Summary

This family friendly walk is a stunning mosaic treasure trail of 8 local moths and butterflies along the Merri Creek. It's a 30 minute walk one way starting at Coburg Lake Reserve.

Description

Flying along the picturesque Merri Creek, is a treasure trail of 8 sparkling moths and butterflies to find! Donated by Gumnut Trails and created by local artist Kyra Smith - it's a fun walk for families and locals to explore.

Hiding under benches, lying on rocks and soaring up high on bridges - these stunning mosaics will get little legs (and big legs) walking further and further in search of their next discovery.

The walk starts at the Coburg Lake Fishing Weir, near the noisy 'Ibis Island,' and finishes under the Bell St Bridge (with the intriguing Magpie Moth).

Along the way you will walk under the historic Murray Road Bridge (built by Pentridge Prisoners in 1871) and visit Merri Murnong, an indigenous site with interpretive signs and 3 ceremonial scar trees.

The mosaics are located on a stunning section of the Merri Creek - with lots of bridges to cross (fun!) and areas to stop and explore along the way.

This mosaic trail is designed to spotlight the little creatures that call this wonderful creek home and encourage exploration. It's perfect for families and slow rambles. Donated by Gumnut Trails

Ready to meet the mosaics and follow the trail? See the map for locations and images of what you will find.

835 Views

Points of Interest

1. Admiral Butterfly

Is a medium-sized butterfly with black wings, red bands, and white spots. It has a wingspan of about 2 inches. Mosaic number 1

2. Saltbush Blue Butterfly

Mosaic number 2

3. Meadow Argus Butterfly

The Meadow Argus Butterfly has brown wings with prominent blue eyespots surrounded by brown and orange rings Mosaic number 3

4. Varied Dusky Blue Butterfly

Mosaic number 4

5. Double-Spotted Lineblue Butterfly

Adult females have a brown top, while the males are blue with narrow black sides. The underside of both male and female is pale brown with light and dark wavy lines. Mosaic number 5

6. Bogong Moth

Adult Bogong Moths are grey-brown with dark mottles and eye spots. Their drab colouring provides good camouflage for hiding in crevices during the day. Mosaic number 6

7. Scar Tree

Scar trees are over 200 years old. First Australians carved out canoes and shields from our big old gum trees. This ceremonial scar tree is found at the sacred site Merri Murnong.

8. Heliotrope Moth

This moth appears white when flying, but at rest it has a pattern of red and black spots on the forewings. The wingspan of the adult moth is 3 cm Mosaic number 7 on the trail

9. Magpie Moth

The Magpie Moth is a distinctive moth with striking black and yellow spots on white wings. It is a frequent garden visitor, but also likes woodland, scrub and heathland. The last mosaic - number 8

Features

Public Transport

Playground

Seating available

Public toilets

Pram friendly

Historical interest

Local treasures

Art and culture

Lake, creek, river