# Devilbend Natural Features Reserve

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Nature reserve park in Australia

Devilbend Natural Features Reserve Devilbend Reservoir Park Devilbend Reserve map (© Parks Victoria, November 2017) Type Natural reserve Location Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia Nearest city Melbourne Coordinates 38°17′15″S 145°06′16″E / 38.2876°S 145.1044°E / -38.2876; 145.1044 Area 1,005 ha (2,480 acres) Created 8 March 2007 Status Open

The **Devilbend Natural Features Reserve** is a 1,005-hectare (2,480-acre) [natural reserve](/source/Natural_reserve) [park](/source/Park) in the rural [locality](/source/Suburbs_and_localities_(Australia)) of [Tuerong](/source/Tuerong%2C_Victoria) on the [Mornington Peninsula](/source/Mornington_Peninsula) in central southern [Victoria](/source/Victoria_(Australia)), Australia, 55 km (34 mi) southeast of the state capital [Melbourne](/source/Melbourne)'s [city center](/source/Melbourne_CBD).

The park contains two decommissioned [water supply](/source/Water_supply) [reservoirs](/source/Reservoir), the **Devilbend Reservoir** and **Bittern Reservoir**, which are less than 600 m (660 yd) apart and linked by an often-dry [drainage](/source/Drainage) [channel](/source/Channel_(geography)). These reservoirs were the original reason the surrounding parkland was protected from general public access and was not subjected to [land development](/source/Land_development).[1] Both reservoirs are along the course of the [eponymous](/source/Eponym) **Devilbend Creek**, a [left tributary](/source/Left_tributary) of the much larger Balcombe Creek that drains into [Port Phillip Bay](/source/Port_Phillip_Bay) at [Mount Martha](/source/Mount_Martha%2C_Victoria). Nearby just 500 m (550 yd) in the north, there is a much smaller, unnamed third lake further downstream along the creek in the neighbouring locality of [Moorooduc](/source/Moorooduc), next to a [golf course](/source/Golf_course) within what is known as the Devilbend Recreation Reserve.

## History

Dam in Victoria

Devilbend Reservoir The levee and intake tower on the northern edge of the reservoir Country Australia Location Victoria Coordinates 38°16′41″S 145°06′00″E / 38.277995°S 145.099998°E / -38.277995; 145.099998 Purpose Water supply Status Decommissioned Opening date 1965 Built by State Rivers & Water Supply Commission Owner Melbourne Water Dam and spillways Type of dam Earth fill dam Impounds Balcombe Creek Height (foundation) 29 m (95 ft) Length 275 m (902 ft) Dam volume 222×10^3 m3 (7.8×10^6 cu ft) Spillways 1 Spillway type Uncontrolled Spillway capacity 40 m3/s (1,400 cu ft/s) Reservoir Total capacity 14,600 ML (11,800 acre⋅ft) Catchment area 23 km2 (8.9 sq mi) Surface area 243 ha (600 acres)

The Devilbend Natural Features Reserve is located within the [traditional country](/source/Native_title_in_Australia) of the [Bunurong people](/source/Bunurong_people), part of the [indigenous](/source/Indigenous_Australian) [Kulin nation](/source/Kulin_nation).

[Orbital view](/source/Satellite_imagery) of the [Mornington Peninsula](/source/Mornington_Peninsula) around the Devilbend Reserve (just right of the center) taken during [ISS](/source/ISS) [Expedition 16](/source/Expedition_16).

Graydens Road [causeway](/source/Causeway) across the reserve.

The Bittern Reservoir, the smaller of the two reservoirs with a capacity of 573 ML (20.2×10^6 cu ft), was built in the 1930s.[2][3][4] The much larger Devilbend Reservoir, with an area of 243 ha (600 acres) and a capacity of 14,600 [ML](/source/Megalitre) (11,800 [acre⋅ft](/source/Acre-foot)), was built during the 1960s and opened in 1965, and is currently the largest [freshwater](/source/Freshwater) [body](/source/Waterbody) in the [Shire of Mornington Peninsula](/source/Shire_of_Mornington_Peninsula).[5] The two reservoirs provided backup [drinking water](/source/Drinking_water) to the Mornington Peninsula until the completion of a water [pipeline](/source/Pipeline_transport) between the [Cardinia Reservoir](/source/Cardinia_Reservoir) and [Pearcedale](/source/Pearcedale%2C_Victoria) in December 2000 made them redundant. In September 2006, most of the reservoir land was transferred to [Parks Victoria](/source/Parks_Victoria) with the Devilbend Natural Features Reserve being [gazetted](/source/Gazette) on 8 March 2007.[1] A management plan for the reserve was voted in 2010, and in 2011 a new masterplan aiming to turn the area into a tourist area was prepared.[6]

