Victoria's Bioregions
Biodiversity Action Planning by bioreigon | EVC Bioregional Conservation Status
Bioregions
Bioregions have been adopted in the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999; under the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia and in Victoria’s Biodiversity Strategy.
Bioregions are promoted for regional-scale biodiversity planning because they are based on the patterns of ecological characteristics and the underlying environmental features. They therefore reflect natural boundaries and relationships between biodiversity assets and natural resource based activities. Victoria has 28 bioregions across the state. Click here for a brief description of each bioregion.
Biodiversity action planning by bioreigon
The purpose of bioregional biodiversity action planning is to summarise the key biodiversity assets of the bioregion, and the actions and tools that are required to achieve statewide biodiversity goals. They are intended as preliminary plans to stimulate discussions and action planning within the regional community and to identify options for intervention that the local community can select from. The plans will be developed in stages and with component parts that can be aggregated or separated depending upon the users area of interest. In Victoria, bioregional conservation priorities are guided by the State biodiversity strategy, the Native Vegetation Management: A Framework for Action, the River Health Strategy, and wetlands policy. These policies spell out the priorities by assigning conservation significance to each biodiversity asset type. Significance of each asset type is assessed on the basis of the extent of depletion, the condition of the asset relative to its natural condition and its use by significant species.
The Strategic Overview provides details of the framework and methodology used in developing bioregional biodiversity action planning (BAP) and an overview of the features and assets of the bioregion. Specific information on assets and priorities for actions within landscape zones is assembled in the Landscape Plans. Landscape plans include the native vegetation priorities identified in the regional Native Vegetation Plans (NVP) and identify the best options for restoring native vegetation to recover biodiversity at a more detailed scale than is possible in the NVPs. The biodiversity information provided in Landscape Plans is a resource input to Local Area Plans, or other planning processes such as Landcare plans, which may be developed through community engagement processes, and cover a range of natural resource issues.
EVC Bioregional Conservation Status
The bioregional conservation status (BCS) is the conservation status of an Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) that has been assessed at a bioregional level. This takes into account of how commonly it originally occurred, the current level of depletion and the level of degradation of condition typical of remaining stands.
A higher resolution map of Victoria's bioregions is available for download: 
Victorian Bioregions High Res Map (PDF - 1.9 MB)
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Bridgewater bioregion is a thin coastal plain of Tertiary and Quaternary deposits forming a barrier complex. A dune capped sand ridge stretches along the coastline with gently sloping sandy terrain and lagoonal systems behind. The lagoonal system supports a network of deep water pools, collapsed caverns or sink holes. The soils are a combination of siliceous sands (Podosols) on the dunes with underlying calcareous deposits giving rise to Calcarenite Dune Woodland and Coastal Dune Scrub. The lagoonal system sits on texture contrast soils, clays and peats (Chromosols, Hydrosols and Organosols); supporting Deep Freshwater Marsh and some Coastal Dune Scrub communities.
Central Victorian Uplands bioregion is dominated by Lower Paleozoic deposits giving rise to dissected uplands at higher elevations. Low lying corridors of valleys and plains are dominated by Plains Grassy Woodland and Valley Grassy Forest ecosystems on the fertile plains and Grassy Woodland and Floodplain Riparian Woodland ecosystems on the river courses and Herb-rich Foothill Forest and Shrubby Foothill Forest ecosystems on the more fertile slopes with outwash. Amongst granitic and sedimentary (with Tertiary colluvial aprons) terrain with metamorphic and old volcanic rocks which have formed steeply sloped peaks and ridges.
These less fertile hills support Grassy Dry Forest and Heathy Dry Forest ecosystems on the less fertile hills. Cainozoic deposits from the newer volcanic flows have infilled some of the old long valley floors. Relatively poor soils occur on the non-volcanic material are dominated by yellow texture contrast soils (Chromosols and Kurosols) and a mixture texture contrast soils (Chromosols) and red friable earths (Ferrosols) on the volcanic terrain.
Dundas Tablelands bioregion is a dissected tableland of Tertiary deposits overlaying a Palaeozoic palaeoplian. A hard ironstone layer caps the Palaeozoic deposits, resisting erosion. Streams have cut deep narrow valleys across the tablelands.
Black earths (Dermosols) dominate the valleys and the dissected Merino Tablelands, yellow texture contrast soils (Chromosols and Sodosols) and cracking clays (Vertosols) dominate the rest of the table tops.
