Frogs croak a welcome as we approach Bob’s Wetlands. This place is alive with the sounds of nature. Bob’s Wetlands lies within Warrandyte State Park. It occupies the site of a former large farming property. Parks Victoria acquired this property, which spans about 36 hectares.
The property stretches from opposite the Pound Bend Canoe Launching Ramp and Pound Bend Tunnel to a point opposite the Longridge Camping Farm. To reach Bob’s Wetlands, you must travel to the end of unsealed Gwynn’s Rd in North Warrandyte. There, you’ll see a “Parks Victoria – Management Vehicles Only” sign across a locked gate.
In order to enter Bob’s Wetlands, it’s necessary to climb over the gate or find a way through a broken fence. Gwynn’s Rd transforms into a 4WD track past the gate. Immediately adjacent to the gate, at the hill’s summit, lie the remains of an old house. An elaborate stonework fence marks what was once a driveway. Nearby, the remnants of a wooden staircase hint at a verandah that once graced the home.
As the 4WD track winds down the hill, you’ll pass the foundations of the farmhouse. They are visible on the left. The track continues past the old farm, eventually reaching the Yarra River, where it follows the course of the river.
Soon, you’ll find yourself immersed in Bob’s Wetlands. The air is filled with the sounds of frogs singing in pools. The wetlands are surrounded by lush green reeds. The track leads to an old windmill, standing about 20 meters tall. This windmill was originally used to pump water from the Yarra River up to the farm on the hill. Broken wooden boardwalks extend from the 4WD track to the windmill.
Local historians believe that the property was purchased by the government in the 1970s. It is now managed by Parks Victoria. A few old buildings and a livestock chute remain as reminders of the farm’s past.
At one time, the property was connected to the commercial electricity supply. This connection was via an underground cable starting at the end of Gwynn’s Rd. In the workshop, you could find many old wooden military-type boxes. They had stenciled labels describing their original contents. One box contained “11,275 annealed 9 mm brass cups – 55 kg.”
Glynn’s Rd, Warrandyte, leads to this place. It is perfect for walks and enjoying nature. Best of all, it’s free.
Across the river, the Naughton Ave cliffs rise towards the sky. They appear almost vertical in some places. The wetlands are indeed alive. Ducks paddle in the ponds.
It’s a place where the past and present intertwine. Bob’s Wetlands offers a tranquil escape into nature’s embrace.