Summary

A winding creek side meander opens out to beautiful bushland with a large population of kangaroos, passing a wonderful old homestead along the way.

Description

This park is popular with humans and wildlife alike (so please keep dogs on a leash at all times, and out of the Conservation area).

From the noticeboard walk towards the creek and across the small bridge. At the signpost, follow the 'Cultural Walk' arrow which meanders alongside the creek. There are several fine examples of old River Red Gums along the way. Information boards tell of a landscape rich in indigenous culture.

Just past the second information board ('A Day in the life'), turn left, heading south away from the creek into open bushland.

Continue straight until you meet a gravel vehicle track. Turn left onto the gravel track. When the gravel track passes a compacted dirt track, turn right onto the dirt track. There is a very healthy population of kangaroos in the park and they are easy to spot along here.

This track takes us to the back of the Woodlands homestead. Enter the homestead grounds through a small gate. Walk past the picturesque farm sheds and around to the front of the beautifully maintained homestead. A small café offers Devonshire tea, coffee and snacks.

From the homestead entrance, follow the sign to the public toilets. Continue past the toilets and turn right onto the dirt track, keeping left at the next Y junction.

You will soon come to two posts with green covers. Turn left onto a less well defined grassy path straight after these posts (see Points of Interest).

This path continues straight up a small incline, and ends at a gravel track. Turn left onto the gravel track and immediately turn left again onto another grassy dirt track that slowly climbs another small incline.

You are now heading north back towards the car park. At each junction you meet, continue straight, all the way back to the car park.

This walk is part of the Heart Foundations 'Green Walks in the Park' Program. Follow the link above for more information.

Facilities:
There are electric BBQs, tables and toilets near the car park. Bring along a picnic to enjoy after your walk.

DOGS: Must be kept on a lead at all times and are not permitted at all in the Conservation Area (Back Paddock).

By Car: Woodlands is only 22km from the city, just north of Melbourne Airport. Follow the Tullamarine Freeway/Sunbury Rd and turn right onto Oaklands Road. Turn right again onto Somerton Rd and the entrance is on your right. (Melways 178 C6).

The park is open to vehicles daily from 8.30am to 4.30pm, changing to 9.30am - 6.00pm on weekends and public holidays from 1 November until the end of daylight savings.

Public transport: There is no public transport nearby.

89905 Views

Points of Interest

1. River Red Gum

Look up and marvel at the wonderful twisting branches of an old River Red Gum. It plays an important role in stabilising river banks.

2. Walking tracks

The walking tracks are mostly level with a few gentle uphill sections. Some sections are very open. On a sunny day make sure to bring a hat and a bottle of water.

3. Butterflies

As you walk in the summer months, hundreds of butterflies will be out, dancing among the shrubs and trees.

4. Stumpy-tailed Lizard

If you hear a rumble in the grass as you walk you might spot a lizard out finding a nice spot for sunbaking.

5. Dilwinia in flower

Dilwinia is just one of many native flowers on the walk that show their true colours during Spring.

6. Eastern Grey Kangaroos

At birth, the infant immediately climbs into its mother's pouch and does not emerge for two months. Until they reach 10 or 11 months of age, threatened joeys, will dive for the safety of mom's pouch.

7. Living Legends

Just in front of the Homestead are real Living Legends! Established to bring retired champion horses back to the public, the front paddocks are home to some of Australia's finest retired racehorses.

8. The Woodlands Homestead

Originally imported and erected by the Greene family in 1842, and extended by later owners, the homestead is a unique example of design, construction and decoration from that era.

9. A turn in the road

After leaving the homestead, keep an eye out for these posts. The path turns left up a small incline immediately afterwards.

10. The parklands

The park contains a landscape that has changed little since pastoral settlement in the 1840s. Large areas of little-disturbed grassy woodland provides habitat for kangaroos.

11. The Eastern Rosella

There is a great diversity of birdlife in the park. Some are easy to spot like the colourful Eastern Rosella. Other tiny birds that nest in bushes near the creek require a little more patience.

12. Parks Victoria map of area

Refer to this Visitor Guide map to see areas where dogs are not permitted. You can download the full 2-page Visitor Guide at the below link.

Find out more

Features

Picnic spot

Seating available

Public toilets

Art and culture

Park / Garden