The vegetation is a complex mosaic of Plains Grassy Woodland, Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland/Plains Grassy Woodland, Grassy Woodland/Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland, Plains Grassy Woodland/Damp Sands Herb-rich Complex, Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland and Creekline Grassy Woodland ecosystems.
East Gippsland Lowlands bioregion has gently undulating terraces flanked by coastal plains, dunefields and inlets. A complex of Palaeozoic and Cainozoic deposits predominantly of granite, sands, marine sediments and beach deposits giving rise to yellow texture contrast soils (Kurosols and Chromosols) on the terraces, leached sands (Podosols and Tenosols) of the coastal plains and dunes, friable earths and texture contrast soils (Dermosols, Kurosols and Hydrosols) along the floodplains and valleys. The vegetation is dominated by Lowland Forest with Damp Forest and Shrubby Dry Forest ecosystems interspersed throughout the foothills; while Banksia Woodland and Riparian Scrub Complex occur around the coastal areas.
East Gippsland Uplands bioregion consists of tablelands and mountains up to 1400 metres elevation. The geology stems from Palaeozoic deposits predominantly of granitic and sedimentary origin which give rise to red texture contrast soils (Kurosols and Chromosols) and brown and red friable earths (Dermosols, Kandosols and Ferrosols).
The vegetation is dominated by Shrubby Dry Forest and Damp Forest on the upland slopes; Wet Forest ecosystems which are restricted to the higher altitudes; and Grassy Woodland, Grassy Dry Forest and Valley Grassy Forest ecosystems are associated with major river valleys.
Gippsland Plain bioregion is flat low lying coastal and alluvial plains with a gently undulating terrain dominated by barrier dunes and floodplains and swampy flats. The soils associated with the upper terrain are texture contrast soils (Dermosols and Chromosols), supports Lowland Forest ecosystem. The dunes are predominantly sandy soils (Podosols and Tenosols) supporting Heathy Woodland and Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland ecosystems. The fertile floodplains and swamps are earths and pale yellow and grey texture contrast soils (Hydrosols) supports Swamp Scrub, Plains Grassy Woodland, Plains Grassy Forest, Plains Grassland and Gippsland Plains Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Wetland Mosaic ecosystems.
Glenelg Plain bioregion is a series of long low narrow ridges running parallel to the present coastline. These Cainozoic deposits give rise to pale acidic sandy dunes and humic acid sands on the flats (Podosols), dominated by Plains Grassy Woodland. On the red earths (Dermosols and Calcaresols), and mottled texture contrast soils (Kurosols) in the swales; the vegetation consists of Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland, Heathy Woodland, Herb-rich Heathy Woodland, Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland/Damp Heathland/Damp Heathy Woodland complexes.
Goldfields bioregion is dominated by dissected uplands (predominantly a northerly aspect) of Lower Palaeozoic deposits. Low lying corridors of alluvial valleys and basaltic plains is dominated by Plains Grassy Woodland and Low Rises Grassy Woodland/Alluvial Terraces Herb-rich Woodland Mosaic ecosystems. The granitic and sedimentary (with Tertiary colluvial aprons) terrain is dominated by Grassy Woodlands much of which has been cleared. Box Ironbark Forest, Heathy Dry Forest and Grassy Dry Forest ecosystems, dominate the lower slopes or poorer soils. Metamorphic and old volcanic rocks have formed steeply sloped peaks and ridges.
A variety of relatively poor soils are dominate the bioregion with yellow, grey and brown texture contrast soils (Chromosols and Sodosols) and minor occurrences of friable earths (Dermosols and Ferosols).
Greater Grampians bioregion is dominated by prominent ridges of resistant sandstone giving rise to the striking parallel ranges; forming valleys which have been cut either in soft shales or deeply weathered granites. The steep escarpments and gentle back slopes give the National Park is majestic beauty. The Palaeozoic deposits give rise to deep mottled yellow texture contrast soils (Kurosols) and shallow sandy soils (Rudosols).
The rocky outcrops support Rocky Outcrop Shrubland and Rocky Outcrop Herbland ecosystems; on the fertile hills is Hills Herb-rich Woodland and on the less fertile hills is Heathy Dry Forest in the fertile plains and valleys supports Plains Grassy Woodland and on sandy flats (many with impeded drainage) supports Heathy Woodland, Sand Heathland and Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland ecosystems.
