Discovering the Hidden Gem at Peel

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of joining the Wildflower Walk at Peel Flora and Fauna Reserve, a wonderful event hosted by Local Land Services with Sue Wakefield and Dr Megan Halcroft. I hadn’t visited the reserve before, and it turned out to be a delightful surprise — a true hidden gem just waiting to be explored.

From the moment we stepped onto the trail, I was captivated by the incredible variety of native plants in bloom. Sue’s deep knowledge and enthusiasm for local flora made the walk both informative and inspiring, as she pointed out delicate orchids, golden wattles, and other wildflowers unique to the area. Megan added another layer of fascination, sharing insights into the native pollinators that bring this ecosystem to life — and yes, we even managed to collect a couple of specimens to study under our magnifying glasses!

The Peel Flora and Fauna Reserve is a peaceful and easy place to explore, with a trail that takes just over an hour to complete at a relaxed pace. It’s perfect for a weekend stroll, a family outing, or simply taking time to slow down and connect with nature.

I left feeling inspired and grateful — more aware of the biodiversity thriving right on our doorstep, and appreciative of the opportunity to learn from such knowledgeable and passionate guides.

If you haven’t yet discovered it, I highly recommend adding Peel Flora and Fauna Reserve to your list. It’s a wonderful reminder of how lucky we are to have such rich natural treasures so close to home.

For more information, check out their page https://www.facebook.com/peelnativefloraandfaunareserve/