Kororoit Creek Trail, Albion to Sunshine West
Kororoit Creek Trail, Albion to Sunshine West
Explore nature in the suburbs along the Kororoit Creek trail between Selwyn Park, Albion and Buckingham Reserve, Sunshine West on this 10km return walk.
Summary
Explore nature in the suburbs along the Kororoit Creek trail between Selwyn Park, Albion and Buckingham Reserve, Sunshine West on this 10km return walk.
Description
The Kororoit Creek corridor is a haven for biodiversity in Melbourne's west. Thanks to extensive revegetation efforts, this section of the creek provides a glimpse at what the creek might have looked like before development.
This walk follows the bends of Kororoit Creek Trail. The shared footway is sealed and mostly flat.
As you wander, take time to enjoy the wildflowers and look out for the huge array of birds, lizards, frogs, turtles and insects that inhabit the creek. Basalt rock outcrops and boulders hint at the volcanic history of the western plains.
Decades of ambitious revegetation works have restored grassland and woodland habitats. Volunteer group, Friends of Kororoit Creek, have carefully selected and planted species local to the area and provided thousands of hours of weeding to keep the invasive species at bay. Partners in the restoration works include the Friends of Kororoit Creek, local schools, Brimbank Council and Melbourne Water.
You can start this walk at either end—Selwyn Park, Albion, or Buckingham Reserve, Sunshine West. Both reserves have car parking, public toilets, shaded seating, and excellent children's playgrounds.
To access Selwyn Park by foot it is a 1.1km walk from Albion station. Buckingham Reserve is a 1.6 km walk to Sunshine station.
You can turn back at any point for a shorter trip.
Thank you to the Friends of Kororoit Creek and Ursula Dutkiewicz for contributing photographs for this walk.
This map was supported by Melbourne Water Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways incentives program.
11012 Views
Points of Interest
1. Selwyn Park
Selwyn Park has a well-equipped playground set amongst tall, shady sugar gum trees. Barbeques, undercover tables, toilets (closed when we visited) and drinking water are available.
2. An upstream view from the pedestrian bridge
Follow the path across the pedestrian bridge to continue on the other side of the creek.
3. Freshwater turtles inhabit the Kororoit Creek
If you're quiet and still you might see waterbirds, turtles and other animals in this stretch of the creek.
4. River red gums
Shady trees and basalt rocks along the trail.
5. Spotted Pardalote
A tiny, feathered jewel hiding in the eucalyptus.
6. Lizard Lounge planting area
The Friends of Kororoit Creek group has transformed over a hectare of previously cleared land by replanting local vegetation and creating habitat for animals.
7. Friends of Kororoit Creek volunteers at work
You might spot volunteers weeding invasive species to give the indigenous flora a chance to thrive.
8. Wide, sealed, shared footway
The trail has a smooth, sealed surface.
9. Upstream view
A creek bank view from the Bug Rug
10. 'Bug Rug' wildflower area
An expansive creek bank planting of wildflowers and grasses provides a habitat for biodiversity. This area lives up to its name!
11. Play in nature
The creek makes a great place to play in nature.
12. Stepping stones
Although not part of this walk, the stepping stones are a great place to cross the creek to join a dirt path on the other side.
13. Wildflowers and community mural
The love for the Kororoit Creek shows!
14. Kororoit Creek looking beautiful in the golden light
Photo by Friends of Kororoit Creek taken across the river at "B Street" wildflower site
15. A series of rock sculptures depicts local species
Five rock sculptures by Joe Pratt highlight animals that inhabit the creek: eastern long-necked turtle, Cunningham's skink, glowing grass frog, kingfisher, and echidna.
16. Cunningham's skink warming up in the sun
Keep an eye out for Cunningham's Skink, Blue-tongued Lizards and other lizards. Signs warn to beware of snakes in warmer months.
17. Sacred Kingfisher
Buckingham Reserve is a quiet place for birdwatching. Waterbirds seen here include kingfishers, herons, swamphens, and cormorants. Please do not feed the birds. It makes them sick.
18. Buckingham Reserve playground
A popular playground with a rocketship theme, toilets and drinking water available.
Features
Public Transport
Playground
Drinking water available
Public toilets
Nature trail
Lake, creek, river
