Woorabinda Bushland Reserves

Where is it?: Woorabinda Bushland Reserves between Longwood Road and Milan Terrace, Stirling, comprise four adjacent reserves namely Hender Reserve, Madurta Reserve, Woorabinda Reserve and Stirling Park. Access to Woorabinda is available off Ethel Street or Branch Street. A walkway connects Madurta Reserve to Woorabinda Reserve.

Owner: Adelaide Hills Council

Property summary: Total area 34 hectares. Hundred of Onkaparinga – Allotments 2, 28, 150 & 151 (Woorabinda/Stirling Park), Section 1527 (Hender), Allotment 32 (Madurta)

Landscape Management Region: Hills and Fleurieu

History: Hender Reserve is Crown land that is managed by the Adelaide Hills Council for the benefit of the community. It is part of a larger area that was originally proclaimed ‘to be used as a reserve for public convenience, health and enjoyment’.

Madurta Reserve came into existence in 1972 when the surrounding area was subdivided for housing with the proviso that an open space be set aside.

Stirling Park was developed by the Halliday family as a market garden in the 1840’s. It was used for summer vegetable growing until the early 1970’s.

Woorabinda, along with Stirling Park, was originally known as ‘Halliday’s Gully’. Woorabinda Lake was originally constructed by the South Australian Railways Department in 1922 to supply water to Aldgate station for use by steam locomotives.

Habitat: In Hender Reserve and Madurta Reserve there is Open Forest of Candlebark Gum (Eucalyptus dalrympleana var. dalrympleana). Stirling Park forms an important part of the catchment of Aldgate Creek. Plans were developed and work undertaken to re-establish a series of ponds in the wetland area. In Stirling Park and Woorabinda Reserve there is Low Open Forest including Cup Gum (E. cosmophylla), Brown Stringybark (E. baxter) and Messmate Stringybark (E. obliqua). There has been extensive re-vegetation carried out in all reserves.

More information: Friends of Woorabinda Bushland Reserves

Total Species Recorded to Date: 69 (non-passerines 39, passerines 30)

Common Species: Eurasian Coot, Adelaide Rosella, White-browed Treecreeper, Superb Fairywren, Crescent Honeyeater, Grey Shrikethrush, Grey Fantail

Less Common Species: Red-rumped Parrot, Black-capped Sittella, Willie Wagtail, Bassian Thrush

Updated: 28/07/2021