Introduced plants (weeds) can have a significant impact in the alpine environment. Many of the resort’s weeds were initially introduced as garden plants or to help stabilise modified ski slopes, unaware of the impact they would have on our native flora and fauna. Today only locally indigenous species are permitted to be planted in the resort, and Resort Management implement annual weed control programs to protect our native ecosystems. Please use the bin to dispose of fruit pips/peels/cores and if out enjoying more remote areas take your rubbish home with you. If not put in a bin these can grow into weeds or attract wildlife to areas that may be unsafe such as close to roads. Apple cores and stone fruit seeds are especially good at growing in the alpine environment and are problematic weeds within the resort and National Park.

Hawkweed has the potential to have a devastating impact on the Victorian Alps. This environmental weed produces biochemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants and can completely out-complete native flora. Two species of Hawkweed (Orange and King Devil) occur in the resort, these along with another species of Hawkweed (Mouse-ear) occur also in the surrounding National Park. Parks Victoria manages a sophisticated search and treatment program every summer with support from Resort Management. You may notice orange markers around the village that are used as part of this monitoring program.

Please report immediately any sightings of hawkweed within the resort to Falls Creek Resort Management.

Click here> to learn more.

Like much of Australia Falls Creek is home to introduced pest animals that do not belong in the alpine ecosystem and present a threat to our native flora and fauna including foxes, feral cats, deer, rabbits and hares. Resort Management implement programs to monitor and control pest animals to reduce their impact on our native species.

If you wish to report a pest animal in the resort click here>

Mountain Pygmy-Possum (Photo credit: Dean Heinze)

During winter ski lodges and other buildings provide warmth and food and can be very attractive to our small native mammals. These native animals are protected and can be difficult to distinguish from introduced mice and rats. You can help avoid unwanted visitors in your building by ensuring scraps and crumbs are cleaned away, food is stored in containers and any holes or gaps that may be allowing building access are blocked up. For advice on methods to safely relocate unwanted mammals please contact Resort Management.

Click here> to help you identify any unwanted visitors.

On the road or in the village if you encounter an injured animal please call a wildlife helpline such as Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300 for assistance. Take care when driving between dusk and dawn as this is when wildlife are most active.