reefton

Welcome to Dangle Downs!

This is a block of land that we purchased in November 2003. Roughly
one acre in size, this beautiful piece of bushland is situated on
Armstrong Creek, a tributary of the Yarra River.

Dangle Downs (as we have named it!) is located at Reefton in the Yarra
Valley. The Yarra Valley is known in Victoria as an excellent wine
growing region and has many sensational wineries you can visit (we
should know!!).

Reefton is located 20kms East of Warburton, just 3kms below the
Upper Yarra Reservoir. There is no town water but there is power
available. A number of houses have been built over the years but
Reefton still remains quiet and peaceful.

Land for Wildlife

Getting back to Dangle Downs..... There are many beautiful indigenous plants and animals which live on the property.
There is a clearing in the centre for building if we desire but currently we are very happy for the land to stay as it is. We
have now registered the property as "Land for Wildlife" through the Department of Sustainability & Environment, to
show our commitment to preserving the indigenous flora and fauna of the area.

A little bit of history

Reefton was originally known as "Reef Town" during the gold
mining days. Waterways were diverted (as can be seen at the
Big & Little Peninsula Tunnels) and gold was extracted throughout
the area. During the "gold rush", there were a large number of
pubs built to cater for the hundreds of workers but all have gone
except the Reefton Hotel which was relocated to McMahons
Creek. Fortunately, it's still going strong and is a very relaxing
place to visit.

Vegetation

The natural vegetation is tall open forest, characteristic of riparian
(riverbank) situations. The lower part of the block close to
Anderson Creek is dominated by a stand of Manna Gums
(Eucalyptus viminalis). These tall, straight eucalypts tower over
smaller trees such as Hazel Pomaderris (Pomaderris aspera),
Silver Wattles (Acacia dealbata) and Blanket-leaf (Bedfordia
arborescens). Moisture-loving plants abound in this area and the
understorey is rich in sedges and ferns, including Rough Tree-ferns
and Smooth Tree-ferns (Cyathea australis and Dicksonia
antarctica). In open areas, Tussock Grasses (Poa spp) flourish,
along with a beautiful spring-flowering orchid, the Alpine Greenhood
(Pterostylis alpina). Another orchid, Cinnamon Bells (Gastrodia
sesamoides) has been seen growing around the bases of some of
the large Manna Gums.

As the block slopes gently upwards away from the creek, Narrow-leaved Peppermints (Eucalyptus radiata) begin to
dominate the overstorey. Prickly Bush-peas (Pultenaea forsythiana), Snowy Daisy Bushes (Olearia lirata) and
Narrow-leaved Wattles (Acacia mucronata var longifolia) are common understorey shrubs. The Tall Greenhood
(Pterostylis melagramma) has been seen in this part of the block, as has the Common Fringe Lily (Thysanotus
tuberosus). Another lily, Dianella tasmanica, creates a stunning summer display with its bright purple fruits.

So far, we have identified 73 species of indigenous flowering plants and ferns at Dangle Downs.

Fauna

Native mammals seen or heard at Dangle Downs have included Brush-tail Possums, Ring-tail Possums, Greater
Gliders, Yellow-bellied Gliders and insectivorous microbats. A large dead eucalypt on the property probably provides
valuable habitat for some of these animals.

Dangle Downs does not seem particularly rich in frog species - so far, we have only heard 2 species, the Brown
Tree-frog and Common Froglet. We have spotted one snake near our property and have sighted some small lizards
(skinks).

Our bird list continues to grow and includes Gang Gang Cockatoos, Kookaburras, Pied Currawongs, Superb Blue
Wrens (nesting), Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos, Crimson Rosellas, Yellow faced Honeyeaters, White Eared
Honeyeaters, Golden Whistlers, Grey Fantails, Grey Shrike-thrushes and Eastern Yellow Robins.