Cabbage Tree Creek Flora Reserve

From the time I was a child my family travelled to the far east Gippsland coast, and further north, into southern New South Wales. I have seen the sign Cabbage Tree Creek from the Princes Highway for as long as I can recall. In December 2025, while staying in Orbost, we explored the Cabbage Tree Creek Flora Reserve for the first time. We were astounded by the unusual beauty of the most southerly palms. We arrived during a light rain fall which added to the mystery of the location and provided a glistening sheen.

The lush walking path.

Nestled quietly in a sheltered forest position, close to the both the coast and mountains, receiving high rainfall, they are the most southern cabbage tree palms (Livistona australis) in Australia. A small walking path curves through the rainforest, meandering past the palms, eucalyptus, ferns and Cabbage Tree creek.

Two cabbage tree palms.

The nearest relatives of the palms are 180km to north, above Bega in NSW. The stand of palms were first protected in 1886 when the Tambo Shire voted to reserve 100 acres of land on Cabbage Tree Creek to preserve them.

Photographing the palms is challenging and I intend to return. Their elegant trunks are thin and there are many taller and thicker eucalypts nearby.

A young palm with striking architectural leaves.

One of the smaller palms, above, proved easier to compose. The bird life in the reserve is incredible.

Another view of the rainforest trail.

The road in is slippery and needs to be taken slowly. It is a special place in Victoria and highly worth the time to visit.