Coomoora Woodland to Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve
Coomoora Woodland to Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve
Explore a precious patch of remnant woodlands and hectares of preserved heathland, connected by suburban streets and parks.
Summary
Explore a precious patch of remnant woodlands and hectares of preserved heathland, connected by suburban streets and parks.
Description
Tucked away in the suburban streets of Keysborough and Springvale South are two important pieces of preserved land that were both dearly fought for by local community groups, keen to protect the precious ecosystems and habitats once native to the Dandenong area.
HOURS:
This walk takes in Coomoora Woodland and, depending on the day you choose to venture out, Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve, which has limited opening hours. You can just as easily walk around the perimeter of Alex Wilkie reserve and explore the neighbouring parks and bushland as you go.
FACILITIES:
There are toilets, drinking fountains and bbqs inside the Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve, but these are only accessible when open to the public, which is on Friday (9-3pm) and every third Sunday (10-5pm) of the month. Closed on public holidays and in winter (June to August).
Coomoora Reserve includes a playground and sporting grounds. There's also a playground in Alex Nelson Reserve, which is on the way to Alex Wilkie Reserve.
The nearest public toilets are in the South Springvale Shopping Centre on Mackay Street, which is directly opposite the Mackay Street Centre, at 6 Mackay Street, Springvale.
TRANSPORT:
Bus 902 from Springvale Road can return you to Coomoora Reserve, if you parked here. It's the orbital route that travels from Airport West to Chelsea, connecting with numerous train stations.
https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/7464
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Points of Interest
1. Start at Coomoora Woodland on Serpentine Road
There are many ways to access Coomoora Woodland. It's even on the walking/cycle trail along the Dandenong Bypass. This suburban street is a quieter access point.
2. Choose your own adventure!
There are paths in Coomoora Woodland but none are signposted. It's not a huge reserve, so don't worry about getting lost. Instead, look up and take in the sounds of the birdlife above.
3. Home to endangered species
Coomoora Woodland is home to a number of threatened and endangered species; the swift parrot, grey-headed flying fox and growling grass frog have all been spotted here.
4. Short cut
There's a path along the back fences of houses that's good for bikes and short cuts. It takes you from the Serpentine Road entrance to the Coomoora Reserve sports ovals.
5. Sporting ovals
If you fancy a run around, there's an oval here that's perfect for playing in. Cross the oval to reach Coomoora Road.
6. Dandenong Bypass walking/cycling pathway
It's harder to hear the birds from the Woodlands here, with the whoosh of traffic flying by. Continue a little further to get back to the peace and quiet.
7. Coomoora Cricket Club
At the time of writing this building was still under construction (November 2015). It may offer public toilets and drinking fountains in the future. Stay tuned!
8. Playground
Small people might like to stop for a play before leaving Coomoora Reserve and heading out into the suburb. There are also bench seats and picnic tables nearby.
9. A detour through the suburbs
Walk past the Keysborough Primary School and turn left onto Darren Road. You'll pass a milk bar along the way, if you need refreshments. Turn left at Harold Street.
10. Alex Nelson Reserve
This sports ground and local reserve offers a playground and shade for sitting. There's a pavilion and ovals for sports fans to enjoy.
11. A lovely path through Alex Wilkie area
Walk between the Alex Wilkie reserve lands. This public path will take you from Alex Nelson reserve to Mackay Street. Be sure to breathe in the scented bushland and look up for chattering birdlife.
12. Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve entrance
Enter the Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve here on Mackay Street. This educational and cultural nature reserve is open on Fridays (9-3pm) and every third Sunday (10-5pm). Note, it is closed June to August.
13. Remnant bushland
The Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve is a parcel of land that was bought by the Springvale South Community Association in 1950. Since then it has been protected. Join the ranger for a guided bush walk.
14. Scented trail
As you walk towards Mackay Street, take a breath in and smell the scented walk that's on your right. It's a separate trail in the Alex Wilkie nature reserve designed to engage all of the senses.
15. Play in the nearby park
As you walk towards Springvale Road, there's another lovely park tucked behind the Mackay Street Centre. This park takes you south into suburban streets.
16. Where next?
Walk or catch the 902 bus back to Coomoora Woodland, grab a bite to eat on Springvale Road or from the IGA, or cross Springvale Road and continue walking in Spring Valley Park on the other side.
Features
Public Transport
Playground
Picnic spot
Seating available
Pram friendly
Nature trail
Park / Garden
