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Gong Gong Reservoir Park is a large and diverse bushland reserve only 10 minutes from Ballarat on the Daylesford Road. When you arrive you will be surrounded by gum trees, native grasses and the sound of Yarrowee Creek giggling along. The park has many self guided walking tracks with information boards along the way to help you learn more about the native wildlife. The criss-crossing tracks and bridges are a wonderland for children as they can follow the gravel paths in safety.

Walking past the wetlands in the middle of the park the chorus of frogs amongst the native vegetation is uplifting and a must after rain.

Although Gong Gong sounds like an indigenous name, the traditional name is Gang Gang after the red-headed Gang-Gang-cockatoo. We haven’t heard their creaking door call or seen them fly over but the pine trees that border the reservoir are visited by large groups of yellow-tailed black cockatoos.

The park has toilets, ample parking, barbecues and picnic tables dotted around the various tracks. You could make a day of it and start in Ballarat’s CBD and follow the Yarrowee Creek Trail out to Gong Gong Reservoir where you will be energised by the natural bush setting.

Eco Explorers run a Bush Playgroup at Gong Gong Reservoir weekly on Wednesday mornings. Contact us here to enquire about joining.

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Visit Devilbend Natural Features Reserve with kids 

Devilbend Natural Features Reserve is a 1,005 ha park on the Mornington Peninsula 55 km south-east of Melbourne, Australia, between Hastings and Mount Martha in the traditional country of the Bunurong people.

A haven for waterbirds and walkers, Devilbend Natural Features Reserve is the largest inland body of water on the Mornington Peninsula and offers a variety of family friendly recreational activities including picnics, walking and cycling, fishing, photography, birdwatching and non-powered watercraft. The lowland forest, reservoirs and shoreline provide valuable habitat and beautiful scenery to enjoy picnics, fishing, photography, birdwatching and water activities.

Explore Devilbend via the scenic walking tracks that wind around the reserve, from the easy boardwalks to the more adventurous 11.5km Devilbend Circuit Track around the reservoir.

TOP 5 ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH KIDS 

1. 1. 1. Go bird watching! Devilbend Reservoir is recognised by BirdLife International as being globally important for the conservation of bird populations, including the threatened Blue‐billed Duck. Keep an eye out for the majestic White‐bellied Sea Eagle.
      2. Take your bike and cycle along the tracks of the Southern Boundary.
      3. Have a picnic or BBQ at Daangean Point Picnic Area which has electric barbecues, picnic tables, shelter and toilets. Remember to bring your own drinking water to the reserve, and take your rubbish away with you when you leave.
      4. Head down to the waters edge and make some nature boats.
      5. Visit the pine forest to enjoy some tree climbing and in Autumn, fungi spotting!

FLORA & FAUNA INFORMATION 

Devilbend or Dungean, as referred to by the traditional owners of the land, the Boonwurrung and the Boonurong People, provides a variety of nature immersion opportunities. The extensive walking track will take you through some beautiful old pine trees. See if you can find the magical pine forest! Once you’ve walked through the young pine forest you will find yourself surrounded by old trees perfect for climbing and exploring. The combination of the pine needles and cool winter will provide a great opportunity for fungi spotting.

Walking down the boat ramp track you will come to the reservoir which is home to plenty of wildlife; swans hiding amongst the reeds, turtles popping up to say hello when the sun is shining and some of our beautiful slithering friends warming their bodies in the sun.

As the sun begins to go down you may have the opportunity to see some wallabies, Echidnas and even some deer. Keep an ear out for the beautiful variety of birds that call Dungean home. You may even be lucky enough to see a pair of sea eagles.

Visit All Trails here for the best walks to do at Devilbend Natural Features Reserve.

As a Parks Vic tour operator, Eco Explorers runs Bush Playgroup, Bush Kids, Forest School and School Holiday programs at Devilbend Natural Features Reserve.