LibGuides: Explore the Outdoors: Victorian Environments: Grasslands

Climate of Grassland Regions

Australian Bureau of Meteorology: Average Temperature Maps
These temperature maps show the average annual and average monthly distributions of maximum, minimum and mean temperature.
Australian Bureau of Meteorology: Average Rainfall Maps
These maps show the average annual, seasonal and monthly rainfall distribution across Australia.

Human Interactions with Grassland regions

Threats to Native Grasslands
The main threats to conserving Victoria's remaining native grasslands.
Farming and nationally protected grasslands and woodlands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain
The natural temperate grasslands and the grassy eucalypt woodlands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain have severely declined since European settlement. While the grasslands and grassy woodlands once occurred across much of the volcanic plain, they have contracted to less than five per cent of what they once were. Of this, very little now remains in original condition.
Urban Sprawl – Victorian National Parks Association
Grasslands once covered almost a million hectares and spread from Melbourne’s west to Portland. But scientists believe that since European settlement, 90-95% of these grasslands have been destroyed, and as little as 1% remains as high-quality habitat.

Grasslands

Grassland ecosystems in Victoria are found in flat to gently undulating country at low altitudes (generally below 700 m) in low to medium rainfall areas (400-1000 mm a year) on relatively nutrient-rich loam, clay-loam and alluvial soils. Slightly less than 10% of the area once supporting Grassland in Victoria falls on public land while a little under 5% is represented in conservation parks and reserves. About 85% of Grassland has been removed or substantially altered for agriculture and urban development. Grassland may be bordered by a range of other ecosystems including Red Gum, Black Box Woodland, Heathland, Dry Sclerophyll Forest and Box-Ironbark Forest.

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As part of the “Caring For Our Country” grassy box woodlands projects, Elders were invited to participate in exploring grassy box woodlands and the resources available within these ecosystems.

This film documents the collecting and use of theses resources. Viewers will see Elders basket weaving, making stone tools and cutting bark for coolamons and canoes.

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Grasslands Regions in Victoria

Viridians: Grassland Ecosystems
Information about Victorian grasslands and their ecology.
Parks Victoria: Grasslands
Where to see grasslands in Victoria.
Natural Grasslands of the Murray Valley Plains
Information and resources about the natural grassland communities in the Murray Valley Plains of Victoria, Australia, including their biodiversity, conservation, and ecological significance.
Gippsland Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Associated Native Grassland
Characteristics, conservation status, and importance for biodiversity of this unique and ecologically significant habitat in the Gippsland region of Australia.
Terrick Terrick National Park
The native grasslands of Terrick Terrick are some of the best in the state.

First Nations Connections - Grassland Country

Djaara - Dja Dja Wurrung Land Corporation
We are a Traditional Owner Group entity that has fought to be recognised as the Traditional Owners of djandak, in Central Victoria.