The Waite Conservation Reserve, situated in the Adelaide Hills Face Zone, was established in 1992 to protect the natural environment and promote scientific research. The Reserve covers 121 hectares, with 110 hectares protected under Heritage Agreement providing permanent protection for its vegetation and wildlife.
Today the Waite Conservation Reserve is noted as the largest and best surviving examples of Grey Box Grassy Woodland in South Australia – a nationally threatened plant community.
With its diverse range of native plants and wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and echidnas, the reserve is a vital asset to both the University and the people of South Australia.
In October 1913 Peter Waite wrote to the Premier of South Australia, Hon. A. H. Peake, and the Chancellor of the University of Adelaide, the Rt. Hon. Sir Samuel Way, informing them that he intended presenting the Urrbrae property of 54 hectares to the University of Adelaide. The eastern half was to be used for scientific studies related to agriculture and the western half as a public park.
In 1915 Peter Waite bought the Claremont Estate of 21 hectares and 45 hectares of the foothill part of the Netherby Estate, both of which adjoined Urrbrae, transferring their ownership to the (foundational) University of Adelaide.
The Waite Conservation Reserve is open to the public from dawn to dusk every day except on Fire Ban Days in the Mt Lofty Ranges fire district.
To preserve the Reserve natural environment and minimise disturbance to wildlife living in the area, dogs are not permitted.
