Bushy Park Wetlands (Glen Waverley)

Bushy Park Wetlands is a linear section of parkland running along the Dandenong Creek. Bushy Park Wetlands is nestled at the north eastern edge of Glen Waverley. This is a great park for walking, cycling or bird watching. Over 90 species of wetland, bushland and farmland birds are found in the area.

Originally this area was timbered with Yarra Gum (Eucalyptus yarraensis) but was cleared by early European settlers. You will still see cattle being grazed in the northern section to maintain the rural heritage and to manage the quantity of pasture.

Bird Watching

An amazing 90 bird species have been recorded in the area, ranging from water birds to bushland and farmland birds. On the northern and southern lakes you are likely to see pelicans and ducks. Spoonbills and herons may also be observed searching for food in shallow water. In the grassland areas, insects attract Willy Wagtails, Magpies, Cattle Egrets and White Ibis. Overhead you may spot a Black-shouldered Kite or Brown Falcon. Use the bird hide, just a short walk from the main trail, to learn more about the different species in the park.

History of Bushy Park Wetlands

Originally this land was timbered, with Yarra Gum (Eucalyptus yarraensis) and about 65 other species of native trees, shrubs and grasses. For thousands of years before European settlement, the Woiworung Aboriginal tribe roamed through the area.

The first European settler on the eastern side of the Dandenong Creek was the Reverend James Clow. His pastoral lease covered some 9,324 hectares. In the early 1840s Mrs Madeline Scott sold her homestead, "Bushy Park", which was located in the current Jells Park. Madeline moved across the creek to James Clow's pastoral lease and built a new homestead between Burwood Highway and High St Rd. She named this home "Bushy Park" as well.

Through various subdivisions and owners the name persisted. When the land was acquired for the Dandenong Valley Parklands, the name Bushy Park was applied to both the east and west of the creek. The low-lying floodplains on the west side were called Bushy Park Wetlands.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs are only allowed on the multi-purpose trail and must be on a leash at all times. They are strictly prohibited from entering the wetland sanctuary or path to the bird hide.

Access and trails

Visitors can park at Highbury Road (Melwas 62 J10) or near Drummies Bridge Reserve off High Street Road (Melways 71 J1).

From Jells Park, pedestrians and cyclists can travel north to the Bushy Park Wetlands along the Dandenong Creek Trail. Along the way you pass Shepherds Bush, Napier Park, Drummies Bridge Reserve and the pony club.

From Koomba Park, visitors can walk or cycle across the footbridge over the Dandenong creek, then head south over Burwood Highway and take the marked trail to the wetlands.

Review:

We started the walk at the eastern end of Highbury Road, turned right and followed the bike/walking trail to the south. The walk goes the outside of the wetlands area for a distance of 1.1km to the bird hide beside a lake. The walk is in a dog on-leash area.

There seems to be an electric fence around the wetlands area but we weren't brave enough to actually test whether it was a live electric fence. On the other side of the track there are fences of neighbouring houses. There is a track which leads in from Camelot Park but you're very unlikely to spot King Arthur. Generally the wetlands in this area were fairly uninspiring from a scenery viewpoint.

After 600m there is another entry point from Knights Drive where there is an information shelter and shaded seat. The information board tells you to keep an eye out for a Great Egret or Masked Lapwing. At this point the Dandenong Creek trail leads to Jells Park in one direction (3.8km) or Koomba Park in the other direction (2.8km).

After another 500m a small path leads down to an area of water where the hide is located. No dogs or cats are allowed in this area and there is the possibility of snakes during warmer weather. There are a couple of seats in the hide. We saw a few water birds in May but the number and variety would depend on the time of the year.

The path continues for another 370m to High Street Road.