Brimbank Welcome Walk

Brimbank Welcome Walk created by Matt

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Summary

Enjoy an easy stroll through Brimbank Park, taking in the birdlife that lives in and around the ancient River Red Gums. This trail is a perfect introductory walk along the Maribyrnong River.

Description

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Brimbank Park sits about 50 metres below the surrounding western plains and was first settled by Europeans in the 1830s. The name is thought to have originated from farmers moving their sheep and cattle 'around the brim of the river bank'.
This walk starts and ends at the Parks Victoria Office/Lumbar & Co. Cafe. The route is mostly paved and is shared by pedestrians and cyclists. Head north from the visitors centre towards Dodd cottage, once you have had the opportunity to take in the European historical heritage of this homestead, swing around and head south east down the escarpment towards the lower river trail. This will take you to the concrete ford where the fish ladder can be observed along with the water bird life. From there, head North west along the river trail. On your left-hand side you will see the billabong. This billabong flooded on heavy rain once upon a time. Not now though, due to damming up stream. Ancient River Red Gums can be observed throughout this billabong. Some are thought to be over 400 years old. When the path bends around to its left, there is a pedestrian gate on your right. This will take you down to the river's edge, where a beach helps visitors get close to the river bank. Here you might hear a Black Wallaby hopping away or see some Blue Fairy Wrens socialising. Head back to the main trail and continue to follow the river trail until you head left and back up to the visitor's centre.

If it's going to be a very hot, dry or windy day, check for park closures and other weather related information. For this, and other information on the wonders of the park, go to www.parks.vic.gov.au
Find this map at https://walkingmaps.com.au/walk/4466
Using public transport? Try this...https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/journey

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Points of Interest

1. Dodd Homestead

Dodd Homestead is significant as a rare and intact example of a property related to the beginnings of European settlement (1850) and the development of intensive horticulture in the Keilor area.

2. River Red Gum

These important trees provide homes and nesting places for birds and some mammals, while alive. River Red Gum have an abundance of white flowers from October to January.

3. Fishway

This innovative ‘cone style’ fishway is important to ensure native fish such as Common Galaxias, Short-Finned Eel, Tupong, Short-Headed Lamprey and Australian Smelt can complete their lifecycle in the Maribyrnong River.

4. Maribyrnong River

Brimbank Park contains evidence of human occupation for 40,000 years. The Wurundjeri people always had a deep connection to the land here and the Maribyrnong River provided food and medicine.

5. Swamp Wallaby

Also known as the Black Wallaby, they are more active during the days than most other kangaroos and wallabies and are solitary, shy and eat a variety of foliage.

6. New Holland Honeyeater

These energetic birds feed on nectar taken from the flowers of banksias, eucalypts, grevilleas and other trees and shrubs. They are always active chasing insects and competition. Hard to spot.

7. Superb Fairy Wren

With its gleaming, velvety blue-and-black plumage, the male Superb Fairy-wren is easily distinguished. Known for untidy nests and infidelity! Females and immature males are brown.

8. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

Being a gregarious species, these cockatoos usually spend much time in flocks, foraging together on the ground or roosting together in trees. You would be familiar with their raucous screech!