Summary

Explore an award-winning wetlands design in a six-hectare park.

Description

A short, level walk around the McNeilly Wetlands area in Drouin. Gravel pathways are wide and well-constructed, providing good access for people with a range of mobility levels.

Distance: 1.5 km if walked in figure of 8.

A leisurely walk should take approximately 30 minutes.

These wetlands were named after the pioneering McNeilly family who used this area as a summer grazing paddock for stock.

From the entrance in Jackson Dr, walk in either direction.

Lookout point: look over the lakes.

The very tall eucalypts are Strzelecki Gums, which are listed as threatened. Natural recruitment (regeneration) of this species is very evident from the young trees that have begun to prosper once the grazing and clearing of the area ceased.

The mature trees provide excellent habitat for a wide range of native birds and animals. Even the fallen logs provide valuable hollows.

Wetland bird species to look for include ducks, swamphens, coots, grebes, etc on the water; and warblers, grassbirds, wrens and cisticolas in the reed beds. Tree martins, parrots, cockatoos, galahs and corellas are among the birds often seen using the hollows.

Black shouldered kites and Australian kestrels can often be seen patrolling for unwary prey. A pair of black shouldered kites have nested in one of the Strzelecki Gums for the last few years.

Eucalyptus strzelecki of Strzelecki Gum

- Named after explorer Paul De Strzelecki
- Listed as 'Threatened' in Victoria
- Only exist in 130 km band East to West Gippsland
- Drouin: about 30-35 m tall
- Prefer low lying wet land
- Smooth trunk of pale grey-tan with cream patches, rough trunk up to 3 m above ground
- Buds, fruits in groups of seven
- White flowers in Spring
- Leaves often have a wavy margin
- Very strong eucalyptus smell when leaves crushed

An excellent booklet detailing this and other Drouin walks, with further information and beautiful photographs, is available at several shops in the town. A PDF of this booklet can be downloaded from: http://www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/files/sharedassets/public/environment/documents/drouin-tree-walks-downloadable-booklet.pdf

Friends of Drouin's Trees have a Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/DrouinsTrees/

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Points of Interest

1. Interpretive sign

Interpretive sign

2. Playground

Interesting and challenging playground made of natural materials for kids of all ages to enjoy.

3. Lookout

Look over the lakes from this lookout

4. Strzelecki Gum

Strzelecki Gum

5. Strzelecki Gums

Strzelecki Gums, note the recruitment of young Strzelecki gums growing underneath.

6. Lakes

Look for wetland birds on the lakes - Eurasian Coot with chicks

7. Golden Cisticolas live in the reed beds

Listen for a soft call from the reed beds. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a Golden-Headed Cisticola.

8. Lakes

Look for wetland birds - Hoary-headed Grebe

9. Lakes

A pair of Nankeen Kestrels can often be seen hunting over the lakes

10. Strzelecki Gums

Several of these gums can be seen throughout the park

Features

Playground

Picnic spot

Drinking water available

Seating available

Pram friendly

Historical interest

Local treasures

Nature trail

Lake, creek, river

Park / Garden