Allora Mountain Flora and Fauna Reserve

Allora Mountain Flora and Fauna Reserve is a flat-topped mesa occupying 210 hectares one kilometre to the east of the township of Allora on the Southern Downs of Queensland, Australia. Access is from the New England Highway via Burges Road. A wooden post- and- rail entrance with appropriate signage leads up to a picnic area. Well-defined paths lead from there to the top of the mountain.

The mountain has been an integral part of the Allora community and its social and educational fabric for over a century. It is considered an area of significance and worthy of promotion for its conservation and cultural values. Many groups, including the local schools, use the Reserve as a place for excursions. It offers unparalleled views of the town and surrounds, and is home to diverse species of flora and fauna. Native species that occur on the Reserve include Mountain Coolibah (Eucalyptus orgadophila), Kurrajong ( Brachychiton) , Gumbi Gumbi (Pittosporum) and Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis). The grasses on the Reserve are mostly Native Blue Grass and couch. Koala, nesting Wedgetail Eagles and wallaby are in residence and over 120 species of birds have been identified on the Reserve. Eighty birds are featured in a full-colour book which is available for purchase from Allora Landcare Group. Indigenous artefacts are evident, including ‘ring trees’, ‘scar trees’, bora rings and geological items such as grinding stones and knives.

Allora Landcare Group Inc (ALG) has instituted a number of projects on the Reserve over many years. These include flora and fauna surveys, weed control, monitoring the health of the Reserve, investigating the cultural history of the Reserve and creating walking tracks, a picnic area and Information Shelter for public use.