Summary

This fantastic 4.4 km loop along the Lollypop Creek Trail is a hidden gem in Melbourne's west. Follow the bends of the creek past River Redgums and healthy habitat to magical Tucker's Waterhole.

Description

There's so much to enjoy about this 4.4 km loop along Lollypop Creek. Starting at Wyndham Vale Reserve and heading north, a series of elevated boardwalks enable walkers to get up close to the landscape. The sounds of frogs croaking, insects chirping and birds singing are instantly soothing.

Lollypop Creek is a fantastic place to walk. The creek is dense with vegetation and teeming with life. But, it hasn't always been this way.

Agriculture and grazing severely degraded Lollipop Creek, reducing it to little more than a concrete drain. Environmental restoration works began in 2005 and the creek has been rehabilitated to resemble the natural chain of ponds. The results are dramatic. With open public spaces and a thriving waterway, Lollypop Creek is an important green corridor in the west.

The highlight of this walk is the spectacular Tucker's Waterhole. With a dramatic basalt rock outcrop, the waterhole shimmers with the reflections of the River Redgums. Take some time to soak up the beauty of this special place.

The Lollypop Creek Trail is a well-made shared path. Boardwalks provide variety and options to cross the creek at multiple places. If the boardwalks are flooded, do not cross.

Toilets are available at Wyndham Vale Reserve.

This map was supported by Melbourne Water Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways incentives program.

5817 Views

Points of Interest

1. Boardwalk over the creek

Start at Wyndham Vale Reserve and take the boardwalk over Lollypop Creek. Be careful when wet and do not cross if flooded.

2. Birdlife

A huge variety of birdlife live and feed along the creek and surrounding parkland.

3. Ribbersdale Avenue bridge

The view from Ribbersdale Avenue bridge shows dense vegetation that provides healthy habitat along the creek.

4. Boardwalks

Several boardwalks provide options to cross the creek.

5. Cross at Greens Road

Be careful crossing busy Greens Road before heading into the open parkland.

6. Winding path

The trail leads on to more footbridges and lush vegetation.

7. Remnant river redgums

Sculptural river redgums are home to many animals. Listen to the bird song from the canopy!

8. Footbridge to "the Secret Place"

Cross Lollypop Creek via the small footbridge to get to Tuckers Waterhole.

9. Tucker's Waterhole

No wonder this is known as the "secret place" to local children. It is utterly magical and ethereal.

10. Little pied cormorant

Egrets, herons, cormorants and other water birds wade and forage in Lollypop Creek.

11. Heading back

Follow the bends of the creek back to continue the loop.

12. Appreciating the plant diversity

Locals appreciating the range of native plants in the understory.

13. Aquatic plants

Lollypop Creek has been revegetated with local aquatic plants including nardoo.

14. Playground at Wyndham Vale Reserve

The loop concludes at Wyndham Vale Reserve. A small playground and toilets are available.

Features

Picnic spot

Seating available

Public toilets

Pram friendly

Nature trail

Lake, creek, river

Park / Garden