The Devilbend Foundation was created in 2002 to lobby against recreational fishing in the Devilbend Reserve, and against [horseriding](/source/Horseriding) in the vicinity, arguing it would compromise the natural equilibrium of the park.[7]

In 2012, after 6 years of land renovation that required a budget of $1.6 million, the reserve reopened to the public.[8] The reserve was inaugurated by [Peter Walsh](/source/Peter_Walsh_(Australian_politician)), and took the name Devilbend Natural Features Reserve on this day. Among the new features of the park are the entrance gateway, the [asphalt](/source/Asphalt_concrete) entrance road, sealed car park, the picnic and barbecue facilities, the [walking tracks](/source/Walking_track) and the [boardwalk](/source/Boardwalk).[7]

## Environment

The southern, main part of Devilbend Reservoir, viewed from Daangean Point

Residential backyard backing onto the reservoir

Much of the Mornington Peninsula's native [bushland](/source/Bushland) has been cleared, and it is estimated that less than 5% of the original habitat remains. Devilbend is one of just a few sites on the Peninsula containing significant areas of these remnant native vegetation. Over 200 species of indigenous plants have been recorded in and around the reserve, including trees, shrubs, ground plants, [aquatics](/source/Aquatic_plant), [orchids](/source/Orchid) and their associated [communities](/source/Plant_community).[5] Other sizeable fragments of bushland remaining on the Peninsula are at [Point Nepean](/source/Point_Nepean) (333 ha (820 acres)), Green's Bush (1,100 ha (2,700 acres)) and [HMAS *Cerberus*](/source/HMAS_Cerberus_(naval_base)) (1,700 ha (4,200 acres)).

Past restrictions on public access to the Devilbend Reserve have created favourable conditions for wildlife, as shown by large numbers of [waterbirds](/source/Waterbird) and [frogs](/source/Frog) recorded there.[5] The 243 ha (600 acres) Devilbend Reservoir has been identified by [BirdLife International](/source/BirdLife_International) as an [Important Bird Area](/source/Important_Bird_Area) (IBA) because it supports, seasonally, over 1% of the global population of the [near-threatened](/source/Near-threatened) [blue-billed duck](/source/Blue-billed_duck).[9] The reserve also contains the only nesting site of the [white-bellied sea eagle](/source/White-bellied_sea_eagle) on the Mornington Peninsula. The [growling grass frog](/source/Growling_grass_frog) and [dwarf galaxias](/source/Galaxiella_pusilla) have been recorded in the reserve.[1]

44 species of birds were inventoried in the Reserve.[10] In 2005, 140 indigenous plant species were inventoried.[11]

		- The reserve contains the only nesting site of the [white-bellied sea eagle](/source/White-bellied_sea_eagle) on the Mornington Peninsula.

		- The reserve is an important seasonal site for [blue-billed ducks](/source/Blue-billed_duck).

		- [Chestnut teal](/source/Chestnut_teal)

		- [Black swan](/source/Black_swan)

		- [Crimson rosella](/source/Crimson_rosella) is a common sight in Devilbend Reserve

		- [Powerful owl](/source/Powerful_owl)

		- [Red-eared slider](/source/Red-eared_slider) turtles were also spotted in the reserve.[6]

		- [Growling grass frog](/source/Growling_grass_frog) has been recorded in the reserve.

		- [Blue tongue skink](/source/Blue_tongue_skink)

		- [Short-beaked echidna](/source/Short-beaked_echidna)

## Recreation

Shoreline Track, part of Devilbend's Reservoir Circuit Trail

The [inlet](/source/Inlet) on the west shore of Daangean Point, part of the boating zone of the Devilbend Reservoir.

[Fishing pier](/source/Fishing_pier) and [pontoon](/source/Floating_dock_(jetty)) on Daangean Point

[Picnic tables](/source/Picnic_table), shelter, [public toilets](/source/Public_toilet) and [electric barbecues](/source/Barbecue_grill#Electric_grill) are available in the Daangean Point Picnic Area. There is no [drinking fountain](/source/Drinking_fountain) available.

### Hiking and cycling

The features of Devilbend can be explored by selected [walking tracks](/source/Walking_tracks).

