Brimbank Park

Brimbank Park

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Posted 2011-02-05 by Courtney Symesfollow


is located in the Maribyrnong Valley near Keilor East and is accessible by road (from Keilor Park Drive, off the Western Ring Road) or via the trail along the Maribyrnong River. This extensive park has numerous BBQs, picnic areas, walking/bike trials, playgrounds and even a café. On a warm summer day is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or BBQ with family and friends.

Although the park was opened in 1976, the area has a rich history that spans thousands of years. Europeans settled the area during the 1830s, originally using the land for farming. The name 'Brimbank' originates from the practice of watering stock by driving them 'around the brim of the bank'. Numerous market gardens were also planted on man-made terraces adjacent to the river, taking advantage of the rich soil from the river flats.

Aboriginal history in the area extends back 30,000 years and evidence of human habitation in the Keilor area is amongst the oldest to be discovered in Australia so far. For more information on the Keilor area, the Keilor Historical Society website is an excellent source.

and the surrounding area has experienced high rainfall over the last couple of months, so the park is currently a lush scene of beauty. The river is flowing quite swiftly, and can be deep in some places, so care must be taken in and around the water, particularly in flood-swollen areas where there may be underlying snags.

The combination of vast, flourishing bushland and an abundance of water make this area a haven for wildlife, including a variety of birds as well as brush-tail and ring-tail possums. Look out for numerous species of waterbirds, an assortment of parrots, Blue wrens, Flame Robins and Yellow-tailed Thornbills. The magnificent river red gums that line the riverbank can live for hundreds of years, their sweeping branches providing a home for many species of animals. Parks Victoria has produced some informative park notes on a suggested Nature Trail that can be followed through the park, giving you the best chance of spotting some of the above wildlife, as well as information on itself.

The Leaping Lizard Café is located towards the north side of the park and offers a variety of scrumptious snacks and meals daily. Toasted sandwiches start from about $4, with more substantial meals like beef lasagne, quiche and filo parcels with a mixed salad sitting around the $8 mark – excellent value for fresh, wholesome fare. Biscuits, cakes, muffins and ice creams are also available for those with a sweet tooth or as the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee. Staff are friendly and helpful and there is amble (air conditioned) seating inside or out.

#parks
#keilor_east
#escape_the_city
#day_trips
#outdoor
#picnic_spots
#walks
%wnmelbourne
161791 - 2023-06-14 19:52:01

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