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Description
This is a wetland park centred around two lakes - one freshwater, one salt - that plays host to a variety of reliable waterbirds, notably Chestnut Teal , Hoary-headed Grebe , Australasian Grebe , Pied Stilt , Dusky Moorhen , Black-fronted Dotterel , Black Swan and Hardhead. Sometimes, algal blooms turn the lake pink!
In the surrounding forest live locally rare little birds like Superb Fairywren , New Holland Honeyeater , Brown Thornbill, Grey Fantail , White-browed Scrubwren , Red-browed Finch. This is one of the only urban parks with the understory necessary to protect these little ones from harassment by Noisy Miner.
Most years Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater are present in winter.
Some excellent, quiet birding can be done along the walking track on the west of the park that runs northeast parallel to Wharf Road, and then south of the Herald-Sun building to Todd Rd.
Details
Access
Located under the Westgate bridge in the heart of Melbourne's port and industrial area, this park is a bit of a hidden gem. It is easiest to access by car. There is a car park off Todd Road - the entrance is signed but easy to miss. Press P on the map for directions.
The park abuts the Todd Rd/Wharf Rd bus stop, serviced by the 235 and 606 buses. You can easily walk in from there. Cycling is most convenient if you live in the south-east; the park is at the northern end of the Beach Road bike path, which is a lovely ride.
This park is best explored on foot. Allow half an hour to one hour plus for a visit, depending on how slowly you walk and where you go - the park is not very large, but there are a lot of winding trails to explore. You can walk down to the Yarra River for more coastal species like Greater Crested Tern .
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Wetland , Lake , Pond , ReedbedsConditions
Flat , Wet , SandyCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring , SummerRoute
Narrow trail , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Wheelchair , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
There is a toilet and a small BBQ area near the Todd Rd carpark. There is a small platform and bench at the edge of the freshwater lake. There are benches and drinking fountains spaced around, and around the back (west side) of the park, there is a small rise with a bench on top, which offers a nice view of the freshwater lake. There are myriad meandering trails through the forest areas.
Visibility is often short-distance and somewhat hemmed in with undergrowth; waterbirds are often far away, and binoculars are necessary for them. The fairywrens, on the other hand, will skip across the path in front of you - no scope necessary! Birding-wise, best visited closer to dusk and dawn for maximum small bird action.
Do note this park is a bit of a beat and attracts suspicious characters; it is quite safe in practice, but can feel a bit sketchy especially if birding alone.