Walking circuits and natural treasures

 

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Download Binnak Park walking circuit map(PDF, 884KB)

This circuit is a leisurely 3km walk around the recently rejuvenated Binnak Park in Watsonia North, which can be shortened if you have less time.

To explore this map, enter at any of these points on the circuit:

• Vicarage Way
• Binnak Drive
• Anderson Drive and Cameron Parade, with accessible car parking available at both locations

While the circuit is mostly flat, if you take the southern extension there is a short steep incline along Grant Street travelling in the south.

The circuit is a loop of the whole park that includes things for you to stop and enjoy: 3 playgrounds, water fountains, barbecues, exercise equipment and cricket nets.

Toilets are located off Anderson Parade, and beside the northern playground just off Binnak Drive.

Flora and fauna are abundant along the walking circuit with bushland settings and wetlands to enjoy.

The circuit can be accessed by bus route 566 with stops on Macorna Road. Bus route 566 will take you as far as Watsonia and Greensborough rail stations if you are travelling from further afield.

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Download Ford Park walking circuit map(PDF, 905KB)

An easy, flat 3km concrete surface walking loop around the rejuvenated Ford Park, local streets and Darebin Creek.

To explore this map, enter at any of these points on the circuit:

• Harrison Street
• Oriel Road
• Banksia Street

This scenic trail runs through parks and local streets, with Darebin Creek to the west. Ford Park features playgrounds, exercise equipment, basketball court, BBQs and picnic shelters. There is an off-lead dog park in the southwestern corner of the park. If you continue the walk along Darebin Creek trail, you will see lots of flora and fauna, and an eye-catching mural across the creek.

Flora and fauna to look out for include the red wattle bird, spotted pardalote, flowering gums and wild flowers. Bring a picnic and enjoy the many attractions of the park.

The walking circuit can be accessed by bus routes 250, 350 and 540 which run along Oriel Road, and bus route 513 which runs along Bell Street. You will find accessible toilet amenities in Ford Park, with accessible car parking available off Perkins Avenue.

At the end of your walk, enjoy a cold drink, or fish and chips at the adjacent Banksia Street shops.

 

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Download Malahang Reserve walking circuit map(PDF, 4MB)

This is an easy, flat 2km concrete surface walking loop around Malahang Reserve and neighbouring streets with much to discover and enjoy.

To explore this map, enter at any of these points on the circuit:

• Malahang Reserve carpark
• Malahang Parade
• Other local streets

This fun trail runs through the reserve and continues along Oriel Road, Altona Street, Waterdale Road and Kokoda Street before looping back to the park. Olympic Village Primary School and St Pius X Primary School are located adjacent to the walking circuit, and coffee is available at the nearby Olympic Village shopping centre.

Malahang Reserve has many leisure opportunities – including an off-lead dog park – and flora and fauna to look out for.

Getting there

The circuit can be accessed by bus routes 250, 350, 517, 548, 549 and 903. Accessible toilet amenities are also available in the reserve. Accessible car parking is available in Malahang Reserve carpark.

 

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Download Plenty River walking circuit map(PDF, 3MB)

This circuit is a hidden gem located 500m from the Greensborough activity centre. It has a moderate to medium difficulty rating, and includes short but steep steep grades and gravel and concrete walking surfaces.

The circuit loops the upper reaches of the Plenty River and is approximately 2.5km long. Enter at any of these points:

• Plenty River Drive
• Warriparri Crescent
• Ulmara Place
• Yando Street
• Kalparrin Avenue

This scenic trail runs along the Plenty River, and passes Whatmough Park, Carter Reserve and tennis courts. A highlight is the suspension bridge that crosses the creek between Whatmough Park and Carter Reserve. It also features a playground for children of all ages at its northern end near Plenty River Drive.

These is abundant native flora and fauna, and several fruit trees that are estimated to be around 100 years old.

Getting there

The circuit can be reached via bus routes 293,343,385,513,517,518, 566, 901 and 902, and Greensborough train station is a short walk away. Toilets are available at Whatmough Park and the tennis club. Accessible parking is available on Kalparrin Avenue and at the Diamond Valley united soccer club.

At the end of your walk, enjoy lunch or shopping at Greensborough Plaza and nearby shops.

 

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Download Price Park and surrounding hills walking circuit map(PDF, 2MB)

 

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Download the Price Park and western surrounds walking circuit map(PDF, 921KB)

Following on from the Price Park hilly walking circuit, this flatter circuit allows all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of the park. You can combine this walk with the hillier circuit to get a full 60- minute workout. This is a moderate intensity 2km walk with some gradients that takes about 30 minutes to complete.

The walk can be accessed from any street or from the park itself.

Price Park offers many activities with something to suit everyone, many opportunities to linger and look out for native flora and fauna, and there is a fantastic interactive playground and exercise equipment. Practice scoring goals between the posts at the southern end of the park. There is also a large off-leash dog park.

