Damper Creek Reserve (Mount Waverley)
Damper Creek Reserve is situated in the South-Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Since the re-vegetation of Damper Creek it has become a popular and peaceful place to visit.
The features of the Damper Creek Reserve are a natural bush setting and walking track, playground (at Park Rd), dog off-leash area and an area of 11 hectares.
The Friends of Damper Creek Reserve have been restoring the creek environment since 1993.
The Damper Creek Trail is an easy 2 km walk through the Damper Creek Reserve.
Review:
The water flowing here comes from an urban catchment spanning from Burwood to Mount Waverley. Rainwater, surface run-off and storm water from the house and roads within the total catchment area flow inti Damper Creek, then into Gardiners Creek, the Yarra River and ultimately Port Phillip Bay.
At the start of the trail in Park Street there is a playground on the slight hill. You then pass along a dirt track with trees and bushes overhanging the path. The creek is initially fenced off from the path except for a defined path down to Damper Creek pond.
Large quantities of storm water flow into this pond, particularly after rain. The pond slows down the flow of water and stems flooding by taking up excess water. It also acts as a filter, trapping any sediment and litter. Rocks dam the creek, creating pools and rapids which aerate the water. Reeds and sedges have been planted at the water's edges as well as grasses, shrubs and trees on the creek banks. These plants help to stabilise the creek bed and prevent erosion. The ponds are a safe haven and breeding habitat for insects, native fish and frogs. The abundance of food and shelter create an ideal home for tortoises, native water rats and birds such as the Pacific Black Duck and White Faced Heron.
There are paths on both sides of the creek - on the west site it is a wide gravel path and on the east side a bit narrower. We saw some ducks along the creek and there are a few information boards along the way. An interesting time to visit would be after rain when the creek is flowing well. At the northern end the creek disappears into/out of some concrete pipes. At night you might see bats and sugar gliders. Overall the reserve is a pleasant walk in a quiet strip of bush with a little creek for company.
Photos:
Location
56 Park Road, Mount Waverley 3149 Map
Email Enquiry
Web Links
→ Damper Creek Trail (route details)
→ www.friendsofdampercreek.org.au
→ Friends of Damper Creek on Facebook
