Casuarina Forest

The sign at the Rialannah Rd entry shows that no dog walking is allowed in this area as it provides habitat for native animals which are vulnerable to dog attacks. Even if the dog is on a lead the smell will still disturb these mammals.

On the dry rocky dolerite slope in front, you will see drooping sheoaks (Allocasuarina verticillata), commonly called casuarina. The name for the casuarina comes from the Indonesian word for cassowary, kasuari, because the bird’s feathers look like the drooping foliage.

Take a close look at the casuarina needle. The leaves are actually in the joints.