Highlands – Far East bioregion covers the broad escarpment particularly around Errinundra where the Monaro Plateau extends into Victoria and then falls sharply to the south-east. This fall is an easterly outlier of the Victorian Highlands IBRA Region. These dissected uplands have moderate to steep slopes and scarps, high and intermediate level plateaus, gorges and alluvial flats along the main valleys. The geology predominantly consists of Palaeozoic sediments, intrusive volcanics (granitic material) and extrusive volcanics (acid volcanics e.g. rhyolite). The brown and red porous earths (Dermosols) occur in the upper reaches and yellow,brown and red texture contrast soils (Chromosols and Kurosols) graduate down the valleys and in lower rainfall areas.
The vegetation is dominated by Wet Forest on the upper slopes in the high rainfall areas with Cool Temperate Rainforest in the protected gullies. Montane Wet Forest occurs on the most sheltered wet sites at higher montane elevations and Damp Forest replaces Wet Forest at lower elevations.
Highlands - Northern Fall bioregion is the northerly aspect of the Great Dividing Range. These dissected uplands have moderate to steep slopes, high plateaus and alluvial flats along the main valleys. The geology predominantly consists of Palaeozoic sediments, intrusive volcanics (granitic material) and extrusive volcanics (acid volcanics e.g. rhyolite). The brown and red porous earths (Dermosols) occur in the upper reaches and yellow and red texture contrast soils (Chromosols and Kurosols) graduate down the valleys.
The vegetation is a mosaic of Herb-rich Foothill Forest and Shrubby Dry ecosystems dominating large areas of lower slopes; Montane Dry Woodland and Heathy Dry Forest ecosystems on the upper slopes and plateau; and Grassy Dry Forest and Valley Grassy Forest ecosystems associated with major river valleys.
Highlands - Southern Fall bioregion is the southerly aspect of the Great Dividing Range. These dissected uplands have moderate to steep slopes, high plateaus and alluvial flats along the main valleys. The geology predominantly consists of Palaeozoic sediments, intrusive volcanics (granitic material) and extrusive volcanics acid volcanics e.g. rhyolite). The brown and red porous earths (Dermosols) occur in the upper reaches and yellow and red texture contrast soils (Chromosols and Kurosols) graduate down the valleys.
The dominant vegetation is Shrubby Dry Forest and Damp Forest on the upper slopes; Wet Forest ecosystems in the valleys and Montane Dry Woodland, Montane Damp Forest and Montane Wet Forest ecosystems are in the higher altitudes.
Lowan Mallee bioregion is typified by white siliceous sand formed into a complex array of jumbled irregular and parabolic dunes with intervening sand sheets and plains which are composed of the white sand and clayey deposits. The Cainozoic deposits of siliceous sands, clay, silt and mobile dunes give rise to leached sands (Podosols and Rudosols) and mottled yellow and grey texture contrast soils in the swales (Sodosols).
The vegetation is dominated by Lowan Sands Mallee with some Chenopod Mallee in the Sunset Country and Sandplain Heath, Mallee Heath, Loamy Sand Mallee, Scrub-pine Woodland, Broombush, Red-Swale Mallee, Yellow Gum Woodland and Heathy Woodland in the Big and Little Deserts.
Monaro Tableland bioregion consists of undulating rises with occurrences of low hills and depositional flats with a high organic content. The geology consists of granitic and sedimentary deposits which give rise to predominantly yellow and brown texture contrast soils (Sodosols and Chromosols ).
The dominate vegetation is Montane Dry Woodland, Montane Grassy Woodland, Montane Riparian Woodland and Tableland Damp Forest ecosystems.
Murray Fans bioregion is characterised by a flat to gently undulating landscape on recent unconsolidated sediments with evidence of former stream channels, braided old river meanders and palaeo channels and broad floodplain areas associated with major river systems and prior steams (known as braided / anastomosing streams). Alluvium deposits from the Cainozoic period gave rise to the red brown earths and texture contrast soils (Dermosols, Kurosols, Chromosols and Sodosols).
The vegetation is a mosaic of Plains Grassy Woodland, Pine Box Woodland, Riverina Plains Grassy Woodland and Riverina Grassy Woodland ecosystems.
Murray Mallee bioregion is typified by calcareous material in the form of an broad undulating sandy plains that is often associated with linear, west-east aligned, low sand dunes with intervening heavier textured swales developed from Cainozoic deposits of alluvial, aeolian and swampy deposits. The vegetation is dominated by East/West-Dune Mallee with some Chenopod Mallee and Shallow-Sand Mallee.
