Madurta Reserve

by Dave Walsh (subscribe)

After experiencing the tranquil serenity of Woorabinda Lake Reserve and the untamed lushness and rich bio-diversity of Stirling Park, my attention has wandered to Madurta Reserve a short distance south west of these.

I wondered what new experience and wildlife this third nature reserve in the Stirling Linear Park might offer, and my interest was spurred by talk of a mysterious mansion in the vicinity called Madurta House.



Another fine day saw me soldiering on past the friendly group of radio control boat enthusiasts as they relaxed and chatted in the shade before doing battle on the Woorabinda Lake. Heading straight on past the dam overflow and ignoring the Stirling Park Track, I continued around the lake further to the Keroma Trail. The turnoff is only marked by a small green pole but there are no other tracks nearby.



The Trail meanders alongside the Aldgate Creek and is lush and green on the left, while the other side looks more like scrub with many tall gum trees. On hearing a particularly musical bird call, I paused to look for it high in the trees. I couldn't spot the bird but was rewarded with an entirely different prize - a sleeping koala. It was quite exciting, the first time I had ever seen a koala in the wild.



Continuing further along the narrow path past some steps on the left leading to Branch Rd, the path became even narrower as it squeezed between houses and across a small footbridge.



Reaching Keroma Drive I was about to cross when I remembered that Madurta House is nearby. It's a large private residence that was built recently to look like a stately manor of around 1870.



A quick detour to the left along Keroma Drive gave me glimpses of a large house through a screening hedge set in a carefully tended formal garden.



Walking some way further on to Madurta Ave will show you the grand imposing entrance with its security gates, but I wouldn't recommend going the extra distance.



Returning to resume the track south over Keroma Drive, the name changes to the Madurta Trail. It is quite narrow and steep in places, and told me that my fitness needs improvement.



A noisy dog reminded me that I was again surrounded by private properties.



Watsonias, like blackberries seem to be abundant in these reserves. Presumably they are domestic escapees from gardens that once existed in the area.



On reaching Madurta Drive, turn right and cross the curiously named Bogaduck Rd to continue along the Bogaduck Trail. Clouds of Monarch butterflies are disturbed by my progress and flutter around me, seeming to follow me as I walk along.



The twittering of the birds and distant cries of children playing is all I hear. At one point the trail almost disappears entirely near the railway line. Fortunately some signs soon appear to confirm that I am still on track.



Climbing some steps to the Linwood Trail I resume walking along Linwood Rd before once again plunging into stringybark bushland at the south eastern end of the Woorabinda Lake Reserve. It's clear that walking in this area has been popular for many years - the Mail in 1946 mapped out a walk in the area for their readers.



The final leg of the walk takes us through quite dense bushland, so walkers must be sure to check any fire danger alerts before entering any of these reserves.

At last I see glimpses of water through the trees as once again Woorabinda Lake comes into view and I spy a seat to rest myself after this trek. It wasn't arduous, but it does burn some energy, especially on a warm day. Be sure to take water and a mobile phone with you on the trip.



The Adelaide Hills Council has a very good map of the Stirling Linear Park reserves that you can download here.

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Why? Explore another reserve in Stirling's linear parks

When: Anytime, except days of high fire danger

Website: users.esc.net.au/~slp/madurta.htm

Where: Woorabinda Drive, Stirling, South Australia

Cost: Free

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