Summary

A moderately hilly heritage walk through a small forest area between Cockatoo and Emerald, including Melbourne's favorite little railway, 'Puffing Billy'.

Description

This walk is in an area of conserved bushland close to popular hills townships, but far enough from traffic and crowds to have a sense of the forest, enjoying the birdlife and woodlands. It also includes items of local heritage, notably the famous narrow-gauge 'Puffing Billy' railway, opened in 1900. Closed after a landslide in 1953, thetracks and stations were removed, and forest sections of the track like this one returned to nature. The volunteers of the Puffing Billy Preservation Society took over the right of way, restoring the line from Belgrave to Menzies Creek (1962), Emerald (1965), Lakeside (1975) and all the way the otiginal terminus at Gembrook (1999). This section through Wright Forest features two restored timber trestle bridges, and also Wright station.
Wright Forest and station are named for JW Wright, an early settler who gave the name to Avonsleigh. When the railway opened in 1900, Cockatoo was briefly known as Devon, then Cockatoo Creek, which was shortened to Cockatoo in 1904.
Cockatoo has mostly had a peaceful existence since 1900, the exception being the Ash Wednesday bushfires in February 1983, which destroyed much of the town. Many locals took refuge in the local kindergarten, now the Ash Wednesday education centre next to the start point of this walk. The adjoining toilet block is the only facility, and also water point, on this walk.
Terrain is mostly moderate, with some short steep sections. The tracks may be slippery in wet weather. This walk is not recommended in extreme weather due to the risk of fire, falling limbs, and also snakes.

942 Views

Points of Interest

1. McBride St

Up the hill is the main street of Cockatoo, and also the 'Puffing Billy' rail crossing. Take care for trafiic when crossing the road. The bushfire centre is above the car park.

2. Cockatoo Creek

The wooden footbridge spans this little creek. Proceed up the hill to Moola Tk, turning right, then left on Grass Tk to Red Tk, left at Orange Tk to Blue Tk.

3. Trestle bridge

The trestle bridge has been faithfully rebuilt in the style and materials of the earlier bridge. Use the side track rather than the bridge to cross thee creek, and watch for trains!

4. Wright station

Wright station is good rest point and also shelter in the event of poor weather. return to the start point via Wright Rd and Boundary Tk, both of which are part of the Emerald-Cockatoo walking trail

Features

Drinking water available

Public toilets

Historical interest

Nature trail