Devilbend Natural Features Reserve, Moorooduc, Victoria

Situated on the Mornington Peninsula in the traditional country of the Bunurong people you’ll find Devilbend Natural Features Reserve. A beautiful place for walkers to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Somewhere quiet for fishermen to drop in a line. Water enthusiasts to launch their non powered water craft.

The Reserve comprises of a number of walking tracks to cater for all fitness levels. A place where you can set your own pace on the walking tracks within the 1005 hectares. For those preferring to put in their kayak or paddle board there are approximately 250 hectares of water area. Then there’s the picnic area to gather with family and friends.

Things to do

Walking
Cycling
BBQ/Picnic
Non powered water craft
Fishing
Bird watching

Our visit was during the Covid-19 restrictions, whilst there were many people exploring the reserve there was plenty of space to keep distance from others. This is certainly a place for people of all ages to explore.

Our Experience

This was the first time we had visited Devilbend Natural Features Reserve and it won’t be the last. We were pleasantly surprised at how well it had been designed. Nearby the car park there is signage to provide information on the Devilbend Natural Features Reserve and as you head off to explore you’ll come across some of the history of the reserve.

Always remember before heading off on a walk to get your bearings, if there’s a map take a photo. On this occasion in haste to explore we headed off with our photos in hand but without really taking all the directions in. With a few of the attractions including the name Daangean, we ended up walking a lot longer than planned. There are sign posts as you walk along. Below are some of the areas we enjoyed discovering.

Launching area

Our first stop was to check out the peaceful non powered watercraft launching area. Here there are a few park benches where one could sit and watch others enjoying their water activities or just take in the serenity.

Fishing Pontoon

The pontoon is well equipped for fishing and provide a beautiful place to view the gorgeous surroundings and take in deep breaths of fresh air. After working from home for over a year due to covid-19, somehow one appreciates being outdoors even more.

Is this a place you can picture yourself standing fishing or sitting as you take in the surroundings?

Viewing Platform and Watercraft launch area

If sitting on the pier isn’t the place for you, within approximately a 5 minute walk you will come across a viewing platform with a park bench. Another beautiful place to sit and take time out. From here you can see the fishing pontoon. On our visit their were hundreds of black waterbirds which looked like rocks due to so many being huddled in groups on the water.

If you’re with family or friends it’s a place to watch them launch their non powered watercraft nearby.

Fishing Platform

Within a short distance as you continue to walk along past the non water powered launching area you will come across another great spot to throw in your fishing line or simply look out over the water and take in the beauty. Again you can see the fishing pontoon. Like the fishing pontoon the platform is nicely set up for the fishermen. Another reason we will return!

Eastern Shoreline

A lovely panoramic view of the coastline of the reserve awaits. Here you can read up about the Devilbend key biodiversity area. A lovely place for bird watchers to take a camp chair and have a bite to eat as you watch the Black Swans and other waterbirds.

Daangean Point?

To be honest we are not sure if this is actually the Daangean Point!! It was one area where we somehow must’ve been carried away checking out our scenery we missed signage to advise we were actually at Daangean Point. We are still left unsure, yes, another visit is warranted just to find out!! We found the below area which could be Daangean Point, however it was not signposted. Regardless, it was a beautiful place to stop and observe the swans and other waterbirds enjoying the environment as much as we were.

Daagean Trail

The Daagean Trail took us along the fence line where others like ourselves stopped to take a photo at the gorgeous cows that were watching people walk along as they grazed on the lush green grass. Whilst we didn’t complete the Daagean Trail as daylight was disappearing quickly we enjoyed the walk. The scenery changing as we walked along. We got to a point where due to the recent unprecedented storm in Melbourne, water was laden on the track. We opted to take this as a sign we should head back and enjoy the walk in daylight.

We returned the way we had come, through the beautiful pine forest where many were stopped building tent shaped sculptures out of the fallen trees and branches. It was a delight to see people of all ages getting involved in this. People out enjoying nature and the great outdoors.

There were so many brightly coloured mushrooms, a sight many photographers love to stop at to take a snap. With so many pine needles on the ground they certainly added colour to the forest. Looking at these photos I reminisce of the smell of the pine trees, if only photo’s could share scents!

Facilities

Car Parking
Toilets
Picnic Tables
BBQ’s electrical
Water – not drinkable

The parking area was a reasonable size and user friendly. Picnic tables & toilets nearby. For those wanting a BBQ there were a few electric ones under cover. The tables were spread out on a lovely lawn area. There is plenty of space to kick a footy.

Are dogs allowed?

Whilst there is plenty of open space please note dogs are not allowed. This includes not staying in the car in the carpark.

Walking Trails

Once you leave the hectare picnic area it’s time to decide which walking track to go on. Below are some of the walks:

Daangean Point
Western Shoreline Track
Devilbend Circuit Track

Other places to explore on the Mornington Peninsula

There is so much to explore on the scenic and popular Mornington Peninsula known for its wineries, surf beaches, foreshore camping, Arthur’s Seat to name just a few. Click on the below links of some of the places we’ve explored:

Devilbend Natural Features Reserve Location

170 Graydens Road, Moorooduc, Victoria 3933
Approximately 74km, 1hr from Melbourne CBD (with tolls)
Approximately 69km, 1hr 10mins from Melbourne CBD (without tolls)

Feedback/Comments

When we visited the reserve had not long been open. If you’ve visited here we’d love to here about your experience. Perhaps you’d like to share your journey to another destination with us.

Day Trips Melbourne / Mornington Peninsula / Parks and Recreation / Places of Interest in Victoria, Australia

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