Bulleen Street Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

28 Bullen Street, Doncaster East VIC, 3109


On the west side of the reserve is a playground with two tables and water tap with bowl. The reserve is large and slopes down to the east with grassy areas and a path leads through an area of trees.

There is an information board about Magpie Moths and Cotton Firewood which can both be seen in the park. The group of plants are called "fireweeds" not because they burn easily, but because they are early colonisers, and if there is a seed in the soil they will grow profusely after a fire or disturbance. The "cotton" refers to the cottony 'bloom' on the leaves and stems. The Magpie Moth is one of a group of moths known as Tiger Moths because of their striped adult bodies. They sip nectar from the Cotton Firewood flowers. Most moths avoid day light to reduce the risk of becoming prey for birds, but not Magpie Moths. They fly both day and night which is quite unusual. So why risk daytime flight? The Cotton Firewood contains alkaloid toxins which taste foul and are poisonous, but the Magpie Moth has adapted to be able to absorb them safely. However, birds that eat the moths will be poisoned.

The path which runs from the west side is interesected by another path which runs in the north - south direction. The grass in this area is not mown and a bit long. There are seats scattered about the reserve.

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