Birdsland Reserve

Birdsland Reserve is a 75-hectare community bushland reserve in Belgrave Heights, between the southern Dandenong Ranges and Lysterfield. Lakes, wetlands and surrounding hills give it a different character from the tall, shaded forests higher in the ranges.

It is a useful place for a lakeside walk, a picnic or a longer outing on the connecting trails. The main visitor area has toilets, picnic tables and barbecues, while the wider reserve supports walking, cycling and horse riding. Allow one to two hours for a relaxed introductory visit, with longer needed if you explore beyond the lake area.

Choosing a Walk at Birdsland

For a first visit, start in the main picnic and parking area and follow the established paths beside the lakes. This lets you enjoy the water and birdlife without immediately committing to the steeper trails beyond. Look at the entrance map before setting off and choose a return route that fits the time available.

The lakeside setting suits a slower walk with frequent stops. Pause at clear views over the water, watch the wetland edges from a distance and keep children close around the shoreline. The reserve’s paths are unpaved, so conditions can differ after rain even on an otherwise easy outing.

Longer Trails and the Lysterfield Connection

Beyond the main lake area, trails extend into the surrounding bushland and hills. The Dargon Trail provides a connection towards Lysterfield Lake Park, offering a longer alternative for visitors who have planned the route and return.

Do not treat the Lysterfield connection as a quick lakeside detour. Carry water, use a current map and allow for gradients and the full return distance. If you only want a short visit, remain within the main Birdsland area and save the connecting trails for another day.

Birdwatching and Wetland Wildlife

More than 130 native bird species have been recorded at Birdsland. The combination of water, wetland margins and bushland supports different birds in different parts of the reserve, so take time to look beyond the most obvious ducks on the lakes.

Binoculars are useful for observing birds without approaching nesting or feeding areas. Wedge-tailed Eagles and Powerful Owls are among the recorded species, but these should be understood as part of the reserve’s biodiversity rather than guaranteed sightings on a short walk.

Keep wildlife wild by watching quietly and avoiding feeding. Stay on established paths, keep dogs controlled and leave vegetation undisturbed. Early visits can offer a quieter setting, although weather and wildlife behaviour determine what you will see.

History, Habitat and the Community Nursery

Birdsland is on Wurundjeri Country. The land was later cleared for grazing and crops, and the Bird family used it for sheep farming from around 1940. The Shire of Sherbrooke purchased the property in 1981 to protect it from urban development, then opened it as a community reserve in 1984.

The site now supports more than 200 native plant species, alongside its significant birdlife. That history helps explain the mix of open land, water and regenerating bush rather than an untouched forest landscape.

The Southern Dandenong Community Nursery is located within the reserve. Its advertised trading hours are Tuesday 9am to 4:30pm, Friday 9am to 1pm and Sunday 9am to noon, separate from the park gates. Confirm those arrangements if buying indigenous plants is an essential part of your visit. A nursery visit can complement a walk, but should not be assumed to be available every day.

Picnics, Families and Mobility

The main visitor facilities include barbecues, picnic tables, shaded areas and toilets. Bring food and drinking water if you want to stay for lunch. Combining a picnic with a manageable lakeside walk is a practical option for families without having to complete a longer trail.

The council lists accessible facilities, but also identifies the walking trails as unpaved. This does not mean every track is suitable for a wheelchair or pram. Visitors using mobility aids should favour the main visitor area, assess the current surfaces and avoid assuming that routes into the hills have the same access as the picnic facilities.

Children need supervision near water and when sharing paths with bicycles or horses. Keep clear of wetland margins and do not enter the lakes. Pack footwear that can cope with damp or muddy ground, especially after prolonged rain.

Dogs, Cycling and Shared Trails

Dogs are welcome but must remain on lead at all times. This applies throughout Birdsland, including beside the lakes. Carry bags, collect waste and prevent dogs from approaching wildlife or other visitors.

The reserve accommodates riding and mountain biking as well as walking. Use the trails appropriate to your activity and obey signs at junctions. Cyclists should slow down around pedestrians, and everyone should allow space when passing horses.

Rules may change at the boundary of another park. If continuing towards Lysterfield, check the restrictions there before taking a dog or planning a particular activity.

Getting There, Gate Times and Fire Closures

Birdsland’s main access is from Mount Morton Road, with the visitor address listed as 271 Mount Morton Road, Belgrave Heights. Follow the reserve entrance signs rather than relying on the location of a distant trail connection.

The reserve opens at 7:30am daily. Closing times change seasonally, so read the gate sign when you arrive and plan your return to the car well before closing. Do not assume an approximate time from a previous visit still applies.

Birdsland closes on Total Fire Ban days and on days rated Extreme or Catastrophic by the CFA. Check the fire information before driving there in hot weather, and follow any other temporary closure signs. Bring layers for cool conditions and avoid longer exposed trails when the weather makes the outing unsuitable.

Birdsland Reserve FAQs

Where is Birdsland Reserve?
The main visitor approach is from Mount Morton Road, with the visitor address commonly listed as 271 Mount Morton Road, Belgrave Heights. Follow the reserve signs to the picnic and parking area rather than a distant trail connection.

Is Birdsland free to visit?
General reserve entry is free. Bring food and water if staying for a picnic, and allow extra time if you want to walk beyond the lakeside visitor area.

When do the gates open and close?
The reserve opens at 7:30am daily, with closing times changing seasonally. Read the entrance sign when you arrive and return to your car well before the gates close.

Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are welcome on lead at all times. Keep them controlled beside the lakes and on shared trails, and check the rules of any adjoining park before extending your walk.

Are there barbecues and toilets?
The main visitor area includes barbecues, picnic tables and toilets. Those facilities make it practical to combine a shorter walk with lunch, but do not assume services continue along the more distant trails.

Can I walk to Lysterfield?
The Dargon Trail connects towards Lysterfield Lake Park. Plan the full route and return distance, allow for hills and take a current map rather than treating it as a brief lakeside detour.

Are the paths wheelchair accessible?
Council lists accessible facilities, but the walking trails are unpaved and routes into the hills have different demands. Assess the main visitor area and current surface conditions before choosing a route for a wheelchair or pram.

When does Birdsland close for fire danger?
Council closes the reserve on Total Fire Ban days and days rated Extreme or Catastrophic. Check current fire information before travelling, and obey other temporary access notices regardless of normal gate hours.