Natural Bushland and Conservation

There are 20 hectares of natural Grey Box (Eucalyptus macrocarpa) woodland at Carrick Hill. Some of the older trees pre-date white settlement and would have been seen by Captain Mathew Flinders 200 years ago.

This remnant woodland plays a valuable role as a continuation of the vegetation corridor that includes Waite Institute reserve to the north-east and Brownhill Creek Conservation Park to the south-east.

The area has high conservation status as it supports remnant patches of indigenous plant communities. The bushland has survived the impact of land clearing, grazing, pest plants and animals. Other plants include South Australian Blue Gum, Sheoak and a wide range of native grasses, orchids and other understory flowering plants.

The area is also rich in native bird and animal species.

Carrick Hill has a strong commitment to the conservation of its native bushland and considerable efforts are being made to restore degraded sections. This effort is being greatly supported by our volunteer bushland team.

There are a number of walking tracks through the bushland.

Water Conservation

The maintenance of this large exotic garden and outer grounds requires substantial amounts of water, however the use of dams, bores, tanks, rainwater harvesting, automated irrigation systems and heavy mulching all contribute to Carrick Hill’s long term strategy of becoming self sustainable.

Supported by Carrick Hill Development Foundation and a Federal Government Community Water Grant, a Water Management plan has been in place since 2007.