Summary

Towering Mountain Ash, expansive green fronds of massed tall tree ferns, Coranderrk Creek tumbling its way down from the charming Coranderrk Weir and a beautiful picnic ground - this is great walking.

Description

This stunning reserve incorporates a beautiful cascading creek, gorgeous walking tracks and the lovely Coranderrk Weir nestled amongst tall ferns and timber - not to mention an attractive and well appointed picnic ground.

For this 3 kilometre loop walk cross the bridge over Coranderrk Creek at the picnic ground and turn right to take the fern rich Lyrebird Track. Follow Coranderrk Creek up the modest slope to the weir and return via the more open Coranderrk Track to where you began. Directional signs point the way. Note: this is cold climate rain forest. Be prepared for some muddy patches on Lyrebird Track.

The vegetation and birdlife are extraordinary. This deep wet gully supports lush ferneries, broad areas of mosses, lichens and fungi amongst the dense, towering forest. Crimson rosellas and King parrots splash the canopy with bright colour and there is always a chance you will spot a Lyrebird on the ground.

The picnic ground offers shelters, picnic tables, gas BBQs, informative signage, drinking water, public toilets, great views of the surrounding forest and the tumbling creek. It can get busy on weekends or holidays.

Pets are not permitted.

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Points of Interest

1. A well appointed picnic ground

The picnic ground offers shelters, picnic tables, BBQs, seating, drinking water, very informative signage, public toilets, and car parking.

2. Coranderrk Creek bridge to Lyrebird Track

Take this bridge over Coranderrk Creek to start the loop via Lyrebird Track. There is drinking water available at the start and great views up and downstream.

3. Lichens, moss and ferns

The cold climate rainforest is cool and wet, supporting its very own permanently moist ecosystem.

4. A disappearing act

Lots of people walk these tracks. However, the growth is so very lush people seem to disappear into it once they begin.

5. Islands in the stream

Depending how fast the water is flowing during your visit you might have the pleasure of encountering islands in the stream.

6. Fungi

If you like fungi there will be something for you almost any time of year, such as this Orange tree fungus.

7. Coranderrk Weir (1929)

Coranderrk Weir is at the highest point of the walk. It supplies Heallesville and Silvan Reservoir. The original Badger Weir (1909) was 400 meters downstream diverting water to Maroondah Reservoir.

8. Coranderrk Track

The return leg of the loop is along Coranderrk Track. This is a broad gravel track used by service vehicles to access Coranderrk Weir and downstream infrastructure. It is easy walking.

9. Coranderrk Aqueduct

Running parallel to the track on the return leg is the clearwater Coranderrk Aqueduct. If you stand quietly on the banks for a while you are sure to spot a trout.

10. Frogley Basin

This 1,000,000 gallon storage basin was built in 1972 to guarantee Healesville a clean fresh water supply.

11. A picturesque corner

Just in case you need a little shelter on the way back down the hill.

12. Badger Weir Road is for walking only

On maps it appears Badger Weir Road can be driven to the Coranderrk Aqueduct. This road is gated at the top of the picnic ground - service vehicles only. It cannot be accessed by private car.

Features

Picnic spot

Drinking water available

Seating available

Public toilets

Historical interest

Nature trail

Lake, creek, river

Park / Garden