Natural environment

Nillumbik's natural environment is a mix of peri-urban areas, bushlands, landscapes and open spaces. The features of this unique environment are highly valued by residents and visitors.

The Yarra River corridor is a special and defining element of the southern edge of the shire, and flows around the special rural conservation living zone of the Bend of Islands, on to North Warrandyte, Research and Eltham.

The shire’s natural environment spans steep ridges, gentle sloping hills, alluvial plains, valleys and waterways; and includes an array of vegetation types including:

• dry forests and woodlands
• wet and damp forests
• cleared rural land
• grasslands
• scattered trees
• and waterways.

Much of Nillumbik is characterised by open grassy woodland, with relatively shallow soils dominated by long-leafed and red box eucalypts, and with the fertile soils of an old volcano at Kangaroo Ground offering localised rich farming land.

The Arthurs Creek and Strathewen areas have seen a long history of orchards and cattle farming, yet still retain many stands of ancient eucalypts.

Nillumbik is home to a vast array of indigenous flora and fauna species, including many that are listed significant and threatened species.

Local fauna ranges from kangaroos, wombats, echidnas to a wonderful array of birds, and to rare:

• Brush-tailed Phascogales
• Southern Toadlets
• Eltham Copper Butterflies
• and Powerful Owls.

Nillumbik Council supports this natural environment through a range of different environmental programs and projects.