Jacana Wetlands Circuit

Jacana Wetlands Circuit created by Merri-bek Nature

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Summary

A walk with wide open spaces and good wetland birdwatching opportunities.

Description

This walk begins and ends at Valley Crescent, where there is limited parking. Alternative starting points are Broadmeadows Sporting Club and Adelaide Boulevard. The route can also be accessed by train, with a 1.5km walk from Jacana Station Moonee Boulevard.

The route heads north along the Moonee Ponds Creek, passing some impressive retarding basin infrastructure (ugly or sculptural depending on your perspective!), and then passes around the extensive Jacana Wetlands, where there are good spots for birdwatching. It then returns on the opposite side of the Moonee Ponds Creek.

This walk doesn't have a lot of shade so is best avoided in hot weather. No toilets or drinking taps are found on this route.

The route uses concrete shared paths. The first section of the route is a dog off leash area, but dogs must be on-leash within 1m of the path at all times. Dogs are not permitted in creeks or waterways.

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388 Views

Points of Interest

1. Start/finish point

The walk starts and ends here. Turn right at this fork (or left if you'd rather walk it in reverse).

2. Sculptural views?

Views down to the retarding basin infrastructure - we thought it was quite sculptural!

3. Wetland views

Nice views down to Jacana Wetlands.

4. Wetland close-up

The path skirts close to this part of the wetland - could be a good spot for birdwatching.

5. Western Ring Road

The path passes under the busy and noisy M80.

6. Wide open spaces

Big skies here. And that looks like a good hill for rolling down in the distance!

7. Reedy views

So much Common Reed! This wetland grass (Phragmites australis) is native not only to Australia, but also to every other continent except Antarctica!

8. Bridge

Cross the Moonee Ponds Creek here and then turn left to head back downstream. The bridge is a good place to spot waterbirds.

9. More wetland views

Head down closer to the wetland for birdwatching (or maybe to find a quiet patch of grass for a picnic).

10. Wetland up close

Yep, another good wetland spot for birdwatching.

11. Retarding basin infrastructure

As you cross back to the western side of the creek you get a cool view of this thing, which must regulate the Moonee Ponds Creek's flow.

12. Outdoor Gym

If you need some extra exercise as you approach the end of this week then stop for an al fresco gym session.

13. Bridge

Cross the creek one last time at this bridge and then turn left to return to the starting point. If you need toilets or water then continue downstream on either side for a few hundred metres.