Walk Description

From the Eltham Environs Walking Group, walk 54E

Commences at the car park opposite the Westmeadows Tavern. Access is either via Western Ring Rd or Mahoneys Rd and Camp Rd. Turn right into Mickleham Rd, then right again at the lights into Fawkner St. Cross bridge, and turn left at the ‘West Meadows Community Centre and Pre-School’ sign. There is a carpark and toilet block here. It is a 35 minute drive from Eltham.

Alternative 1: Walk back to Fawkner Rd and the roundabout. Cross the bridge, and pick up the path on the south side of Moonee Ponds Creek. Walk downstream for about 3.3km to Jacana Reserve and the Western Ring Rd, and, if time permits, beyond. Return via the same route.

Alternative 2: Walk past the toilet block. Cross the footbridge, and walk upstream, initially under Mickleham Rd and past Willowbrook Reserve. After about 500m, a footbridge is on the right; stay on the path, rather than cross this bridge. After a further 500m, the footpath divides. Ignore the path straight ahead, instead veering right, and after a short distance crossing Moonee Ponds Creek. The path crosses an open grassy area for about 1km, eventually passing an old quarry and a small lake on the left. Walk through a culvert, and veering right walk a few metres to the southern boundary of Woodlands Park and Gellibrand Hill. Close by is a gate that allows access through the animal fence to what is known as the Back Paddock. Go through the gate, and follow the path on the right for about 800m; the boundary fence will be on the right. Turn left when the path ahead peters out, and the boundary fence goes off to the right. Walk along this path to a crossroads. Turn left again, and follow the path to the animal fence. Turn left once more, and walk for c 1km, again with the animal fence on the right. This will bring you back to the point where you entered the Park. Exit through the gate, and follow the path used on the forward journey back to the cars. Note: The ‘Seniors Soup’ at the nearby ‘Old Broadies’ pub has surely to be Melbourne’s bargain dish at $1.50.