- Western Shoreline Track — 1.2 km (0.75 mi) long, 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) wide [compacted surface](/source/Soil_compaction) shoreline trail, descending from the Devilbend Picnic Area to the [fishing platforms](/source/Fishing_pier) and [boardwalks](/source/Boardwalk).

- Daangean Point Track — 1.5 km (0.93 mi) long bushwalk, running through remnant lowland forest from Daangean Point to the southern shoreline.

- Devilbend Circuit Track — 11.5 km (7.1 mi) long circuit, combining Daangean Trail and the Catch Drain Trail to circumnavigate Devilbend Reservoir and meandering through lowland forest and grassy woodland with multiple access points to the tranquil waterbody providing birdwatching and passive recreation. Bittern Reservoir Circuit is accessible off the southern end at Hodgins Road and can be incorporated into the broader circuit.

The trail system includes all‐ability [hiking](/source/Hiking) access to the shoreline, viewing/fishing platforms and boardwalk. [Cycling](/source/Cycling) is permitted on all trails in the reserve. Dogs and other pets are not permitted.

### Horseriding

A 6.2 km (3.9 mi) long, 10 m (33 ft) wide [horse trail](/source/Horse_trail) is available for [horseriders](/source/Horserider), accessed off Hodgins, Turners or Derril Roads around the southern boundary.

### Birdwatching

[Birdwatching](/source/Birdwatching) is popular in the Devilbend Natural Features Reserve, which is of high [nature conservation](/source/Nature_conservation) significance, and the Devilbend Reservoir is recognised as an [Important Bird Area](/source/Important_Bird_Area), meaning an area recognised by [BirdLife International](/source/BirdLife_International) as being globally important for the conservation of bird populations. The reserve supports over 1% of the global population of [blue-billed duck](/source/Blue-billed_duck), which is listed as [threatened](/source/Threatened_species) under the [Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988](/source/Flora_and_Fauna_Guarantee_Act_1988), as well as being the only [nesting](/source/Nesting_instinct) [habitat](/source/Habitat) for the majestic [white-bellied sea eagle](/source/White-bellied_sea_eagle) on the Mornington Peninsula. There have been 158 bird species recorded in the area, including 14 international [migratory birds](/source/Migratory_bird).

### Boating

By the end of 2017, [Parks Victoria](/source/Parks_Victoria) allowed [non-powered paddlecrafts](/source/Human-powered_watercraft) (including [canoes](/source/Canoe), [kayaks](/source/Kayak), [paddleboards](/source/Paddleboard) and [windsurfers](/source/Windsurfer)) on the lake,[12][10] but only on a 33 ha (82 acres) designated [boating](/source/Boating) zone in the northwestern arm of the reservoir, west of a peninsula known as the Daangean Point, with yellow [buoys](/source/Buoy) and signs marking the boating zone boundary. Two launch facilities are available by walking along the Western Shoreline Trail, the first of which is approximately 240 m (260 yd) from the [picnic](/source/Picnic) ground and [car park](/source/Car_park).

### Fishing

Devilbend and Bittern Reservoirs have [game fishes](/source/Game_fish) regularly [stocked](/source/Fish_stocking) by the Victorian Fisheries Authority, both [introduced](/source/Introduced_species) (such as [rainbow trout](/source/Rainbow_trout), [brown trout](/source/Brown_trout) and [yellow perch](/source/Yellow_perch)) and [native species](/source/Native_species) (such as [estuary perch](/source/Estuary_perch), [Australian bass](/source/Australian_bass) and [surf bream](/source/Surf_bream)), as well as variously [naturalized](/source/Naturalisation_(biology)) [invasive species](/source/Invasive_species) (such as [redfin](/source/European_perch) and [carp](/source/Common_carp)). [Angling](/source/Angling) is permitted but all adults aged between 18 and 69 require a [recreational](/source/Recreational_fishing) [fishing license](/source/Fishing_license) and all fishing activities needs to be done in accordance with the *Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide*. [Bank fishing](/source/Bank_fishing) is permitted only in five designated fishing zones in the northern shores of the two reservoirs (four in Devilbend, one in Bittern), and [boat fishing](/source/Recreational_boat_fishing) only for non‐powered watercraft ([human-](/source/Human-powered_watercraft) and [wind-powered](/source/Sailboat)) in the designated 33-hectare (82-acre) boating zone in the northern arm of the Devilbend Reservoir.

