Croydon Hills Historic Walk

Croydon Hills Historic Walk created by Maroondah City Council

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Summary

Step into the heart of Croydon Hills and experience a scenic journey that weaves together natural beauty and local heritage on the Croydon Hills Historic Walk.

Description

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The Croydon Hills Historic Walk guides you through tranquil wetlands, bushland reserves, and the remnants of historic orchards that shaped the area’s early days. Starting at Yarrunga Reserve, the route follows gravel paths and crosses gentle hills, offering glimpses of lakes that once irrigated the district’s first fruit orchards, established by Henry Wilmot Smith and family in the late 19th century.

This route passes through Candlebark Walk Reserve, Settlers Orchard Reserve and Narr Maen Reserve. You’ll encounter playgrounds, native flora, and habitats for water birds, making it a delightful outing for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. While the walk includes some moderate grades and road crossings, it rewards visitors with stories of local pioneers, scenic views, and peaceful spots to pause and reflect. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or a window into Croydon Hills’ past, this walk offers a memorable way to connect with the landscape and its rich heritage.

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Points of Interest

1. Yarrunga Community Centre

Yarrunga Community Centre, established in Croydon Hills in 1991, has grown from a small neighbourhood house into a vibrant hub offering diverse programs, classes, and support for the local community.

2. Candlebark Walk Reserve

Now entering Candlebark Walk Reserve, it features walking trails, wetlands, and native bushland, offering locals a peaceful spot for nature walks, birdwatching, and picnics.

3. Playground

Follow path through bushland, past playground, across the gully, staying on north side of the creek.

4. Footbridge

Turn left over footbridge then right to follow southern side of the lake, then right into Lakeside Crescent

5. Lakeside Crescent

Leave the Candlebark Walk Reserve to follow the footpath on Lakeside Crescent.

6. Peppermint Place

Turn right into Peppermint Place. Look for the walking route signs on the power pole at the intersection.

7. Former Fruit Orchard

Henry Wilmot Smith bought the land in 1871 and started the first orchard in 1881. The orchard’s dams, once used for irrigation and swimming, are now lakes. Scouts learned swimming there.

8. Join the Croydon Hills Walk

Leave the footpath on Peppermint Place to join the path in Settlers Orchard Reserve. Look for the walking marker on the bollard.

9. The Lakes

Near the bottom of the hill turn left along a gravel track with a lake on the left. The dams on the orchard have been turned into lakes. Earlier they were used to irrigate the orchard.

10. Cross Merrill Crescent

Continue straight ahead and cross Merrill Crescent.

11. Cross Narr-Maen Drive

Continue straight ahead and cross Narr-Mean Drive. In 1939, bush fires came to this area.

12. Continue on Croydon Hills Walk

Continue on the path through Narr-Maen Reserve and along the rear of the houses.

13. Narr-Mean Wetlands

Narr-Mean Wetlands was established in the late 1980s to support native wildlife, improve water quality, manage storm water, and provide a space for recreation and education in Croydon Hills.

14. Lemongrove Crescent

Leave the Croydon Hills Walk and Narr-Mean Reserve to join the footpath on Lemongrove Crescent, just after the playground.

15. Narr-Maen Drive

Turn Left into Narr-Maen Drive for a short distance.

16. Rosemary Avenue

Turn right into Rosemary Avenue.

17. Kingsbridge Court

Turn left into Kingsbridge Court and turn right at the 'T' intersection.

18. Rejoin the Croydon Hills Walk

Turn left into the short downhill track between house numbers 13 and 15.

19. Croydon Hills Primary School

Croydon Hills Primary School, opened in 1988, has done extensive landscaping and planting to blend the back of the school with the reserve, supporting a natural and welcoming environment for students.

20. Bike Jump Track

The bike jump track , built in 2018, is a popular spot in Croydon Hills, offering a dedicated BMX track for riders of all ages and skill levels within the scenic Yurrunga Reserve.