Ruffey Lake Park - Great Wheel Walk

Ruffey Lake Park - Great Wheel Walk created by andrewk

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Summary

This is a sealed wheel-walk that gently undulates around wetlands and Ruffey lake. Time: 30 - 40 mins return trip. Note that track is prone to flooding in places.

Description

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The wheel-walk begins at the end of the Ruffey Lake Park at The Boulevarde car park. Take one of the gravel tracks to the sealed path.

1. At the crossroads you will see a straight line of trees that remind us of how this area looked with rows upon rows of fruit trees. Almost half of Doncaster and Templestowe were covered in orchards. Today very few remain.

2. The wetlands on your left are a protected sanctuary for birds, frogs and turtles. Wetlands are vital habitat for many of our native animals. Several species of native plants filter toxins from the water helping maintain a healthy ecosystem.

3. Begin your wetland bird watch here. Look for Dusky Moorhens, Purple Swamphens, Australian Wood Ducks and the occasional pelican. There is a bird identification chart at the observation deck.

4. Wheel-walk extension
Instead of retracing your steps you can veer to your right and continue circumnavigating the lake. Beware - there is one small section that is a downhill gradient and is unsealed with small tree roots penetrating the track. If you are careful and have a suitable chair then circumnavigating the lake is a lovely extension.

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Points of Interest

1. Rest stop

Pause for a while to enjoy the scenery.

2. 1. Orchard remnants

At the crossroads you will see a straight line of trees that remind us of how this area looked with rows upon rows of fruit trees. Almost half of Doncaster and Templestowe were covered in orchards.

3. 2. Protected sanctuary and wetlands

The wetlands are a protected sanctuary and vital habitat for birds, frogs, turtles and many of our native animals. Native plants filter toxins from the water helping maintain a healthy ecosystem.

4. 3. Birdwatch

Begin your wetland birdwatch here. Look for Dusky Moorhens, Purple Swamhens, Australian Wood Ducks and the occasional pelican. There is a bird identification chart at the observation deck.

5. 4. Wheel-walk extension

To extend you walk, veer to your right and continue around the lake. Beware - there is one small section that is a downhill gradient and is unsealed with small tree root penetrating the track.