Wildflower loop in Walter Burley Griffin's Garden Suburb
Wildflower loop in Walter Burley Griffin's Garden Suburb
Enjoy this circuit walk to explore Walter Burley Griffin's progressive urban design, with the added bonus of breathtaking vistas and remnant patches of endangered ecosystems.
Summary
Enjoy this circuit walk to explore Walter Burley Griffin's progressive urban design, with the added bonus of breathtaking vistas and remnant patches of endangered ecosystems.
Description
Explore the suburb designed by forward thinking Walter Burley Griffin and his team. Including Burley Griffin's characteristic roundabouts, this area also features clever designs that aimed to increase walkability and community connection.
The walk also highlights some surprising delights, including secretive walkways, breath-taking views, critically endangered ecosystems and street art.
The walk is relatively flat, suitable for prams and on-leash dog friendly.
Start and end at Walter Burley Griffin Neighbourhood Centre (public toilet, play ground), which is also just next door to Milleara Shopping Centre (coffee and other refreshments).
Public transport on bus route 407 or 465.
3825 Views
Points of Interest
1. Grasslands in Walter Burley Griffin's Garden Suburb
JH Allan Reserve has a patch of endangered Victorian Volcanic Plains Temperate Grassland of wildflowers. Download the Ecolink App for wildflower identification
2. Walkable suburb design
The suburb features many courts and walk through paths, both greatly reducing through traffic but also encouraging walking as an efficient local transport option.
3. Arcade Way Reserve Grassland
A patch of one of Australia's most endangered ecosystems, wildflower grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plains (VVP). Map indicates level of habitat loss for this ecosystem.
4. Forward thinking walkable design
This one creates a convenient cut through for pedestrians and bikes. Follow the link for a journal article about the town planning history.
5. Look out at Stirling Drive
A fantastic view of the Maribyrnong River valley. Check out the incredible view, do some trainspotting as various trains use the Trestle Bridge. See the volcanic plain you stand on.
6. Top of the Valley
Feel like you are a million miles from the city on this 'top of the valley' walk. Download Museums Victoria's Field Guide to help identify local wildlife.
7. Rest stop and hidden walkways
Rest stop with a view! Then pop out from the valley into suburbs again through one of the many small walkways featured in this suburb. Don't be shy, the street is just along a little path.
8. Walkway into a secret garden
Can you find the walkway into the secret garden of one of the many internal parks featured in Burley Griffin's design? They often feature a main entrance and smaller walkways.
9. Avondale Heights Community Garden
Community garden with vegetable plots, fruit trees and a grassy patch. Garden is sometimes open for visits.
10. The Crossway South Reserve - important natural conservation
This area is an important remnant patch of wildflowers. Council conducts ecological burns each year to manage biodiversity and reduce weeds. Watch the linked video for more conservation work.
11. Art in the Wildflowers
Check out the artwork from local artists celebrating the local wildflowers and Grassland ecosystem. Featuring work by Abbey Rich, Jimmy D'vate and Bricktales.
12. Soil of the VVP
The soil of the Victorian Volcanic Plain (VVP) cracks as it dries. This provides critters and seeds a refuge from hot weather and fire.
14. Picnic and playground rest stop
JH Allan Reserve has a shaded play ground, public toilet, BBQ, water tap and seating.
Features
Public Transport
Playground
Picnic spot
Drinking water available
Seating available
Public toilets
Pram friendly
Historical interest
Local treasures
Art and culture
Nature trail
