Gardiners Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gardiners Creek |
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Gardiners Creek through Blackburn
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| Country | Australia |
| State | Victoria |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Length | 30 km (19 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | Eastern suburbs of Melbourne |
Gardiners Creek, also known as Kooyongkoot Creek, is a natural waterway in the eastern parts of Melbourne, Australia. It's an important part of the Yarra River system.
Even though much of the area around the creek has become city-like, you can still find small patches of natural bushland along its banks. For most of its path, the creek has been changed by city growth, much like other waterways in eastern Melbourne. A popular path called the Gardiners Creek Trail follows the creek, perfect for walking and cycling.
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What's in a Name?
The original name for this creek was Kooyongkoot. This name comes from the Woiwurrung language spoken by the Wurundjeri-Baluk people, who are Australia's first people. Kooyongkoot means 'haunt of the waterfowl', which suggests it was a place where many water birds lived.
The creek's current name, Gardiners Creek, was given to honor John Gardiner. He was an early settler in Melbourne and a banker who made his home near where Kooyongkoot Creek joins the Yarra River in 1836.
Where Does the Creek Flow?
The Creek's Journey
Gardiners Creek is quite long, stretching over 30 km (19 mi). It starts its journey in the suburb of Blackburn. Here, many smaller creeks and streams come together, especially around Blackburn Lake.
From Blackburn, the creek flows towards the southwest. It passes through suburbs like Box Hill South, Burwood, and Ashwood. When it reaches Malvern East, it changes direction and flows northwest. It then continues through Ashburton, Glen Iris, Malvern, and Kooyong. Finally, Gardiners Creek flows into the larger Yarra River in Hawthorn.
Smaller Streams Joining In
Many smaller streams, called tributaries, flow into Gardiners Creek along its path. These include:
- A stream through Blackburn and Forest Hill
- A stream through the Wurundjeri Wetlands
- Damper Creek
- A stream through Ashwood and Mount Waverley
- Murrumbeena Creek (which flows into the stream above)
- Scotchmans Creek
- Hercules Creek (which flows into Scotchmans Creek)
- Back Creek
Parks Along the Creek
Many parks and green spaces are located along Gardiners Creek, providing places for people to enjoy nature. Some of these include:
- Blackburn Lake Sanctuary (Blackburn)
- Blackburn Creeklands Reserve (Blackburn)
- Gardiners Creek Reserve (Burwood)
- Ashwood Reserve (Ashwood)
- Markham Reserve (Ashburton)
- Malvern Valley Public Golf Course (Malvern East)
- Darling Park (Malvern East)
- Glen Iris Wetlands (Glen Iris)
- Glen Iris Park (Glen Iris)
- Kooyong Park (Kooyong)
- Kooyong Stadium (Kooyong)
Getting Around Gardiners Creek
The Gardiners Creek Trail
The Gardiners Creek Trail is a popular path used by both cyclists and walkers. It generally follows the creek's route from Box Hill to the Yarra River. At the Yarra River, a bridge connects it to the Main Yarra Trail, allowing for even longer journeys.
Roads and Freeways
The Monash Freeway and CityLink are major roads that follow the Gardiners Creek valley for a long stretch, from Malvern East all the way to the Yarra River. Many other roads also cross over the creek at different points along its path.
