Ruffey Creek walk

Ruffey Creek walk created by Sean Mathews

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Summary

Walk this pleasantly surprising suburban loop for water, bush and a nice touch of local history. The facilities are great and there is something for all the family.

Description

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This park is a genuine suburban gem. Those who know about it must love it. Those who don't are in for a very pleasant surprise. It has excellent amenities, is quite sizeable and undulates enough for either a pleasant stroll or a genuine calorie burn.

Following the pretty Ruffey Creek, there is a fully paved path loop or you can add a bit of a hill climb on either grass or gravel. Bridges across the creek offer alternative shorter routes if that suits you best. The place also offers alternatives in feel as you travel through both manicured parkland and brushy bushland.

Ruffey Lake is large enough to find a place to yourself on its shores. It and the creek combine for a lovely ambience throughout the wooded valley sides and along their banks. Many birds make the park their home, which adds to the out of suburbia feel.

As you follow the creek line down to the lake there are interesting interpretive signs explaining the history of the site.

BBQs, sheltered picnic tables, regular seating, drinking water, playgrounds, disc golf, exercise stations, public and accessible toilets are all available and well maintained.

Dogs must be on a leash unless in the designated off leash area.

Buses 279, 295 and 318 service Victoria Road.

Car parking is available.

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Points of Interest

1. Victoria Street playground

There are a few places around the park you can begin. Victoria Street has a large playground with shade sails, a bank of public toilets including accessible toilets, parking and public transport.

2. Pathway to the creek line

To get to the Ruffey Creek loop just head downhill. Slopes vary, but if you choose to stick to the sealed pathway they are quite mild.

3. BBQs

On the way down you will pass BBQs.

4. Picnic shelter

There is also a large picnic shelter.

5. A pretty corridor

The pathway steadily heads into the gully through arched woods.

6. Birdlife

Who might you meet? The waterway and lake attract a variety of waterbirds and the bushy areas see diverse woodland birds. In summer the fruiting Hawthorns attract hungry Gang Gangs.

7. Historic quarry

Deeper into the gully is the scar of an historic mudstone quarry. The accompanying interpretive sign tells the story well.

8. Heritage Trail

The Ruffey Lake Park Heritage Trail adds another dimension to walking the park. It is comprised of a well presented series of interpretive signs. The photos and text are very interesting.

9. Bridges

To vary or shorten your route there are two conveniently located foot bridges.

10. Seating and shade

Seating is frequently encountered along the path. There are many mature shade trees in the park under which to sit, picnic, while away the time or shelter.

11. Off leash dog area

A dedicated off leash space has been allocated to exercise canine friends. Dogs must be leashed while walking on the trail. These directional bollard signs are a useful guide throughout the walk.

12. Ruffey Lake

Ruffey Creek runs into Ruffey Lake. The walking path loops back around the lake wall. There is a viewing platform on the lake and high grassy embankments above it for views.