Peter Murrell State Reserve

The Peter Murrell State Reserve, located just south of Hobart, Tasmania, is a significant bushland area encompassing diverse forest, buttongrass, and heathland communities. The reserve is part of the Peter Murrell Reserves, which also include the Peter Murrell Conservation Area and a public reserve. These areas collectively conserve a range of natural habitats and offer various recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy walking and horse riding trails, with designated zones marked for these activities. The reserve is home to a high diversity of plant species, including 37 orchid species, five of which are endemic to Tasmania. The landscape comes alive from late winter through to summer with bright and beautiful displays of wildflowers. Wildlife enthusiasts can encounter species such as the nationally vulnerable eastern barred bandicoot and the endangered forty-spotted pardalote. The reserve's proximity to the southern Tasmanian communities of Kingston, Blackmans Bay, and Howden makes it a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking a tranquil bushland experience. The reserve is named after Peter Murrell, the first director of Parks and Wildlife in Tasmania, reflecting its historical significance in the state's conservation efforts. For more information, visit the Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania's official page on the Peter Murrell Reserves.