Peter Murrell Nature Reserve

Located just south of Hobart, Tasmania, Peter Murrell Nature Reserve is a collection of three reserves: Peter Murrell State Reserve, Peter Murrell Conservation Area, and a public reserve.

The reserves protect a variety of forest, buttongrass, and heathland communities, and are home to a diverse range of plant species, including 37 types of orchids - five of which are exclusive to Tasmania. From late winter through summer, the landscape comes alive with vibrant and stunning displays of wildflowers. The reserve also serves as a crucial habitat for numerous mammal species such as the eastern quoll, southern brown bandicoot, eastern barred bandicoot and common ringtail possum, among others.

Visitors to Peter Murrell Nature Reserve have a variety of activities to choose from. Walking on one of the sandy nature trails or biking around the reserve is a great way to enjoy nature at a peaceful pace. Horse-riding is also popular, with designated riding trails available. Visitors can walk around Heron Pond in Peter Murrell Conservation Area, where platypuses were once commonly seen but have not been sighted since 2010. There is also a lake within the nature reserve that visitors can walk around while enjoying the scenery. Mountain biking trails are available in the conservation area for adventurous and active guests.

The best time to visit Peter Murrell Nature Reserve is between late winter and summer when wildflowers are in full bloom, although visitors can appreciate the reserve year-round as it is the natural habitat of several mammal species. Eastern quolls, southern brown bandicoots, eastern barred bandicoots, and common ringtail possums are among the many animals that call the reserve