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Ancient River Red Gums, impressive Oaks and remnant fruit trees along the winding path of our bountiful Birrarung (Yarra River), make Banksia Park one of the many fabulous reserves that make up the Yarra Valley Parklands and a favourite for families in Melbourne. With a huge expanse of bushland, walking tracks and picnic areas to explore, it’s a fantastic location to head to for the day with your family.
Located off Templestowe Road in Bulleen, it has a fascinating history of both First Nation and colonial significance. Banksia Park is situated on the land of the Wurundjeri People, and has evidence throughout the park of their habitation. Scar trees and stone tools have been found in the area and a map with the location of a magnificent scar tree can be found here
TOP 5 ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH KIDS
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- Have a picnic under the Oak trees and in Autumn, there is a bed blanket canopy of leaves and acorns to play in.
- Go for a bush walk along the paved walking loop that follows the winding river and allows exploration of the dense bush areas.
- Keep warm with a fire and roast some apples in the designated wood-fired BBQ’s areas!
- Find the secret path leading into Heide Museum of Art and follow the trail to the magnificent climbing tree!
- In autumn & winter, see how many acorns you can find and get crafty making acorn people or go on a fungi scavenger hunt (click here to download your printable)!
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FLORA & FAUNA INFORMATION
The river is a source of fish and shellfish, and the lands surrounding the river are home to kangaroos and possums, all of which are of key importance to the Wurundjeri life style. The loop walking track is dotted with information pillars which tell of the Colonial history of the area – first inhabited by Europeans in the early 1840’s as a link from Melbourne to the less populated north eastern regions. A punt was built on the river to provide access to and from the city, and a flour mill was established on the banks of the river.
The park has a wonderful combination of open grassy areas (perfect for picnics and kite flying), beautiful River red gums, Manna gums and many wattles abound. She Oaks beckon yellow-tailed black cockatoos. What we also love about this reserve is the diversity of fauna. Not only is there a beautiful array of native plants and trees, but there is also a grove of Cherry trees, some monumental Oak trees that are perfect for climbing, and a variety of other deciduous trees that provide fabulous Autumn leaf litter.
Throughout the park there are also wood-fired BBQ’s and picnic tables – it’s a beautiful location!
Don’t forget to download your FREE Eco Explorers Nature Scavenger Hunt here to take with you!
Eco Explorers runs a Forest School program on Thursdays and bush playgroup nearby at Westerfolds Park on Fridays.
