
Geology and Landforms:
The underlying geology of the arboretum is primarily composed of Jurassic dolerite, a dark, fine-grained igneous rock formed from solidified magma millions of years ago. The dolerite weathers to form fertile clay soils, ideal for the diverse plant life cultivated within the arboretum. The landscape itself is characterised by a series of low hills not exceeding 100 metres in elevation, offering gentle walking gradients and scenic outlooks.
Flora:
The arboretum’s thematic organisation allows visitors to embark on a global botanical journey. The European section features a collection of beeches (Fagus spp.), oaks (Quercus spp.), and elms (Ulmus spp.), reminiscent of temperate European woodlands. Australian plant communities are represented by eucalypts (Eucalyptus spp.), wattles (Acacia spp.), and banksias (Banksia spp.), showcasing the continent’s sclerophyllous vegetation. Venturing further afield, the Asian section boasts conifers such as pines (Pinus spp.) and firs (Abies spp.), while the North American collection features redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) and maples (Acer spp.).
Fauna:
The arboretum provides habitat for a variety of native Tasmanian fauna. The elusive platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) can occasionally be spotted in the permanent pond, while the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) forages amongst the undergrowth. Birdlife is prolific, with sightings of grey fantails (Rhipidura albiscapa), spotted doves (Streptopelia chinensis), and kookaburras (Dacelo novaeguineae) being commonplace. Visitors are reminded to be vigilant, as sightings of tiger snakes (Notechis scutatus) have also been reported.
Indigenous History:
The Palawa people, the traditional owners of this land, have a deep connection to the Tasmanian environment. Their history within the Eugenana State Reserve and surrounding areas likely stretches back thousands of years. Aboriginal middens and artefacts have been discovered near the arboretum, hinting at the traditional use of these lands for hunting, gathering, and cultural ceremonies.
White History:
European settlement in the region began in the early 19th century, and primarily focused on agriculture and timber extraction. The Eugenana State Reserve itself was established in 1971 to preserve native bushland and create a space for scientific research and education. The Tasmanian Arboretum was founded within the reserve three years later and continues to serve as a valuable resource for plant conservation and appreciation.
Nearby Walks:
Venturing beyond the arboretum, several walking tracks within the Eugenana State Reserve offer opportunities to explore the surrounding natural environment. The Pipeline Track, a 2.5-kilometre loop, traverses wet eucalypt forest and fern gullies, while the longer (6-kilometre) Return Track leads to the summit of The Thumbs, a prominent dolerite peak offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside.
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