Summary

Get your binoculars ready. This walk will take you along woodland paths beside the lovely Duck Pond. You may spot a whole variety of wildlife from marsupials to birds.

Description

Duck Pond is part of the ephemeral wetlands system. When the Duck Pond has water this area is bursting with life of all sorts. The frogs are croaking, the bird population explodes and many other creatures gravitate toward the woodland and water to enjoy the bounty. Duck Pond is dry approximately one year in eight.

This area was entirely revegetated during the 1990s as one of the earliest activities on-site toward restoring some of the original ecological conditions.

The walking track follows the north west edge of the Duck Pond through bush and other areas which may be used for grazing. It is marked by arrows. Walkers can observe a series of nesting boxes along the route that have been installed to support tree dwelling mammals. Remember if you pass through a gate that is closed, shut it again behind you.

This is a walk for all ages and seasons. However, summer can be very hot so remember to carry food, water, first aid and be SunSmart.

Camping sites are available at the Bush Camp. This involves booking and payment to be made via the website: Winton Wetlands camping Other amenities include picnic tables and ample car parking. The nearest public toilets are at the Mokoan Hub and Cafe car park.

Directions:
From the Mokoan Hub and Cafe head right along Lake Mokoan Road for 9.4km. Turn right into the Bush Camp at the Duck Pond entrance. Park at the end of the track. Your walk follows the fence line north east, then along the edge of Duck Pond until it loops around and heads back via the woodland.

Pets are not permitted in Winton Wetlands.

Parts of Winton Wetlands are remote. In case of emergency call 000.

Other Winton Wetlands walks:
Mokoan Ponds Walk
Woodland Walk
Sculpture Walk
Greens Hill
Robertsons Hill Walk
Swan Wall Walk
Humphries Hill Walk

943 Views

Points of Interest

1. Bush Camp at the Duck Pond

Camping is permitted at this pretty woodland bush site.

2. Interpretive signage

Informative signage explains the ephemeral nature of Duck Pond.

3. Birdlife

Species diversity is on display afloat on the water, onshore, in flight above and roosting in surrounding branches. The far shore is very boggy, so ensure you carry binoculars to observe from here.

4. Waders

This is an ideal site for observing wading water birds in action, such as this Egret.

5. Trail markers

White arrows mark the trail back through the woodland.

6. Evening view

At close of day ghosts of forests past contrast ethereally against the backdrop of bushland and the Warby Range. It is not recommended to walk the far shore, it is very wet and heavily vegetated.

Features

Picnic spot

Seating available

Nature trail

Lake, creek, river