australia

Narre Warren

Melbourne has been in the grip of a cold snap and I haven’t been walking as much as I’d like. But in between two cold fronts we have had a couple of beautiful, sunny winter days and I decided to finally go and try a relatively new park in Narre Warren. Bayview Park was completed in 2019 and is on the site of an old tip. It comprises a circuit of steps and is touting itself as competition to Ferntree Gully National Park’s 1000 steps walk at the Kokoda Memorial Track.

There are certainly a lot of steps at Bayview Park, although it really can’t be compared with the 1000 steps at Ferntree Gully, as the location is entirely different. The Ferntree Gully walk is located deep within the forest in the National Park, whereas Bayview Park sits atop a very open hill. They are both terrific walks in their own right, however.

Bayview Park has a small car park located off Quarry Road, which is just off the Berwick side of Ernst Wanke Road. It was very busy and we could see lots of people on the hill as we approached. We were there on a Saturday afternoon and the carpark was almost full, with cars also lining up along Quarry Road. We started off up the steps, which are steep but not unmanageable. I think average fitness and a steady pace is all that’s required to enjoy this park. It’s entirely unsuitable for prams or wheelchairs, so you will need to carry your baby or go to one of Melbourne’s many wheel friendly places instead.

Welcome sign at Bayview Park, Narre Warren

The steps themselves aren’t very steep, some of them are barely steps at all. I found it easier in some places to walk beside the steps on the slope instead. Once we reached the top we turned to the right and over the horse friendly gate. The area is also an equestrian trail, although we didn’t see anyone riding while we were there. At the top we wandered around underneath the gentle hum of the electricity towers and took in the amazing view. You can see all the way to Port Phillip Bay and Western Port Bay, look out over the suburbs surrounding Dandenong and the City of Casey and back the other way, views of the southern side of the Dandenong Ranges.

Horse crossing gate at the top of the hill.

Originally a home sat upon the hill. It then became a quarry, following which the giant hole became a municipal tip. Interestingly, especially for a resident of the Dandenongs, a lot of the debris from the Ash Wednesday bushfires was taken to this tip. Following the tip closure a methane power plant was established and you can see the outlets poking out on the top of the hill. It is also part of the trail of high tension power lines that feed electricity from Gippsland to Melbourne. Bayview Park is adjacent to Kurll Park, which is off Brundrett Road, and a carpark here provides alternate access to the track if parking is difficult to find.

View looking back towards The Dandenong Ranges

After wandering around the top of the hill, which was a little muddy thanks to the amount of rain we’ve had recently, we made our way back to the track and headed down the other side. The track is set up as a big circuit. The hill is very exposed, which would make it very hot in summer, so bear that in mind if coming on a hot day. It isn’t a long walk and could be completed in half an hour, or less if you’re one of those super fit running types (which I have accepted I will never be!).

There are some trees along the back of the track.

All in all, I really enjoyed this walk. It provides something unique for the local people, something for all fitness abilities. There are some treed areas down the back that might be nice for a picnic on a nice day and the views are really interesting. I’ll definitely be popping back to this nearby walk.

Belgrave Heights

Birdsland, nestled away in Belgrave Heights off McNichol Road, is one of my favourite places. I’ve been coming here ever since I was a child and it’s a very special place with lots of special memories. I played in the creek as a child, and as my child now does. I bounced around the lake twice on the last day of my pregnancy, trying to will my babe to come and meet us. I’ve pushed many a pram and walked many dogs. I particularly enjoy it alone when I’m feeling out of sorts – it helps refill my cup.

There are several easy walks you can do. Parking is a breeze, with plenty of parking in the inner carpark, or for a longer walk park on McNichol Road and follow the path in. It takes us about 20 minutes to reach the inner car park.

The second lake is a lovely walk with many friendly faces to greet along the way. On the other side of the lake you can veer off on another track and head up to see the creek spillway. It is from here that you’ll find many other tracks that lead to Lysterfield Lake. The walk around the second lake is fairly short, about a kilometre, and I often find myself doing a few laps. After heavy rain, part of the track can become flooded. But kind people usually sort this out with some strategically place bricks to help people pass.

There are two lakes, both teeming with birdlife and wildlife. I’m not much of a bird enthusiast, but I enjoy seeing egrets, ducks and other birds. It’s a nice flat walk with a good quality gravel path that is well maintained. It is perfect for pushing a pram or for young kids who need to practise their cycling skills. Heading towards the right from the carpark and picnic area you have Monbulk Creek on your left and the first lake on your right. The creek embankment is steep, but there are lots of rocks, fallen logs and bush to explore that kids enjoy. You might even see a platypus if you’re very lucky.

As you reach the second lake there is a little bridge crossing Monbulk Creek. On a warm day it is nice to put your feet in, and my young man loves to wander up and down the creek a little way. It’s very shallow here and flowing water. I’ve never worried about the water quality in the creek here, unless there has been heavy rain. It is not recommended to go in the water of either of the lakes though.

To walk back to the carpark, head on through the bush path, this time following the other side of Monbulk Creek. This track provides a more sheltered walk, with access to the nursery on the top of the hill and to other tracks.

There are toilets near the inner carpark, although they are often in very poor condition in relation to cleanliness. There is also a lovely picnic area with tables and an undercover shelter, barbeques and a natural play area for kids. It’s also handy that there are taps with clean water to fill up your water bottle or rinse off grubby feet. There are no bins, so be prepared to take your rubbish home.

What I like most about Birdsland is the variance you get on the walk. The lakes, the road track, the bush track and the grassy areas provide lots of interesting things to look at along the way.