28
Dec

Alphington Wetlands

Details

Alphington Wetlands is a lovely natural spot located in the suburb of Alphington, Melbourne, stretching over about 9 hectares. It’s a wonderful place for nature lovers, especially bird watchers, as it’s home to many local bird species.

The wetlands were transformed from an old industrial site into a beautiful green space, complete with walking trails, picnic areas, and viewing platforms where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

Not only do the wetlands provide a peaceful retreat, but they also help with water management by filtering stormwater and reducing flooding in the area. It’s great to see how this initiative supports local wildlife while giving residents a spot to connect with nature.

Whether you’re looking to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or just soak in the peaceful surroundings, Alphington Wetlands is definitely worth a visit!

TOP 5 ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH KIDS 

    1. Explore the Wetlands: Go for a nature walk along the walking trails. Kids will love spotting wildlife like birds, frogs, and butterflies while learning about the local ecosystem.
    2. Picnic: Pack a picnic and find a nice spot to relax. The wetlands have picnic tables for families to use while enjoying their meals and taking in the scenic views.
    3. Scavenger Hunt: Go on a nature scavenger hunt around the wetlands.
    4. Tree climbing: there’s an amazing old river gum tree with low branches that are the ideal height for tree climbing. Always take care and check branches above for safety and climb at your own risk.
    5. Sit by the river: and look out for bird life, as well as watch people kayaking past!

Location

Address:
1 View Street, Alphington, Victoria, 3078, Australia

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Wallace Bushland Reserve

Details

Wallace Reserve is an example of a highly valued neighbourhood reserve, where the local community has worked together with Frankston City Council to restore the bushland environment. Today this beautiful reserve contains pockets of natural indigenous bush for wildlife habitat, large grassy areas for recreation, and space to enjoy a break from the noise and bustle of urban life.

Things to see Indigenous plants Pockets of indigenous plant communities are returning to the reserve. Of particular note is the grassy woodland area with an understorey of Weeping Grass, Spiny-headed Mat-rush and Variable Sword-sedge and an overstorey of Narrow-leaf Peppermints. It is wonderful to see areas of indigenous vegetation gradually reestablish with the assistance of the volunteers. Native animals Brushtail and Ringtail Possums have made their homes in the bushland areas whilst an occasional koala has been seen moving through the reserve. Native birds are returning to the restored bushland areas and the pine forest is likely to be a suitable habitat for cockatoos and other large parrots.

Information via Frankston City Council 

Location

Address:
10 Wallace Avenue, Frankston, Victoria, Australia

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Belgrave Lake Park, Belgrave

Details

Belgrave Lake Park, nestled in the enchanting Dandenong Ranges of Victoria, is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the serene beauty of the surroundings. The park offers a variety of walking trails, picnic areas, and beautiful lake views, making it a perfect spot for a family outing and picnic.

Explore the winding trails that circle the lake, where scenic views and the chance to encounter local wildlife await. With a fantastic playground for children and picnic spots equipped for barbecues, the park encourages outdoor adventure and connection.

 

 

Location

Address:
35 Park Dr, Belgrave, Victoria, Australia

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01
Nov

Yan Yean Reservoir Park

Details

Yan Yean Reservoir Park is a great location to spend a lazy summer Sunday with the family. Enjoy a picnic with spectacular water views at the end carpark or grab some snags and cook up a BBQ with friends while the kids ride the bikes and explore the area. There’s plenty of space and picnic tables, rotundas and abundant parking make the park an ideal destination for a family outing with expansive water views.

There is also a lovely grassy and bushy wetlands area in the middle. You can often hear the frogs as you pass by and children can access the water’s edge for ponding activities!

Toilet facilities are located at both ends of the park and both have parenting amenities. The northern facilities are also wheelchair accessible.

Don’t forget to pack your binoculars and head into the extensive wetlands to see the abundant birdlife that lives and feeds in the area.

Stroll the easy walking trails along the water for views over the reservoir and towards the surrounding mountains, and unwind in the peaceful atmosphere of this tranquil, historic setting.

Parks Vic 

Location

Address:
Cnr Reservoir and Recreation Road, Yan Yean VIC, Victoria, 3755, Australia

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Epping North Conservation Reserve

Details

Unplug your devices and plug into nature. Epping North Conservation Reserve is a native woodland sanctuary in the heart of Epping. Expect to find grassy areas to relax and have picnics and walking tracks for those wanting to explore.

Features

  •  Loose branches
  •  Natural beauty
  •  Walking paths Nature Play activities:
  •  Bug exploration
  • Explore the natural environment
  •  Make bush shelters
  • Explore your five senses
  • Collect natural things to make a mobile
  • Go on a scavenger hunt Plants and animals

 

The Epping North Conservation Reserve makes a significant contribution to supporting local wildlife. Work is ongoing to restore the River Red Gum grassland by planting a variety of native grasses, wildflowers and shrubs. Keep your eyes and ears open for the huge variety of birds that reside here.

Location The reserve is located on Stonebridge Rise, Epping Public transport Bus 357 from Epping Station (10 mins)

Looking after the park • Leave everything as you find it • Take all rubbish home • Respect the fauna and flora • Respect animal homes

Location

Address:
Australia

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25
Nov

Strathewen

Details

Located at the foothills of Kinglake and adjacent to Kinglake National Park, Strathewen is a small town 45 km north-east of Melbourne.

Although there is no township in Strathewen, there is a Bushfire Memorial at the Strathewen Reserve that acknowledges the individuals who lost their lives in the Black Saturday bushfires of 2009. It also tells the story of camaraderie and strength in rebuilding the community after the fires.The memorial takes visitors on the challenging journey of life before, during and after the fire and is a special and sacred place to visit fo the community. 

Also at the Strathewen Reserve, is an oval, pavilion, tennis courts, basketball and netball ring and small playground as well as access to a lovely spot for the kids to play by the creek.

Strathewen is only 20 mins from nearby towns Hurstbridge, Doreen, St Andrews and Kinglake which offer fantastic day trips to Masons Falls, bush walks, family picnics, local cafes (Hurstbridge has a great variety of cafes), Kinglake and St Andrews markets and a fantastic playspace – Bollygum playground in KInglake.

Our ReWild site is a private property which consists of 20 acres of bush to explore and includes:

      • A large dam to catch yabbies in
      • An untouched mountain of dense bushland for bushwalking and hiking – Australian flora and fauna – wombats, kangaroos, deer, echidna’s, birdlife, frogs, turtles, lizards and much, much more …
      • 5 acres of dirt bike tracks to build cubbies, use tools to build treehouses, slackline obstacle course, rope swings and much, much more …
      • Fire pit
      • Shelter

These expansive grounds and bush setting gives children plenty of space to be physically active, whether that’s building a cubby, playing games, building or running around with friends.

 

 

Location

Address:
Chadds Creek Road, Strathewen, Victoria, 3099, Australia

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