Melways Ref: 102 A7
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This regionally significant nature reserve, of 14 hectares, extends from Baden Powell Drive to the Nepean Highway at the base of Olivers Hill. It is one of the few places left to us which shows what the surrounding country may have been like before settlement. It acts as a refuge for plants and animals and also for humans who like to spend a few quiet moments away from their urban life style.

Flora
In the past century a great variety of plants flourished in the Sweetwater Creek valley. While timber cutting, development on all sides, and introduced plants have changed the character of this valley, many of the original plant species remain, and with careful management, there is every chance of their survival. There are remnants of three main vegetation communities in the reserve.

The northern tip of the reserve contains a small patch of coastal vegetation indicative of the Frankston foreshore region. Coastbanksia and boobialla are common in this area.

The remaining vegetation communities in the reserve are dominated by eucalyptus species. In the south you will find swamp gum and black wattle with a tea-tree understory. The western side of the reserve is a manna gum and peppermint forest with an understory of bracken and various wildflowers, including orchids.

Both coastal banksia and silver banksia grow in the reserve. They are variable in growth and similar in appearance, the larger trees being coastal banksia and the smaller trees silver banksia. A banksia in flower (late summer) is a good place to look for the red wattle bird.

Fauna
Unfortunately today there are few native animals to be seen in the reserve as they have been driven out because of the loss of their natural habitat or have eaten by domestic pets or foxes.

Koalas, wallabies and wombats were resident in the reserve until the 1950s but today you would be lucky to see the occasional echidna or blue tongue lizard.

Possums (ringtail and brush tail) and skinks are numerous. Snakes have rarely been seen in the reserve, but the possibility of their presence is one good reason for walking only on the tracks.

Management Issues
Pest plants are a major threat to the integrity of the bushland. Their ability to compete with and eventually replace the native vegetation cannot be underestimated. It is unfortunate that many weeds originate from seeds spread from nearby gardens. Dumping of rubbish, garden prunings and lawn clippings can also spread environmental weeds. Feral animals such as foxes, rats and cats are also a threat to the native wildlife remaining in the reserve.

Caring for the Reserve
The responsibility for the management of this reserve lies with Frankston City Council through its Parks and Gardens Department. Council officers are assisted in this task by members of Action Sweetwater Creek Inc, a friends group formed in 1974 to combat deterioration of the reserve and help to restore its natural features.

This remnant of bushland will only be here for future generations to enjoy if it has continuing support from Frankston City Council, residents whose properties adjoin the reserve, members of the public who use the reserve, and from the volunteer 'gardeners' who collect seed, propagate seedlings, plant, weed and water.

How You Can Help

Visitors to the reserve
Please take care to protect the flora and fauna in the reserve. Please keep to the tracks marked on the map. Every additional track means the loss of precious ground cover and topsoil. Ensure no rubbish is dropped in the area. Take it out with you.

For local inhabitants
Consider planting indigenous plants in your own garden and avoid using environmental weeds. Do not throw garden refuse over the back fence into the reserve. Join Action Sweetwater Creek Inc and participate in the weekly working bees to actively assist progress. Contact Council's Environment Department on 1300 322 322.

History
The first people to make use of the area would have been members of the Boonerwrung tribe, who named the creek Narringaling (Sweetwater). They would have found it a source of good water, as did Frankston's first white settlers who came to the mouth of the creek in 1850. They were fishermen who built huts near the the creek mouth and on Olivers Hill.

Facilities and Activities
The prime objective of Frankston City Council in the management of this reserve is to repair and improve the landscape and flora. The reserve is being developed as a passive recreation area - a quiet natural venue right in the midst of a built up residential area.

Good walking tracks, bridges and seats have been built for people to stroll, study the indigenous trees, shrubs, and grasses, and relax in a country atmosphere.

Special Features
The main feature of the reserve is the creek itself, which winds peacefully from the ducts under Baden Powell Drive to the twin tunnels near the start of Liddesdale Avenue.

Since 1988, the Dandenong Valley Authority straightened the creek north of Parkside Grove and down past Beattie Bridge. In 1992, further works were undertaken by Melbourne Water, when seven small dams and drop structures were built and sections of the banks and bed were rocked as part of an erosion control program.

One special feature of the creek is the tranquil scene at a place known as the Granites.

Another fine view may be seen from the seat at the top of the steep bank just in from the right of way between No. 47 and 49 Fleetwood Crescent.

Location and Access
The reserve is about one kilometre south of the Frankston Central Business District with its main entrance on Liddesdale Avenue, just off Nepean Highway opposite the boat ramp at the base of Olivers Hill.