Starting in 2010, the Devilbend Reservoir was stocked with 14,000 rainbow trout and 21,000 brown trout.[8] Those first trout stocks were done secretly, and much of the initial [fingerlings](/source/Fingerling_(fish)) were eaten by [native perches](/source/Macquaria).[7] In November 2017, the Victorian Fisheries Authority released 180 thumping brown trout (2.5 kg or 5.5 lb each, grown at the Snobs Creek hatchery) into the Reservoir to "improve the mixed fishery".[13] 100,000 trout were stocked in the Devilbend Reservoir between 2010 and 2017.[12]

## See also

- [Australia portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Australia)
- [Environment portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Environment)

- [Lakes and reservoirs of Melbourne](/source/Lakes_and_reservoirs_of_Melbourne)

- [Protected areas of Victoria](/source/Protected_areas_of_Victoria)

- [Boon wurrung](/source/Boon_wurrung)

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-dbmp_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-dbmp_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-dbmp_1-2) Anon (2010). [*Devilbend Natural Features Reserve, Management Plan*](http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources07/07_2677.pdf) (PDF). Melbourne: Parks Victoria. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-7311-8385-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7311-8385-2).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Recent Conditions and Happenings in Rural Areas: Agricultural"](http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224475904). *[Weekly Times](/source/Weekly_Times)*. No. 3434. Victoria, Australia. 22 July 1933. p. 52 (FIRST EDITION). Retrieved 5 March 2017 – via National Library of Australia., *...An application for £10,000 will be made to make an open cut from Bittern Reservoir, now being constructed, to Dromana, 15 miles away...*

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["COUNTRY SECTION"](http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article203382761). *[The Age](/source/The_Age)*. No. 24, 562. Victoria, Australia. 2 January 1934. p. 10. Retrieved 5 March 2017 – via National Library of Australia.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["PENINSULA WATER Position Alarming"](http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12100491). *[The Argus (Melbourne)](/source/The_Argus_(Melbourne))*. No. 28, 863. Victoria, Australia. 23 February 1939. p. 9. Retrieved 5 March 2017 – via National Library of Australia., *...Already the Bittern reservoir had been completed...*

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-nta_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-nta_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-nta_5-2) ["Devilbend Reservoir and Environs"](http://www.nattrust.com.au/trust_register/search_the_register/devilbend_reservoir_and_environs). National Trust of Australia - Victoria. Retrieved 17 June 2011.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-devilbend_vicparks_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-devilbend_vicparks_6-1) [Devilbend Natural Features Reserve](https://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/devilbend-n.f.r.) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190926230800/https://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/devilbend-n.f.r.) 26 September 2019 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), *Vic.gov.au* (accessed on 26 September 2019)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-open_doubts_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-open_doubts_7-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-open_doubts_7-2) Mike Hast, [Devilbend open but doubts remain](http://www.mpnews.com.au/2012/11/22/devilbend-open-but-doubts-remain/), *Mpnews.com.au*, 22 November 2012 (accessed on 26 September 2019)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-2012_reopening_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-2012_reopening_8-1) [Devilbend Reservoir](https://vfa.vic.gov.au/recreational-fishing/fishing-locations/devilbend-reservoir), *Vic.gov.au*, 2012 (accessed on 26 September 2019)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["IBA: Devilbend Reservoir"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110706102341/http://www.birdata.com.au/iba.vm). *Birdata*. Birds Australia. Archived from [the original](http://www.birdata.com.au/iba.vm) on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 17 June 2011.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-oarsome_paddlers_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-oarsome_paddlers_10-1) [Oarsome news for paddlers at Devilbend](http://www.mpnews.com.au/2017/12/05/oarsome-news-for-paddlers-at-devilbend/), *Mpnews.com.au*, 5 December 2017 (accessed on 26 September 2019)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** [Devilbend Reservoir And Environs](https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/70311/download-report), *Heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au*, 15 September 2005 (accessed on 26 September 2019)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-fishing_access_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-fishing_access_12-1) [On-water fishing access for Devilbend Reservoir, Vic.](https://www.fishingworld.com.au/news/on-water-fishing-access-for-devilbend-reservoir-vic), *Fishingworld.com*, 16 October 2017 (accessed on 26 September 2019)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** [Big brown trout for Devilbend](https://www.fishingworld.com.au/news/big-brown-trout-for-devilbend), *Fishingworld.com*, 4 November 2017 (accessed on 26 September 2019)

