Westerfolds Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Westerfolds Park |
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The Manor House in Westerfolds Park
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| Type | Public Park |
| Location | Melbourne |
| Area | 123 hectares |
| Operated by | Parks Victoria |
| Status | Open (8:30am-9pm) |
| Paths | 5km of Sealed Paths, Unsealed bush paths |
| Terrain | Bushland and Hills |
| Water | Yarra River, Kestrel Creek |
| Vegetation | Australian Native, Grasslands |
| Connecting transport | Car, Bus |
| Landmarks | Yarra River, Manor House |
| Facilities | Toilets, Barbecues, Playground, Canoe Ramp |
Westerfolds Park is a large park located in Templestowe, a suburb in eastern Melbourne, Australia. It's a special place that helps protect the natural areas along the Yarra River, right in the city. The park is found on a hilly bend of the Yarra River and has many paths, places to rest, playgrounds, picnic tables, and electric barbecues.
Westerfolds Park is a popular spot for families to have picnics and gatherings, especially on weekends and holidays. People also enjoy walking, cycling, rollerblading, walking their dogs, canoeing, horse riding, and watching birds here.
Near the middle of the park, on top of a big hill, stands the Manor House. This building used to be home to an art gallery and cultural programs. It is currently being prepared for new uses.
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History of Westerfolds Park
The land where Westerfolds Park now sits was first bought in 1846. In the early 1930s, the Turner family bought the property and built the Manor House in 1936. After World War II, many farms and orchards in the area were divided into smaller blocks for houses. However, because the Yarra River often flooded this land, Westerfolds was not divided up.
Instead, in 1977, it became part of the Yarra Valley Parklands. Since 1978, Parks Victoria has been in charge of looking after and protecting Westerfolds Park.
Plants and Animals in the Park
Parks Victoria is working to bring back native plants and wetlands to the park. Now, you can find over 400 types of plants that originally grew in this area. These include different kinds of eucalypt trees, acacias (like the river red gum), and native grasses and shrubs. If you visit in late winter and early spring, you can see the beautiful wattle trees blooming all over the park.
Many animals also call Westerfolds Park home. You might see parrots, cockatoos, kookaburras, and different water birds and small bush birds. Other animals living here include bats, platypus, wombats, koalas, possums, echidnas, and eastern grey kangaroos.
Fun Activities at Westerfolds Park
Westerfolds Park is part of the main Yarra River Trail. This trail is great for cyclists and walkers who want to explore the Yarra River valley all the way to the Melbourne city centre. Cyclists can also get to Westerfolds Park by using the 4-kilometre Diamond Creek Trail from Eltham station.
Cycling in the Park
The Yarra River Trail goes right through Westerfolds Park. There are over 5 kilometres of paved paths that are in very good condition. Many of these paths are wide with a dividing line, making them safe for cyclists. Some cyclists ride quite fast, especially those using the park as part of a longer journey. Most people walking are careful and stay on the left side of the paths.
Away from the main paved paths, there are many dirt or gravel trails winding through the bush. These are mostly flat and are used by people who enjoy casual cycling. Sometimes, small mountain bike events are held on a trail in the middle of the park that crosses Kestrel Creek several times over narrow wooden bridges.
Walking and Running
The 5 kilometres of paved paths are excellent for runners and walkers. There are about 4 or 5 drinking fountains spread out evenly, roughly every kilometre. You'll also find seats and benches at similar distances. Schools from the nearby areas often hold their yearly fun run events in the park. This usually involves using two tracks: a short loop and a longer loop.
Small changing rooms are available in the toilet areas, but they are not always kept in the best condition. You will rarely see snakes unless you go onto the dirt and gravel paths. To stay safe, people walking should always stay on the left side of the paths so that cyclists and walkers can share them easily.
Westerfolds Park is also home to Westerfolds parkrun. This is a free, weekly, timed 5-kilometre running event that everyone can join.
Park Facilities
Westerfolds Park has many facilities to make your visit enjoyable:
- Manor House: Has toilets available.
- Toilets: There are three toilet blocks in the southern and north-eastern parts of the park.
- Barbecues: Two barbecue areas are available in the southern and north-eastern areas.
- Canoe Launching Ramp: Located in the north-eastern area, just past Fitzsimons Lane Bridge.
- Picnic Areas: Four special picnic areas are set up in the southern, south-eastern, and north-eastern parts of the park.
- Information Boards: Four boards are placed along the paved paths to give you information about the park.
- Viewing Platforms: Two platforms in the north-east and north-west areas offer great views of the river rapids.
- Car Parking: There are over 100 parking spaces available for visitors.
How to Get to the Park
Westerfolds Park is open every day, including weekends and public holidays.
- From 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM during standard time.
- During daylight saving time, it's open from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM.
- In the busiest summer periods, it stays open until 9:00 PM.
You can drive into the park through gates on Porter Street and Fitzsimons Lane. The paths for walking and cycling are open at all hours.
