Karkarook Park Accessible Walk, Heatherton

Karkarook Park Accessible Walk, Heatherton created by Victoria Walks

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Summary

Here is a great walk or roll around an old sand mine turned into a lake. Follow wide paths to a ramped lookout and jetties on the lake. People like to fish here and use quiet boats on the water.

Description

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View the park from the lookout. See the bushland and waterbirds on the lake.

Is this walk accessible for me?
This walk is accessible for everyone. It is easy by foot, wheelchair or using other mobility aids.

How accessible is the path?
Paths start at the car park, are sealed, wide and in good condition. There are some direction signs. Mild slopes occur. The one moderate slope is taken downhill under the observation tower.

There are wide boardwalks with safety rails at the observation tower, footbridge and jetties. Alternative paths are compacted gravel. Small lips occur between surfaces. There are occasional small root rises and may be overhanging branches. There are no steps.

Cyclists may share some paths.

Rest areas
There are large lawns. The path is exposed to the weather - a picnic shelter and gazebo have paths to them, room for wheelchairs and offer shade. Accessible information signage is in the largest shelter near the observation tower.

Other shelters are surrounded by grass. Seating is generally at picnic tables or surrounded by grass. Outdoor BBQs are provided. Refreshment purchasing is not available. Please take rubbish home with you.

There is space to turn wheelchairs. You can take shorter routes. Pick-ups can be organised for any of 3 car parks on the south side. Mobile coverage is good. Note: Baxter St is not accessible (very rough road).

Drinking water
Bubbler fountains are provided - carrying a water bottle is a good idea.

Toilets
There is 1 accessible toilet (see photo).

Dogs
Dogs must be on leash. There is an off leash area on the opposite side of the car park.

Parking
Parking is off street. Visitor traffic is slowed by speed humps. Accessible parking is available in the first 2 car parks - 1 space in the first (recommended) and 4 in the second. All have protected side spaces and room for rear loading. The first protected zone has a rough spot where a bollard has been removed and the hole filled.

There are no ramps, kerbs or road crossings.

Public transport
There are buses along Warrigal Road without an accessible path into the park unless you are stable on your feet. If you are, enter from the Fairchild St corner.

The following photos and descriptions provide more information regarding all abilities access. Conditions may change. If you notice any variations, please let us know.

We would like to know what people with disability and carers think of our accessible Walking Maps. Please tell us by completing this 5 minute survey. Your feedback will help us to create local walks information of high quality for carers and people with disability.

“Walking and rolling together: accessible walking trails for people with disability” is a partnership between Victoria Walks and Scope.

Victoria Walks acknowledges the support of Access for All Abilities, an initiative of the Victorian Government.

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Points of Interest

1. Accessible parking

The accessible space with side protection in the first car park is recommended (note the rough spot). It is close to toilets and shelter. The surface is sealed and flat with a clear access path.

2. Accessible toilet

The accessible toilet is near the start of the walk. The door is 820mm wide. Follow the sealed path to the left of the toilet block to get to it.

3. Large picnic shelter

The main shelter has 2 tables and a large sealed floor space with room for wheelchairs. It is next to the accessible toilet. There are accessible signs with maps and information about the park here.

4. Drinking water, shelters and BBQs

Old bubbler water fountains provide drinking water. It is a good idea to carry a water bottle. Most shelters and BBQs are surrounded by grass.

5. Observation platform

There is a 1.65m wide ramp to an observation platform that looks over the park. It has flat rest sections. Non slip plastic makes up half the ramp. Older style boards are at the top half.

6. Downhill to the lake

The path under the observation tower goes downhill to the lake. Paths are generally flat around the lake. You return back to the car park on another mildly sloping path.

7. The bridge

There is one short footbridge to cross. It has a surface of boards with a mild slope up and down.

8. Gazebos

There are a 3 gazebos in the park. This one has a sealed path to it.

9. Alternative paths

The route mapped has all sealed paths. There are also wide compacted gravel paths for those who want alternatives.

10. Dingley By Pass

One section of the walk passes near Dingley By Pass. The traffic is busy, but not very loud.

11. Horses

You can say "Hello" to the horses who graze in the paddock next to the park. Note some edges of the sealed path in this area have a drop off to where joggers sometimes run.

12. Fishing

The lake is regularly stocked with fish. Fishing is a popular sport here.

13. The paths

Paths are sealed, wide and generally smooth. There are occasional small root rises and puddles after rain.

14. Playground

There is a playground near the car park with a tan bark base. Tan bark may spill onto the path.

15. Alternative accessible parking

There are 4 accessible parking spaces in the second car park. They are 220 metres from the accessible toilet, observation platform and large picnic shelter. The access path here can be overgrown.