Dandenong Valley Parklands

Dandenong Valley Parklands Visitor Guide The Dandenong Valley Parklands are a magnificent network of parks that run along the Dandenong Creek from Boronia Road to Wellington Road. The Eastlink Track now connects with the Dandenong Creek Trail, offering fantastic opportunities for walkers and cyclists to enjoy many kilometres of trail networks through wonderful bushland. Access Vehicle and pedestrian access is available from many points around the parkland. Please refer to the attached map for access into the parks. Trails & paths The main Dandenong Creek Trail within the Dandenong Valley Parklands runs north‐south from Boronia Road through Koomba Park, Bushy Park Wetlands, Shepherds Bush, Jells Park and Corhanwarrabul Wetlands through to Wellington Road. The Eastlink Trail, the major thoroughfare that now runs along the entire length of the Eastlink Freeway, also links in with the Dandenong Creek Trail, creating ample opportunities for large or small circuits. Darter © The Scotchmans Creek Pathway in Jells and the Knox Bike Track (near Nortons Park) also branch off from the Dandenong Creek Trail. Enjoy a relaxing meal or coffee at Madeline’s Restaurant, or grab a light snack from the kiosk (open every day from 9am). All paths and trails are multi‐use so you can make your choice of cycling, jogging or simply strolling. There are now many more opportunities to use the connecting shared pathways to create different journeys to explore each of the parks. For all function and booking enquiries phone Madeline’s at Jells: 9561 4522. Jells Park Jells Park is one of Melbourne’s most popular metropolitan parks. The park provides a significant natural setting for recreation as well as protecting the natural and cultural values along the Dandenong Creek Corridor. There are numerous barbecue, picnic and playground areas. Take a stroll around the lake and hear and see the many bird species found there. Shepherds Bush & Nortons Park Visit Nortons Park in Wantirna South and enjoy a family picnic on the large lawn or use the electric barbeques in the picnic shelter. Nortons Park is now a dog off‐lead park, so enjoy a run and throw a ball for your furry friend. Enjoy a walk through Shepherds Bush where the secluded trails include boardwalk areas through swampy riparian vegetation zones. As you meander around, listen out for some of the 90 species of birds present. For further information Parks Victoria Information Centre Call 13 1963 or visit the Parks Victoria website www.parks.vic.gov.au Caring for the environment Help us look after this park by remembering these guidelines: Carry In, Carry Out… take all rubbish home with you for recycling and disposal Firearms are prohibited Dogs, are permitted in these parks except in signposted conservation areas, and must be kept on a lead at all times. Please clean up after your dog All native plants and animals are protected Portable solid fuel barbecues are not permitted, however portable gas barbeques may be used No barbecues may be lit on a day of Total Fire Ban Please don’t throw this park note away. Keep it, return it for others to use, or recycle Bushy Park Wetlands Park hours Bushy Park Wetlands is a linear section of parkland running along the Dandenong Creek. Enjoy spotting birds from the bird hide overlooking the wetland. Originally this area was timbered with Yarra Gum (Eucalyptus yarraensis) but was cleared by European settlers in the 1800’s. The Dandenong Valley Parklands are open all year, with 24 hour pedestrian access. Hours for vehicle entry vary between gates and the time of year. The parks are open later during Daylight Savings. For further information, contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963. You will still regularly see cattle being grazed in the northern section to maintain the rural heritage and to reduce the risk of fire by managing the quantity of pasture. Koomba Park The trail network through Koomba Park incorporates both the Dandenong Creek Trail which branches off to a pretty boardwalk section and the Eastlink Trail that continues on to follow the Eastlink Freeway. Koomba Park consists of billabongs and lakes fed by the Dandenong Creek. The bird hide provides a perfect opportunity to watch birds in their natural habitat. Chesterfield Farm Chesterfield Farm is a fully working farm and an ideal place to take the family to experience rural farm life. There are a number of farm demonstrations in the all‐weather show barn. Children can also pat and handle animals in the nursery. With barbeques, picnic tables and toilets, it is a great place to relax over lunch. Entry fees apply. Concession and family tickets are available. For further information on farm shows or bookings, contact Chesterfield Farm on 9763 1588. Further information For more information on each of these parks, please visit the Parks Victoria website. Copies of each individual parknote are available to download. Events Large groups and organised events may need an event permit and should contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963, or visit www.parks.vic.gov.au for more information, at least eight weeks in advance. Dogs on leads Dogs are permitted in most areas of the Dandenong Valley Parklands, except in the conservation and other sign posted bushland zones. Please consider the safety and enjoyment of other park users and wildlife by ensuring that your dog is restrained on a lead at all times. Also remember to clean up after your dog and take the waste with you. For a great, large off‐lead area, try Nortons Park off High Street Road. Please take note of the signed regulations for the site. Community involvement Since 1989 the Friends of Dandenong Valley Parklands have worked closely with the Rangers to restore and improve the parklands. The group works on various activities such as seed collecting, propagating, planting, weeding, maintaining biodiversity and constructing walking tracks. Visit their Australian native and indigenous public gardens within the Parks Victoria office site at 95 Shepherd Rd, Glen Waverley. For further information phone 13 1963 or visit www.dandenongvalleyfriends.org.au . Printed on Australian – made 100% recycled paper; Sept 2014