Summary

Walk or roll around Highlands Lake in Craigieburn. The park is as popular with water birds as it is with visitors. Paths are easy to travel. As the trees grow the site is becoming an urban oasis.

Description

Is this walk accessible for me?
This walk is accessible for everyone. It is easy by foot, wheelchair or with other mobility aids.

What can I see?
The lake has a many different water birds. The parkland is grassy lawns and growing trees with reedy wetlands.

How accessible is the path?
The walk is a loop. It does not cross any roads. The paths are wide, smooth and generally flat of concrete, compacted gravel or boardwalk. They are easy to follow and in good condition.

Wheelchairs can be turned around. Mobile coverage is good. Alternative routes and pick up points are available.

The lakeside path has accessible viewing platforms for observing the lake and birds. There are drop offs straight to the water from the path around the lake without safety rails.

Grass borders the path in most places. There may be uneven ground.

Craigieburn Rd is busy and can be noisy. Cyclists may share some paths.

Rest areas
Shelters and trees offer shade. Much of the path is exposed to the weather. Seats with and without armrests or benches are placed along the walk with easy access from the path.

There is a compacted gravel area connected to the path around a picnic shelter and BBQ. Roll under space is available at tables. Bins are provided. Highlands Waterside Cafe is on the lake. Check opening hours.

The playspace has a tan bark base without accessible paths.

There is an accessible drinking fountain at the playground which squirts too far. Carrying a water bottle is a good idea.

Accessible toilets are at the beginning of the walk (see photos).

Dogs must be on leash.

Parking
There are two off street accessible parking spaces with rear loading room in the car park off N Shore Drive. The surface is sealed, smooth and flat. A ramped concrete foot path goes to Waterview Boulevard. It is not necessary to walk through the car park. Walk 40 metres along the wide concrete path beside Waterview Boulevard to the start.

Public transport
Bus route 529 on Waterview Boulevard requires crossing to the Lake via concrete footpaths and median strips at the Central Park Ave roundabout. Kerbs are ramped. Route 528 runs along Craigieburn Rd. There are signs with passenger information, but no shelters or seats. At the time of writing there were major roadworks.

The following photos and descriptions provide more information regarding accessibility. Conditions may change. If you notice any variations, please let us know.

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Your feedback will help us to create local walks information of high quality for carers and people with disability.

“Walking and rolling together: accessible walking trails for people with disability” is a partnership between Victoria Walks and Scope.

 Victoria Walks acknowledges the support of Access for All Abilities, an initiative of the Victorian Government.

1783 Views

Points of Interest

1. Car parking

There are 2 accessible spaces in the N Shore Drive off street car park. A 1.6 metre wide, ramped concrete path takes you to the Waterview Boulevard footpath. It is 40 metres to the walk start.

2. A mild slope

There is a mild 30 metre slope from the entrance past the accessible toilets to a picnic shelter by the playground. This is the steepest slope in the reserve.

3. Accessible toilets

The automated accessible toilets were clean and in good condition. Does are 0.9 metres wide. The floor area is 1.9x2.3 metres.

4. Picnic shelter, BBQ, playspace and drinking water

There is a picnic shelter with BBQ on compacted gravel. Tables have some roll under room. The playspace tan bark base has no paths into it. The drinking fountain was squirting. Carry a water bottle.

5. Parkland paths

The reserve paths are wide, sealed or of compacted gravel. Bins are provided.

6. Wetlands

Reedy wetlands run through the reserve and on the western side of the lake.

7. Trees

The trees planted when the reserve was improved in 2007 are now getting to a size they provide shade and a woodland feel.

8. Bridges

Bridges are wide and either sealed or boardwalks. The have safety rails.

9. Lakeside paths

Lakeside paths are wide enough for side by side travel. Note that only bridges over the water have safety rails. The lakeside paths do not.

10. Shelters

There are a 2 shelters with a compacted gravel base. Otherwise trees provide shade.

11. Rest stops

There are several expanded rest stops where you can pull over and admire the view.

12. Waterside Cafe

The cafe is in a great spot by the water. Check opening hours.

13. Seating

Bench seating and seats with or without armrests are installed throughout the walk. They are accessible from the path.

14. Wildlife

There is a large and diverse population of water birds to enjoy.

15. Alternative routes

Some paths provide for short cuts. There are many points around the reserve from which alternative pick ups can be arranged.

Features

Public Transport

Playground

Picnic spot

Drinking water available

Seating available

Public toilets

Pram friendly

Lake, creek, river

Park / Garden

Accessible walk