Grade: Easy walking, about 12 km return.
The Walk: Koomba Park is the most northern of the parks which comprise the Dandenong Valley Parklands. The Dandenong Creek trail, now also connected to the Eastlink Trail, wanders through the park taking in the beautiful landscape which includes a variety of plants remaining from the days when parts of Koomba Park were used as orchards. Some of the plants you'll be likely to find are Apple-tree-suckers, Elm, Hawthorn, mint plants, as well as a vast array of native plants. Take in the abundant wildlife which lives in Koomba Park's billabongs. Sit back for a while and try your expertise at identifying birds or recognising frog calls. There is a bird hide available for bird watching.
O’Shannassy Aqueduct April 2010
Grade: Easy flat walking, about 14 km in length.
In the 1920s, Melbourne was running out of water (what’s new?) and here we will see what an earlier generation did to transport water to the growing city. This walk, near Warburton, passes through towering eucalypts, large tree ferns, with views down the valley and passed a flume and the remains of rusted hydraulic engineering artifacts, the uses of which are now a mystery to us.
Yarra Bend Park May 2010
Grade: Easy
The Walk: The Yarra Bend Park provides easy walking trails along and near the Yarra River with river views, abundant bird life and historical points of interest. River Red Gums, Yellow Gum and Yellow Box dominate the area. There are options for those who wish to walk a short distance.
Greens Bush Mornington Peninsula May 2010
Grade: Easy 10 Km
The Walk: Along pleasant bush tracks weaving through native forests, fern gullies, heathlands and grasslands. Slightly undulating in some areas, but nothing too challenging. Included is the site of the Homestead owned by the Green family from whom the 1400 hectares was acquired by the Mornington Council.
Altona Coastal and Wetlands Trail June 2010
Grade: Easy about 10 klms with options for shorter walk.
The Walk: The trail starts at the end of Altona Beach Esplanade and follows along through the beach vegetation to Laverton creek where we see an abundance of waterbirds. We cross the footbridge and continue on through Truganina wetlands to 'The 100 Federation Steps '. At the top , there is a 360 view down Port Phillip Bay the City across to Mt Macedon weather permitting. It is the highest piont between The You Yangs and Melbourne. There is shelter here and picnic tables. Options for longer walkers to continue on through the Cheetham wetlands to Skeleton Creek. Return via the same trail Coffee on the way home at Altona Village or Williamstown.
Long Forest, Bacchus Marsh July 2010
Grade: Medium walking, about 11 km; on rough, stony tracks in places.
The Walk: We will explore the seldom visited, Long Forest Nature Conservation Reserve, to the north east of Bacchus Marsh. It is an area of low rainfall and is home to the Bull Mallee (Eucalyptus behriana), the closest stand of mallee to Melbourne, as well as other dry country vegetation. We will walk the Coimadai Creek valley on an undulating path and reminisce of day walks in times gone by.
Woodlands Historic Park July 2010
Grade: Easy / Medium walking, about 10-12 km in length
The Walk: Leave the River Red gums behind and enjoy a slow, steady climb to the granite boulders at Gellibrand Hill. At 204m this is the highest point in the Woodlands Historic park and affords a 360° view of the city, bay, the Great Dividing Range and the airport. We continue onto the wilder parts of the park in the “Back Paddock” and follow trails past Cumberland ruins and remnant billabongs. Time to explore the Woodlands homestead, a rare example of an early prefabricated building, and the Murrup Gurrong Yan (Spiritual Creek Walk).
Ashburton and Glen Iris Trails August 2010
Grade: Easy walking, about 12 km in length.
The Walk: We will explore some of the trails and bike paths in the Ashburton and Glen Iris area, as we walk a loop which will take in the Gardiners Creek Valley Parklands and a rail trail. We will learn something of Melbourne’s railway history and have lunch in the secluded Hedgeley Dene Gardens.
Brisbane Ranges August 2010
Grade: Medium walking, about 12 - 15km.
The Walk: We will explore the northern section of the Brisbane Ranges National Park, starting at the Boar Gully Camping Area. We should have some good sightings of wildflowers, including the endemic Grevillea steiglitziana and fields of grass trees.
Sugarloaf Reservoir Circuit September 2010
Grade: Medium walking, about 16 km in length. Easy walking, shorter walk also available.
The Walk: We will commence our walk at the Saddle Dam Car Park and follow the Circuit Track around the reservoir to the Ironbark Ridge Picnic area. The track is gently undulating and mostly on unformed tracks. After one hill climb we are rewarded with views of the surrounding area and the city – a good spot for an early lunch.
We can expect the company of lots of kangaroos and birds. I will arrange a car shuffle to eliminate the walk back to the cars across the reservoir wall.
Kirth Kiln October 2010
Grade: Medium, about 12km in total.
The Walk: There are various tracks at Kurth Kiln which we will be taking. Kurth Kiln Park, covering 3,500 ha, contains a range of forest types and other interesting features awaiting exploration., the park is mostly known for it's kiln used during the Second World War to make charcoal for gas producer units fitted to motor cars. The 'producer gas' was a substitute fuel for petrol which was rationed at the time.
Red Hill Rail Trail November 2010
Grade: Steady climb from Merricks to Red Hill (41m to 192m) Down hill on the return to Merricks 13 km return (6.5km one way)
The Walk: The Merricks rail trail follow the old railway line that once transported the area’s timber, apples, cherries and other locally-grown produce. The track is bordered by farmland and vineyards, showcasing spectacular views over Westernport bay. Some uphill sections and gravel/compacted dirt surface.
Walkabouters Club of Victoria Inc.
A0019863A
