Free Guided Walks in Belair National Park

Free Guided Walks in Belair National Park

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Posted 2017-04-29 by Dave Walshfollow

Sun 03 Dec 2017



The Friends of Belair National Park are offering free guided walks in Belair National Park this year - a wonderful opportunity to explore the park and see native flora and fauna with a knowledgeable guide. When I'm out walking trails in parks, I often see plants, insects or wildlife that I would like to know more about: taking guided walks means there is sure to be somebody near who can answer your question.

The Native Orchids Guided Walk on Anzac Day was the first time I had been on a guided walk with Friends of Belair National Park. They are a friendly and cheerful group, and there was a good sized group of non-members of all ages when we met at the national park entrance. This first walk was primarily about native orchids in the park - tiny blooming flowers that stand a few centimetres tall. To celebrate Anzac Day, the walk would finish with a visit to the RSL Walk in the national park.



After a briefing about the route for the guided tour and what to look out for, we set off driving in convoy to a park gate on Upper Sturt Road. Our guide steered us a short distance from the entrance before dropping to his knees and scrambling in short grass. A triumphant cry heralded success - our first Australian native orchid was located. The excitement spread rapidly around the tour group, and before long most of us were on our knees with cameras in action.



Unfortunately the Australian orchid flowering season starts earlier in the year, and our first finds were more seed pods than flowers. Despite that, were were flushed with our success.



Our next stop was more successful, locating several flowering Parsons Band orchids. Unfortunately their small size made them hard targets to focus on, and I only managed one successful photo.



The final part of the tour was perhaps the most rewarding. Peter, the tour leader from Friends of Belair National Park took us to a little known valley to commemorate Anzac Day. In 1922 seven hundred exotic Japanese Cherry trees and Crab Apple trees were planted in Sparkes Gully, to commemorate those who served in World War 1. The ravages of fire and time has since reduced that number dramatically.



In 1962 after World War 2 a grove of California Redwood (Sequoia) trees was planted not far away, in remembrance of Australians and Americans who served and were stationed nearby. A walking trail called the RSL walk was built in 2008 to link these two memorial groves which lie on the banks of Minno Creek. It's a beautiful place in a verdant valley, well suited as a place for remembrance.



As we neared the Sequoia tree grove, the Anzac Day weather set in. A light rain developed which defeated my attempts to take photos of the RSL Walk and Sequoia trees. It was easy to spot who were Friends of Belair National Park, as they all had light waterproof capes at the ready, but luckily I'd stashed an umbrella in my backpack.



I returned the next day to Belair National Park to try again for photos of the RSL Walk. I got more than I bargained for when walking through a quiet part of the park. A group of kangaroos contentedly consumed lunch a short distance across the valley, and a little later two emus strutted past. There are advantages to walking the national park trails alone!



The Friends of Belair National Park are holding free guided walks monthly on Tuesdays, with the tours repeated the following Sunday. No booking is required, and entrance to the park is free in a vehicle if you mention the Friends' walk. For more information about the walks see the Friends of Belair National Park Facebook page .

Of course every walk along the Belair National Park trails will be different but expect to hear about our native flora and fauna from knowledgeable experts every walk. The walks are not difficult, and are suitable for children too. If you get a chance, take a look at the Belair Maze while you're at the park.



The current schedule of walks is below, but do check with the Friends that dates haven't changed before planning to join a walk. If there is heavy rain, strong winds or severe weather forecast then the walk will be cancelled.

Tuesday 25th April, Sunday 30th April
Tuesday 23rd May, Sunday 28th May
Tuesday 27th June, Sunday 2nd July
Tuesday 25th July, Sunday 30th July
Tuesday 22nd August, Sunday 27th August
Tuesday 26th September, Sunday 1st October
Tuesday 24th October, Sunday 29th October
Tuesday 28th November, Sunday 3rd December



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!date 03/12/2017 -- 03/12/2017
%wnadelaide
179747 - 2023-06-15 22:38:09

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