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.