The tall gums and wattles that shaded the fern gully are the home of the Sugar Glider that feeds on gum from wattle trees and nests in the tall gums for protection. These graceful possums scurry to the top of trees and then launch themselves on a long flight to another tree.

Another creature in coastal bushland is the Ringtail Possum that build dreys or large enclosed nests to protect their babies. They can curl their tails around a branch to help them hold on. Both these animals are nocturnal but a quiet walk at night with a torch can sometimes let you see them.

An intact bush area attracts the Echidna who snuffs around looking for ants but otherwise minds his own business. And the Native Swamp Rat that scuttles around keeping to the dense forest floor to avoid predators.

Home to a small Koala population, a priority is to protect and enhance existing vegetation and raise awareness of the challenges koalas face to ensure we maintain a healthy population. Our conservation team help protect the Peninsula’s koala population by restoring and enhancing existing vegetation focusing on planting additional koala food trees. We work closely with the Mornington Peninsula Shire and Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation to protect the peninsula’s koala population.

For more information go to https://www.mpkoalas.org.au/