Connells Lagoon Conservation Reserve
Overview
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Connells Lagoon Conservation Reserve is situated in the heart of the Barkly Tableland. It is the only Reserve in Australia established primarily for the conservation of Mitchell Grassland communities.
Situated north-east of the Barkly Homestead, on the eastern boundary of Brunette Downs Station, it covers an area of 16 square kilometres.
The landscape is extremely flat, broken only by shallow watercourses in the north and occasionally, barely perceptible gravelly rises.
How to Get There
Connells Lagoon Conservation Reserve can be reached via a gravel 2WD road between Brunette Downs and Alexandria Stations on the Barkly Tablelands. The road may be closed after heavy rains.
What to See and Do
Connells Lagoon Conservation Reserve is a haven for native wildlife.
Visitor Facilties
There are no visitor facilities at the Reserve. An information sign exists on the road into the Reserve.
Please Remember
- Carry and drink plenty of water.
- Wear a shady hat, suitable clothing and footwear.
- Avoid stenuous activity in the heat of the day.
- Ensure your vehicle is well maintained and equipped.
Fact Sheet
Recreational Activities
- 4 x 4 Driving
A 4WD track exists within the Reserve which provides access to observe the native flora and fauna
Plants and Animals
The Reserve is dominated by perennial Mitchell Grass. Trees are found only in the watercourse and floodout areas with Bluebush dominating the wettest areas.
The Parks and Wildlife Commission carried out the only major biological survey in the region in 1982. Even though the Reserve looks flat and uninteresting, the survey team found 189 species of plants which is surprisingly rich. At the time, nine mammal, 53 bird and 19 reptile species were also recorded in and near the Reserve.
Several birds considered endangered, including the Flock Bronzewing Pigeon, Pictorella Mannikin Finch, Red-chested Button-quail and the Australian Bustard were recorded in higher than expected numbers.
Native mammals found include the Red Kangaroo, carnivorous marsupials such as the Long-tailed Planingale, several native rodents and the Dingo.
One of the native rodents is the Long-haired Rat, or Plague Rat. The Barkly Tablelands are an important refuge for this little Australian. Normally rare, it occasionally plagues following a series of big rains which turn the cracking clay plains into a swampy quagmire covered by an abundance of grasses.