The plains, drainage lines and groundwater discharge landscapes are dispersed with salt lakes and gypsum flats with lunettes developed on the eastern margins of the lakes. The Cainozoic deposits give rise to calcareous earths (Calcarosols), cracking clays (Vertosols), red sands (Rudosols).
The vegetation is dominated by Gypseous Plains Shrubland, Saline Shrubland (Raak), Plains Grassland and Drainage-line Grassy Woodland.
Murray Scroll Belt bioregion is an entrenched river valley and associated floodplain and lake complexes of numerous oxbow lakes, billabongs, ephemeral lakes, swamps and active meander belts. The River Murray forms a narrow valley where fluvial processes predominate within an otherwise aeolian-dominated landscape. Alluvium deposits from the Cainozoic period gave rise to the red brown earths, cracking clays and texture contrast soils (Dermosols, Vertosols, Chromosols and Sodosols) supports Alluvial-Plain Shrubland, Riverine Grassy Chenopod Woodland and Riverine Grassy Forest ecosystems.
Northern Inland Slopes bioregion consists of foothill slopes and minor ranges separated by river valleys that drain northward from the High Country to the Murray River. It is a mixed complex of geology’s both granitic and metamorphic, which protrudes thorough and is surrounded by the Riverine Plain. The Warby Ranges is of granitic and sedimentary origin, Mt. Major is of volcanic and Terric Terric and Pyramid Hill is of granitic origin. The soils are predominantly texture contrast (Chromosols) apart from the Mt Major area (Ferrosols, Calcarosols and Vertosols).
The vegetation is dominated by Grassy Dry Forest, Box Ironbark Forest, Granitic Hills Woodland, Heathy Dry Forest and, Shrubby Dry Forest ecosystems on the less fertile hills; Herb-rich Foothill Forest ecosystems on the more fertile hills and outwash and Grassy Woodland, Valley Grassy Forest, Plains Grassy Woodland, Floodplain Riparian Woodland and Riverine Grassy Woodland/Riverine Sedgy Forest/Wetland Mosaic ecosystems on the fertile plains and watercourses.
Otway Plain bioregion includes coastal plains and dunes, foothills with river valleys and swamps in the lowlands. With the retreat of the sea ridges mark the positions of successive shoreline. The soils associated with the upper terrain are texture contrast soils (Dermosols and Chromosols), supporting Lowland Forest and Heathy Woodland ecosystems. The dunes are predominantly sandy soils (Podosols and Tenosols) and the floodplains and swamps are earths and pale yellow and grey texture contrast soils (Hydrosols) supporting predominantly Grassy Woodland and Plains Grassy Woodland ecosystems.
Otway Ranges bioregion consists of moderate to steep slopes deeply dissected blocks of alternating beds of sandstone and siltstone and shales. and swampy alluvial fans in the lowlands. The geology is of Mesozoic non-marine deposits covered with a veneer of younger Cainozoic deposits at lower elevations. Brown earths and brown texture contrast soils (Chromosols, Kurosols and Sodosols) occur throughout the bioregion with leached sands (Podosols) in the lowlands.
The dominate vegetation is Wet Forest, Shrubby Wet Forest and Cool Temperate Rainforest ecosystems on the higher slopes; and Shrubby Foothill Forest on the lower slopes.
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Robinvale Plains bioregion is a narrow gorge confined by the cliffs along the Murray River, which is entrenched within older up-faulted Cainozoic sedimentary rocks. Alluvium deposits from the Cainozoic period gave rise to the red brown earths, cracking clays and texture contrast soils (Dermosols, Vertosols, Chromosols and Sodosols) this supports Riverine Grassy Forest and Riverine Grassy Chenopod Woodland ecosystems.
Strzelecki Ranges bioregion consists of moderate to steep slopes deeply dissected blocks of alternating beds of sandstone and siltstone and shales and swampy alluvial fans in the lowlands. The geology is of Mesozoic non-marine deposits covered with a veneer of younger Cainozoic deposits including newer basalts. The mottled yellow and red texture contrast soils (Chromosols, Kurosols and Sodosols) and occasional red earths (Ferrosols) are found throughout the bioregion with leached sands (Podosols) in the lowlands.
The dominate vegetation is Wet Forest and Damp Forest on the higher slopes; and Shrubby Foothill Forest and Lowland Forest on the lower slopes.
