Zone 12 Consists of poor to moderately fertile soils including sands, gravels and clays that are prone to erosion. The gently sloping hills to flats include gullies and are mostly moderately drained. The average rainfall is 50 - 55 centimetres.

This area was characterised by open woodland dominated by River Red Gum, Manna Gum and Drooping Sheoke. The predominantly grassy understorey also consisted of shrubby and heathy species.

Dog Rocks (Batesford) and the surrounding granitic sands area is rockier and has less topsoil and consequently, Sheoke and Wattle species were more common.

Cherry Ballart and isolated patches of Yellow Gum were prominent on drier areas while watercourses were lined with Blackwood, River Red Gum and various Tea-tree species.

Many shrub species such as the Dogwood, Drooping Cassinia, Silver Banksia and Parrot-pea were restricted to well drained areas.

Kangaroo Grass was the dominant grass species with other groundcover species including Spreading Eutaxia, Common Everlasting and Common Correa being restricted to the drier areas.

1=Well drained slopes etc; 2=Poorly drained slopes; 3=Watercourses

Local Indigenous Nurseries 

• Treehome Nursery: 03 5281 5254
• Meredith Nursery: 03 5286 1397

Further Contacts

• City of Greater Geelong Environment Unit: 03 5272 4785
• Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning: 136 186
• Geelong Field Naturalists Club Inc
• Geelong Landcare Network
• Corangamite Catchment Management Authority: 03 5232 9100

Acknowledgements: David Perry DSE and Mark Trengove

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