## External links

- [Victoria State Government](https://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/devilbend-n.f.r.) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190926230800/https://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/devilbend-n.f.r.) 26 September 2019 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

- [Devilbend Foundation](http://www.devilbendfoundation.org.au/)

v t e Lakes and other waterbodies of Victoria, Australia Regional lakes and other waterbodies Coastal, lagoons, and wetlands Borrie Wetlands Coleman Connewarre Gippsland King Murtnaghurt Natimuk-Douglas Nillahcootie Reedy Reeve Tutchewop Tyers Victoria Wellington Winton Wetlands Yambuk IBA Freshwater (natural) Albacutya Barracoota Benalla Boga Bookar Buloke Burrumbeet Butchers Coradgil Cardross Colac Colongulac Coorong Deep Elingamite Hindmarsh Kow Swamp Lorne Martin Terangoom Weeranganuk Wendouree Western District Glacial, crater, or formed by a landslide Bullen Merri Condah Elizabeth Gnotuk Purrumbete Tali Karng Saltwater Beeac Colongulac Corangamite Cundare Dimboola Gnarpurt St Leonards Milangil Murdeduke Tyrrell Victoria Western District Reservoirs Cairn Curran Catani Dartmouth Eildon Eppalock Guthridge Hume Laanecoorie Lauriston Mulwala Narracan William Hovell Yet to be classified Former lakes Guyatt Keilambete Learmonth Logan Marmal Rosine Round Terang Mokoan Metropolitan lakes and other waterbodies in Melbourne Lakes Major Albert Park Aura Vale Berwick Springs Blackburn Braeside & Woodlands Caribbean Carrum Carrum Swamp Cherry Edithvale Wetlands Edwardes Jells Karkarook Koo-Wee-Rup Swamp Lillydale Lysterfield RAAF (Point Cook) Royal Botanic Gardens Patterson Sanctuary Waterways Westgate Small Anniversary Blue Brodies Burndap Bushy Park Wetlands Cairnlea Dandenong Wetlands Glen Iris Wetlands Hays Paddock Billabong Hull Road Wetlands Iramoo Kalparrin Katoomba Koomba Kew Billabong Knoxfield Treganowan La Trobe University McAlpin Merri Creek Newport Polishing Ponds Queens Park Ringwood Rowville (Hill, Sutton, Cogley) Sandown Park Spectacle Taylors Tirhatuan Wetlands Valley Reservoirs Major Cardinia Frankston Greenvale Maroondah O'Shannassy Silvan Sugarloaf Thomson Upper Yarra Yan Yean Small Cheltenham CSL Retarding Basin Dandenong Darebin (x3) Hallam Bypass Retarding Basin & Wetlands Liverpool Road Retarding Basin Mitcham Moorabbin Mornington Mt. View Surrey Hills Decommissioned Bittern Devilbend Lakes portal Category Commons

v t e Water supply in Victoria, Australia Greater Metropolitan Melbourne dams and reservoirs Anakie Cardinia Greenvale Maroondah Melton O'Shannassy Silvan Sugarloaf Tarago Thomson Toorourrong Upper Yarra Yan Yean Regional dams and reservoirs Allen Boga Blue Rock Bostock Cairn Curran Candowie Catani Dartmouth Eildon Eppalock Glenmaggie Goulburn/Nagambie Guthridge Korweinguboora Laanecoorie Lauriston Malsmbury Marengo Mokoan Moondara Mulwala Narracan Painkalac Rocklands Stony Creek Upper Coliban Waranga West Barwon West Gellibrand and Olangolah Reservoirs and No.4 & No.5 Basins William Hovell Wurdee Boluc Other water sources / facilities Altona Treatment Plant Eastern Treatment Plant Western Treatment Plant Victorian Desalination Plant Water companies and catchment management authorities Barwon Water Central Highlands Water Coliban Water East Gippsland Water Goulburn–Murray Water Goulburn Valley Water Greater Western Water Melbourne Water South East Water (Australia) Southern Rural Water Yarra Valley Water Catchment Management Authority (Vic) Corangamite CMA East Gippsland CMA Glenelg Hopkins CMA Mallee CMA Port Phillip and Westernport CMA West Gippsland CMA Historical William Davidson William Thwaites Bittern Devilbend Dights Falls Terang City West Water

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Devilbend Natural Features Reserve](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devilbend_Natural_Features_Reserve) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devilbend_Natural_Features_Reserve?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.