Ambergate Nature Reserve & Walk Trail
4.6 (55 Google reviews)
Ambergate Reserve is a 75-hectare regional park which protects the remnants of scrubland and woodlands once common along the coastal plains of Busselton.
The reserve is ablaze with wildflowers in spring - but at any time of the year the 4km loop walk trail offers the visitor a chance to observe an amazing variety of plants and wildlife.
Over 360 plant species have been recorded at Ambergate Reserve. From tall trees and shrubs such as marri, jarrah, peppermints, banksia and snottygobble, to creepers and ground covers - and 26 species of orchid!
Many animal species inhabit the reserve, and while some are active during the day, many others are only seen at night, while ‘spotlighting’. Mammal inhabitants include kangaroos, quendas, brush-tailed possums, ringtail possums, bats, wallabies and echidnas. There are also species of frog, and many reptiles like legless lizards, snakes, geckos and skinks.
The enormous variety of birds found here includes tree martins, rainbow bee-eaters, wood swallows, parrots, lorikeets, cockatoos, honeyeaters, wood ducks, heron, black swans, ibis, boobooks, kites, falcons and tawny frogmouths. The birdlife varies greatly by season, with the reserve being used by many migratory species.
When visiting the reserve it is important to follow the path and adhere to all signage. To prevent the spread of the dieback fungus that threatens native plant species in the South West, visitors are asked to use the footwear cleaning stations at the entrance to the trail and at the junctions.