Getting there

The circuit can be accessed by bus routes 513 and 517, with car parking in local streets.

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Download Rosanna Parklands walking circuit map(PDF, 4MB)

This circuit is an easy flat 3km gravel surface walking loop around Rosanna Parklands. Enter at any of these points:

• Lower Plenty Road
• Chapman Street
• Davies Street.

This quiet and scenic trail runs within the whole parkland area, with the Hurstbridge rail line to the west and Salt Creek to the east. It also features 2 playgrounds for children of all ages and has frequent trains to watch as they pass by.

Flora and Fauna to look out for include the eastern rosella, rainbow lorikeet, magpie lark and honey bees. Bring a picnic and spread out on the grass.

Getting there

The circuit can be accessed by bus routes 513 and 517, and Rosanna train station is just across Lower Plenty Road, where you will find accessible toilet amenities. Accessible car parking is available on Douglas Street

At the end of your walk, enjoy something to drink at the many cafés in neighbouring Rosanna village.

 

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Download Wilson Reserve walking circuit map(PDF, 4MB)

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Download Banyule Flats treasure map(PDF, 10MB)

Southern trail

Start at Possum Hollow and stroll down the unsealed Sills Bend Trail to the Yarra River. Read about the area's history and spot the old fruit trees. Photograph the giant oak trees on Sills Bend. Can you fit a whole tree in with a person underneath in 1 photo? Next, travel up to the Magic Wishing Gum Tree to make a wish while placing your hand on the trunk of the tree. Look for the organic hand-created wishes around the tree and take a photo of your favourite pebble.

Approximate duration of trail is 30 minutes.

Middle loop

Start at Possum Hollow and walk north east along the Main Yarra Trail. Visit the Magic Wishing Gum Tree to make a wish while placing your hand on the trunk of the tree. Look for the organic hand-created wishes around the tree and take a photo of your favourite pebble. Next, visit the Banyule Cattle Yard to look at old farming equipment and take a picture of yourself at the welcome sign. On your loop back, listen to the chatter of lorikeets under the flowering gums and listen for croaking frogs. Make your way along Beverley Road past the Wetlands to Possum Hollow Playground.

Approximate duration of trail is 45 minutes.

Northern trail

Enter via Plymouth St, Banyule Rd, Scarborough Dr or Somerset Dr. Walk around the Banyule Swamp for good views of the reserve and learn about the Indigenous history of this location. Can you spot the local mob of eastern grey kangaroos? Read about the artist trail on the northern end of the swamp. On the southern eastern end, visit the 200-year-old Eucalyptus studleyensis gum that has new growth shoots around its base to protect the tree from bugs. Next, try finding the secret path to the swamp through the bushes. Here you will find a beautiful spot for a panoramic photo of the swamp as well as have the opportunity to learn about local bird life.

Approximate duration of trail is 45 minutes.

Lou Endicott is an illustrator and designer who draws much inspiration for her work from the natural world. An avid birder and urban hiker, Endicott is a huge fan of Banyule's bushlands and local reserves, and spends much of her free time exploring these green corridors around her local neighbourhood as well as further afield.

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Download Plenty River treasure map(PDF, 6MB)

Enter at any of these point in the circuit:

• Simms Road
• Dobson road
• Park Lane
• Lowan Ave
• Elder Street
• Nepean Ave
• Beatrix street

This scenic trail runs alongside the Plenty River, passing local landmarks such as Montmorency Park, Montmorency Secondary College and Willinda Park. It can be accessed by Bus Routes 517 and 293. It’s only 1km from Montmorency Train Station and Monty Village, and there is accessible parking at Willinda Park.

The 3.5km circuit includes crossing bridges and some steep paths on the western side. The entire circuit is a 1-hour walk if completed on foot. Bikes, scooters, prams and dogs on leads are all welcome on the shared path.

There are several playgrounds and basketball hoops along the trail as well as toilet facilities at the Montmorency football ground and Willinda Park.

Explore the natural and fixed features on the circuit with this treasure hunt. Locate the permanent mosaic artwork, rock wall and a variety of signage. Seasonal wildflowers can be found along the way and birdlife is abundant. Spot the fallen tree that acts as a bridge across the river for wildlife and look skyward to see nest boxes high in the trees. Take a rest on the many benches along the way and listen to the peaceful sound of the river rapids. Have fun deciding which is the most interesting tree and beautiful scene.

This trail rewards return visits as there is always something new in nature to discover.

Jodi Wiley works out of her home studio and exhibits regularly. Her paintings are held in many private collections as well as several local councils including City of Melbourne. Wiley loves drawing on location and has enjoyed walking this trail many times with her children, who helped select the items to be found in the treasure hunt.