Frequently Asked Questions

Explore the below questions to learn how to visit, enjoy, and care for Yarran Dheran Nature Reserve, including information on access, facilities, wildlife, safety and volunteering.

Visiting the Reserve

  • Yarran Dheran Nature Reserve is in Mitcham, in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, and is part of the iconic Mullum Mullum Creek Valley.

    The main entrance and Information Centre are at 1A Ashburton Drive, Mitcham, with access via local streets, nearby bike paths, and walking trails.

    The Reserve is also accessible by public transport, with Heatherdale and Mitcham railway stations approximately a 30-minute walk away, and nearby bus routes 370, 270 and 901.

  • Yarran Dheran is a public bushland reserve and is generally open and accessible at all times.

    For safety and to protect wildlife, we recommend visiting during daylight and checking local council notices for any temporary closures or works.

  • Yes. The reserve has established walking tracks and riverside paths, with walking information and maps available through our “Walking in Yarran Dheran” information and at the Information Centre.

    These help you choose walks of different lengths and difficulty levels.

  • Some paths near the entrance and along the creek are relatively level and may suit prams and people with limited mobility, while other tracks are steeper or uneven bush trails. Paths are gravel and may be slippery at times.

    We recommend checking track information and choosing routes that match your needs.

  • Basic visitor facilities, including toilets and drinking fountains, are located near the main entrance and Information Centre area, with seating and spots to rest and enjoy the bushland.

    Larger picnic and BBQ facilities are available nearby adjacent to the Schwerkolt Museum and Cottage.

  • Many events require registration so we can manage group size and safety.

    Event listings include registration links or contact details, so please check the individual event for how to book.

  • Yes, dogs are welcome in the reserve, but they must be kept on a lead at all times.

    There are no dog waste bag stations, so please bring your own and use the bins provided. Yarran Dheran is managed primarily for wildlife conservation, so please be mindful of both wildlife and the volunteers who care for the reserve.

  • You are welcome to ride a regular bicycle on the trails, but please keep to the designated paths. Motorised bikes are not permitted in the reserve.

  • Yarran Dheran is managed by Whitehorse City Council, with advice and on-ground support from the Yarran Dheran Advisory Committee and volunteers.

    This partnership ensures the reserve is managed for conservation, education, and quiet recreation.

Activities & Events

  • Visitors can enjoy bushwalking on signed tracks, birdwatching, nature photography, and quiet time in native bushland.

    You can also join guided walks, citizen science surveys, and community events listed on our Events page.

  • Our “Upcoming Events” page lists current guided walks, talks, surveys, and community activities at Yarran Dheran.

    You can also sign up to our email updates to hear about new events and opportunities to get involved.

  • Many events require registration so we can manage group size and safety.

    Event listings include registration links or contact details, so please check the individual event for how to book.

  • Yes. Many walks, clean-up days, and community activities are family-friendly and designed to help children connect with nature.

    Some events involve uneven tracks or night-time surveys, so always check the event description for age and fitness guidance.

Wildlife & Environment

  • The reserve supports a variety of native birds, mammals, reptiles, and frogs, thanks to its 7.2 hectares of remnant and restored bushland along the Mullum Mullum Creek.

    Regular bird and frog surveys help us monitor species and guide habitat protection.

  • Yarran Dheran links key habitat corridors in the Mullum Mullum Valley, helping wildlife move safely between bushland areas.

    Ongoing revegetation, weed control, and habitat restoration by volunteers and council protect native plants and animals in an increasingly urban landscape.

  • No. All plants, logs, leaf litter, and natural features must stay in the reserve to protect habitat and soil health.

    Leaving everything as you find it helps native species survive and keeps the bushland healthy for future visitors.

  • If you encounter sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife, please do not attempt to care for them yourself. Contact one of the trained wildlife rescue services below for guidance and assistance:

    Local Wildlife Rescue Contacts

    Statewide & Other Wildlife Contacts

    Species-Specific Contacts

    Tip: If you find a baby bird on the ground, especially in spring, contact a wildlife rescue service for guidance rather than attempting to move it yourself.

  • In the City of Whitehorse, every visitor to Yarran Dheran Nature Reserve plays a vital role in caring for it. Below is essential contact information should you notice something amiss during your visit:

    • Pollution spill - Contact EPA Victoria's 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842

    • Tree down, graffiti, dumped rubbish, abandoned shopping trolleys, or less urgent issues - Use the phone app Snap, Send Solve

    For emergencies involving people or immediate danger:

    • Police – 000 (emergency) or 131 444 (non-emergency)

Volunteering

  • Volunteers are central to caring for Yarran Dheran. You can join regular working bees, assist with events, help with wildlife surveys, or support community engagement by visiting the “Volunteer” or “Get Involved” pages and completing the expression-of-interest form.

  • No experience is required. While knowledge of plants or ecology can be helpful for some activities, it is not essential. You may be surprised that your skills and expertise, such as IT, weeding, watering, sewing, and more, could be valuable. Training, tools, and guidance are provided on the day by experienced volunteers and Council staff.

    There is a range of different volunteer opportunities available, and each listing will note any equipment required, such as sturdy shoes or gloves. If you have specific questions, you can submit an enquiry through the website.