How about we step into a world where nature thrives amidst suburbia? Bushy Park Wetlands awaits. This 30-hectare conservation park sits on the north-eastern edge of Glen Waverley. It is about 25 km east of Melbourne CBD.
Bushy Park Wetlands has a fascinating history. The Woiworung Aboriginal tribe once roamed here. They searched for food for thousands of years. Then, in 1839, Thomas Napier leased the land to run cattle. A year later, Alexander Scott took over the lease. His wife Madeline named their home east of Dandenong Creek “Bushy Park”. Over time, owners cleared timber for acacia bark. This bark was used to produce tannin for tanning hides. The land served various purposes. It was a cattle run, a market garden, a cut flower farm and an orchard.
By 1981, the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works acquired the land. They transformed it into a park and wetland. Today, Parks Victoria manages most of the area as a conservation zone. Some parts are still used for equestrian needs. This helps preserve the rural heritage.
Bushy Park Wetlands is a haven for birdlife. An amazing 90 bird species have been recorded here. You might spot pelicans and ducks on the northern and southern lakes. Spoonbills and herons search for food at the water’s edge. Use the bird hide and interpretive signage to identify birds. The bird hide is accessible for wheelchairs.
On the grasslands, insects attract Willy Wagtails, Magpies, and Cattle Egrets. White Cockatoos, Galahs and White Ibis perch on tree branches. Keep an eye out for the Black-shouldered Kite. It is featured on the brand image for Bushy Park. Other birds of prey like Brown Falcons and Australian Kestrels can be seen overhead.
The wetland area floods in winter. It has two areas of permanent water. These are surrounded by native rushes, sedges, and exotic grasses. The remaining wetland area forms an important link. It connects the vegetation corridor of Dandenong Valley Parklands. This park is bordered to the north by a remnant orchard. You can access it from the eastern end of Highbury Road. The southern boundary is near the pony club at Drummies Bridge Reserve. It is accessed from High Street Road. Dandenong Creek forms the park’s eastern boundary. Residential properties border the west. These are on King Arthur Drive and Knights Drive.
The Dandenong Creek Trail offers vantage points. From here, you can overlook the scenic Bushy Park Wetlands. Bushy Park Wetlands is more than just a park. It is a place where history, nature, and community intertwine. It offers a tranquil escape. It reminds us of the importance of preserving our natural heritage.