Changing Places
Interpretive signage along the Ways of Seeing theme
Changing Places
The Dandenong Ranges are the remains of an ancient, extinct volcano that erupted over 300 million years ago. You may encounter different forest types along the ngurrak barring trail depending on which side of the ridge you are on. Each forest type features different plant species.
Wet Forest
Found here on May Moon track and sections of the trail at Olinda, Sassafras and Ferny Creek, these forests grow on easterly and southerly slopes and in sheltered valleys where conditions are cool and humid, and fertile loamy soils prevail.
- Mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans) gorrwun
- Blanket leaf (Bedfordia arborescens)
- Rough tree fern (Cyathea australis) buyet
- Mother shield fern (Polystichum proliferum)
Damp Forest
Scattered throughout the Dandenong Ranges, damp forests grow between the wet and dry forests from low altitude gullies to protected slopes and ridges, on a range of fertile soils.
- Messmate (Eucalyptus obliqua) burn-ngatuk
- Hazel pomaderris (Pomaderris aspera)
- Prickly currant bush (Coprosma quadrifida) morr
- Hop goodenia (Goodenia ovata)
Shrubby Foothill Forest
Found along several sections of the trail in Kalorama, Mount Dandenong and Upper Ferntree Gully, these forests grow on ridges and exposed westerly and northerly slopes where conditions are warmer and drier, and soils are moderately fertile.
- Narrow-leaved peppermint (Eucalyptus radiata ssp. Radiata) wiyal
- Cherry ballart (Exocarpos cupressiformis) ballee
- Kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra)
- Rough bush-pea (Pultenaea scabra)
The risk of invasion by introduced weeds such as Blackberry, Sycamore Maple and English Ivy increases after natural events such as fire and storms, when the tree canopy is opened up. However, native species can also regenerate quickly after these events, like they did after the devastating windstorm in 2021. Every time you visit, you can notice and even photograph how the forest changes over time.
woiwurrung translations by Wurundjeri woman Brooke Wandin.
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