Victorian Alps bioregion consists of a series of high plateaus and peaks along the Great Dividing Range. The Palaeozoic deposits predominantly of granitic and basaltic origin give rise to friable leached earths, loams and peaty soils (Tenosols and Organosols).
The vegetation associated with the supalpine plateaus are Sub-alpine Woodland, Treeless Sub-alpine Mosaic and Sub-alpine Grassland ecosystems and the upper slopes and generally surrounding sub-alpine areas are dominated by Montane Dry Woodland, Montane Damp Forest, Montane Wet Forest and Montane Grassy Woodland ecosystems.
Victorian Riverina bioregion is characterised by flat to gently undulating landscape on recent unconsolidated sediments with evidence of former stream channels and wide floodplain areas associated with major river systems and prior steams. Alluvium deposits from the Cainozoic period gave rise to the red brown earths and texture contrast soils (Dermosols, Kurosols, Chromosols and Sodosols) which dominate the Riverine Plain.
The vegetation is dominated by Plains Grassy Woodland, Plains Grassland, Pine Box Woodland/Riverina Plains Grassy Woodland Mosaic, Riverine Grassy Woodland/Riverine Sedgy Forest/Wetland Mosaic, Plains Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Plains Woodland/Wetland Mosaic, Grassy Woodland and Wetland Formation ecosystems.
Victorian Volcanic Plain bioregion dominated by Cainozoic volcanic deposits. These formed an extensive flat to undulating basaltic plain with stony rises, old lava flows, numerous volcanic cones and old eruption points and is dotted with shallow lakes both salt and freshwater.
The soils are variable ranging from red texture contrast soils (Kurosols and Ferosols) on the higher fertile plain and scoraceous material supports Plains Grassy Woodland, Plains Grassland/Plains Grassy Woodland Mosaic and Plains Grassland. Calcareous sodic texture contrast soils grading to yellow acidic earths (Calcarosols, Sodosols and Dermosols), on the intermediate plain, and grey cracking clays (Vertosols) on the low plains, supports Stony Knoll Shrubland/Plains Grassy Woodland/Plains Grassy Wetland Mosaic and Plains Grassy Wetland ecosystems. On the stony rises (volcanic outcropping) the stony earths (Dermosols) support Stoney Rises Herb-rich Woodland, Basalt Shrubby Woodland and Herb-rich Foothill Forest ecosystems.
Warrnambool Plain providence consists of a distinctive cliffed coastline and low calcareous dune formations, dissected by rives and inlets and swamplands. The Cainozoic sediments and volcanic deposits dominate the area giving rise to sandy soils (Calcarosols and Tenosols and Podosols) on the dunes and cliffline, supporting Brown earths and texture contrast soils (Dermosols, Sodosols) on the flat plain supporting Lowland Forest and Herb-rich Foothill Forest ecosystems.
Texture contrast soils and fertile peats (Hydrosols) in the swamplands supports Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland/Damp Heathland/Damp Heathy Woodland, Damp Heathland/Damp Heathy Woodland, Damp Heath Scrub, Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland and Swamp Scrub ecosystems.
Wilsons Promontory bioregion is a spectacular area of rocky hills and mountains, tannin-stained creeks, dense heathy lowlands, sweeping white sandy beaches and prominent granite headlands surrounded by the cold waters of Bass Strait. The geology consists of Palaeozoic granites and deep Quaternary sand deposits.
Texture contrast soils (Kurosols) and earths (Dermosols) are associated with the granitic terrain, dominated by Wet Forest, Granitic Hills Woodland, Lowland Forest, Shrubby Foothill Forest and Damp Forest ecosystems. The pale sands and sandy earths (Podosols, Tenosols and Rudosols) are associated with the sandy terrain, and mixture of wet soils (Hydrosols) associated with swamp deposits are dominated by Wet Heathland, Sand Heathland/Wet Heathland Mosaic, Heathy Woodland and Riparian Scrub ecosystems.
Wimmera bioregion is typified by flat to gently undulating plains in the east, with black and grey cracking clay soils (Vertosols). Supporting Plains Woodland, Plains Grassy Woodland, Plains Grassland, Red Gum Wetland and Grassy Woodland ecosystems.
The western part is typified by stranded beach ridges with interspersed with clay plains (where there are a mixture of swamp, lakes, lagoons and lunettes in the south) with cracking clay soils and red texture contrast soils (Vertosols and Sodosols). The vegetation on these less fertile plains are Heathy Woodland and Shallow Sands Woodland.
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