Serpentine - Pon Pon Trail
The Pon Pon Swamp is a hidden gem lying just beyond the thin strip of houses and buildings lining the Loddon Valley Highway in Serpentine.
The swamp is inundated with water only when the Loddon River rises enough to spill into a shallow watercourse 4km south of the township. The overflow water rarely floods the black box ground directly north due to the levee that was built around the Pon Pon in order to protect the township. From above the Pon Pon resembles a giant tadpole struggling to return to the sanctuary of the Serpentine Creek. This 'tadpole' harbours a rich trove of plants, animals and aboriginal heritage which may be easily explored in as little as 20 minutes.
Pon Pon Trail Map
From Tom Rudkins Reserve head south along Peppercorn Way (the service road to Loddon Valley Highway) and turn right into Hunter Street. After a short walk turn left and follow the levee bank to the entry of the Pon Pon Reserve at its southern end. Explore the tracks within the reserve and then return via the same route, or exit the reserve on the western edge, return along the levee track to Hunter St. and back to Peppercorn Way. The trip will be between 1.3 and 2 km long depending on which loops are explored. Allow at least 20 minutes to complete the loop but be prepared to spend longer to properly enjoy this fascinating 'ark'.
Things to see
The flanks of the swamp are Plains Woodland grading to Wetland Formation in the low-lying areas. The main tree species are River Red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and Black Box (Eucalyptus largiflorens). A large variety of shrubs, sedges, grasses, rushes and semi-aquatic herbs can be found here including, in the right conditions, expanses of Nardoo (Marsilea drummondii) - a fern used as food by the aboriginals.
The environment of Pon Pon also supports many birds and animals. The open woodland and seasonal wetlands sustain fauna typical of dry habitats as well as wetland species such as waterbirds and amphibians. A number of species may be present including the Great Egret, Striped Legless Lizard and Grey Crowned Babbler. Pon Pon would undoubtedly have been an important site for aboriginal inhabitants providing food, water and shelter. The Dja Dja Wurrung, one of five groups making up the Kulin Nation, occupied this part of Victoria and evidence of their heritage will be apparent to the careful observer. Many trees still bear scars where bark was removed to make shields or canoes. Other artefacts may be present but these are protected by law and must not be removed. The word 'Kulin' derives from the term used for 'human being' and was common across the five groups. It is not difficult to imagine these people fishing, hunting, meeting together and camping under the canopy of the gnarled and majestic trees of the Pon Pon.
Location
37 Peppercorn Way, Serpentine 3517 Map
Web Links
→ Serpentine Pon Pon Trail (PDF)
