Mulligans Flat

Mulligans Flat is a relatively low lying area with grassland, woodland and open forest.

General Information

Europeans first settled in the area in 1820. The old Murrumbateman to Bungendore coach road passes through Mulligans Flat and can still be clearly seen as a row of mature trees. This road was the main coach route to the railway at Bungendore. Remains of the site of the Mulligans Flat schools as well as hut sites, old fences, drays, sheep shearing sheds and farm machinery are scattered across the area.

Towards the southern side of Mulligans Flat is large dam which attracts may species of birds, both resident and migratory. This is an excellent place to observe birds and animals especially at dawn or dusk. You might also see a long-necked tortoise in this dam or in the other dams in the reserve. The long-necked tortoise is the most common species of tortoise in the Canberra area.

Approach the dams quietly and you may be surprised by what you see.

The bush hills and ridges in Canberra are known as Canberra Nature Park. Most of these areas were once cleared for grazing, but are now returning to a natural bush state through regeneration and planting. Many of these areas have become a focus point for community involvement through Park Care groups.

The reserve was included in Canberra Nature Park in 1994 after a submission from community environment groups to the ACT Government pointing out the significant attributes of the area.

Mulligans Flat is an exciting combination of habitat areas with a rich history of Aboriginal and European use as well as many rare and unusual plants and animals. The reserve has many Aboriginal sites. Aboriginals maintained a hunting and gathering lifestyle in and around this region for thousands of years.

The reserve contains a large number of plant and animal species which were used for food by Aboriginals and there are springs and swampy areas which would have supplied fresh water. Surveys to date have identified many sites with artefacts scatters or isolated artefacts.

Mulligans Flat also contains areas of native grassland which are of interest as south-east Australia has lost 99.5% of its lowland native grasslands in the last two hundred years. Native grassland areas were attractive to European farmers for grazing sheep and cattle, consequently, most of these grassland areas have been changed by grazing and pasture improvement. Mulligans Flat has retained areas dominated by both kangaroo and wallaby grass as well as open forest and woodland areas and it has few introduced grasses or weeds Each of the plant communities contain threatened species. Research is still being carried out to determine just how valuable these habitat areas are.

While you are at Mulligans Flat :

• bring binoculars to enjoy the wonderful views and let you see the birds and animals 'closeup';
• leave your pets at home as they disturb the native animals;
• leave the animals, plants and rocks where you find them; and,
• camping and fires are not permitted in the reserve.

Canberra Nature Park is interested in having your help with surveys of this area. If you see anything unusual or if you would like to help with survey work please contact Canberra Nature Park on 6207 2087.

Access Tracks

Mulligans Flat—Map ( PDF 391Kb)

Birds of Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve—Bird Walk and Bird List ( PDF 752Kb)

The access tracks make possible many different walks in the reserve and will allow you to see the various points of interest.

The Animals

Mulligans Flat has long been recognised as one of the best bird watching sites in the ACT by the Canberra Ornithologists Group. The area is also rich in frogs, reptiles, invertebrates and mammals. It includes many rare and uncommon species such as red-necked and swamp wallabies, sugar gliders , black shingle-backed lizards , regent honey-eaters , and the spotted burrowing frog.

1. Kangaroo Grass

On the northern side of the Gundaroo road the reserve continues with a large area of Kangaroo grass and steep hills scattered with Red stringy bark trees. There are sweeping views from this area over both Gungahlin and north into NSW.

2. Remains of Mulligans Flat School

A provisional school was established at Mulligans Flat in 1896 and was used until 1931 when it was demolished.

3. Shearing Shed

The shearing shed and yards date from the 1940's and were used until 1994.

4. Old Coach Road

The old 19th century coach road from Murrumbateman to Bungendore has many of the original trees forming an avenue.

5. Quartz Ridge

The Gungahlin quartz ridge is an outstanding example of a quartz intrusion along a geological fault line.

6. Dam

The large dam was built in the 1960's and is an excellent place to observe birds.

Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary

Establishment of the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary  is in progress.