Summary

This lovely bushland reserve preserves species indigenous to the Ringwood, Croydon and Heathmont area while providing picnic facilities, a playground, public toilets and nature trails.

Description

Enjoy the sights and sounds of a pretty bushland setting in the middle of outer eastern suburbia. This reserve was donated to the residents of the Maroondah municipality in 1954 by resident Frank L. Walker.

Maintained by Council workers and Friends of Wombolano, the reserve covers 7.5 hectares. It features a regionally and locally significant hillside remnant Stringybark, Messmate and Peppermint Gum forest with over 120 other plant species. Powerful Owls, Possums and native birdlife are also resident.

There are three entry sites to choose from. A network of tracks and trails permits visitors to experience all areas of the reserve, but exploring into the vegetation itself is largely out of bounds to protect it from trampling. As a consequence, the bushland is in very good condition and well worth a walk.

Tracks are gravel, well signed and maintained. Some are a bit on the steep side. There is a picnic shelter and plenty of seating for those needing the occasional rest. There is a small wetland boardwalk and a Rotary Sensory trail with lots of informative plaques designed for children's learning.

The perimeter is housing bound. However, even that is quite interesting due to a diversity of housing stock and some very pleasant leafy gardens.

Popular with dog walkers, dogs must be kept on a leash.
Clean up after your dog.
Flora and fauna are protected.

Other walks in this area
Bungalook Conservation walk, Kilsyth
Dorset Recreation Trail

1715 Views

Points of Interest

1. Car park

There is room for 4-5 cars off road and plenty of roadside parking available. Alternatively, catch the Canterbury Rd bus or walk from Heathmont or Ringwood East stations.

2. A verdant forest remnant

The bushland is dense, rich in textures and shades of green. A real treat.

3. Kids love it

It is common to come across children with parents and/or grandparents in the reserve. Everyone has something to enjoy.

4. Kangaroo Apple

It is great to see so many indigenous species in their element despite the surrounding suburbia.

5. Tracks and signage are good

It is not a big reserve, but the surfaces and signage keep you on track and well informed along the way regardless.

6. Playground, picnic shelter and public toilets

These amenities are catered for.

7. Plenty of seating

Seating is distributed throughout the network of tracks for those needing a bit of respite.

8. Beautiful trees

Such as this mature She oak.

9. A wetland boardwalk

It is only small, but the wetland depression is a focal point for a change in vegetation.

10. The Sensory Trail

Educational and a bit of a treasure hunt at the same time, another feature to interest children.

Features

Public Transport

Playground

Picnic spot

Seating available

Public toilets

Nature trail

Park / Garden