Old Joes Creek Retarding Basin

Old Joes Creek Retarding Basin

Post
Subscribe

Posted 2019-09-27 by Neil Follettfollow
Retarding basins in suburbia have given Melbourne some very nice small and large parks and walks. Old Joes Creek is an 11.9 ha. slice of what the area would have been like before settlement.




Running through the centre of the reserve is Old Joes Creek, mostly just a narrow waterway, but in places widens out into small ponds which are home to many ducks.


The basin is mainly bush with three easily managed paths. All the wildflowers I noted were next to the paths, so going bush in the bush to see them was not necessary.


Once past the open retarding basin area (from the Dorset Road end) and into the bush there was the constant sound of many different species of birds as many flittered through the foliage.


It was spring and possibly the bird's mating season which could account for their excitement. Wattlebirds appeared to be the most excited, only briefly resting in trees before again joining in the chase of other wattlebirds.




A crimson rosella was the only colourful bird I found perching. Many others were noted passing through the tree tops, usually at great speed.


Kookaburras are more often heard than seen, but often they quietly appear on a nearby tree and just sit and look at you, real camera candy.


The main path, on both sides of the creek is wide compacted gravel and only have a slight slope in parts, so wheelchairs should be able to cope to experience this bush setting.




Spring is wildflower season and the season's offerings were bountiful. I counted ten different species, some very bright and others with more subtle colouring.




Some were just a single plant with a few blooms and others were bushes of colour.




The reserve is an off-leash area for dogs and many were encountered along with their owners.




On my walk, I encountered a young lady conducting a survey for the local council about the area, seeking views on the users of the walks; their likes and dislikes. It is nice to see the council seeking input from their ratepayers.


Old Joe's Retarding Basin can be accessed from a laneway on Dorset Road, but it is hard to find and the Army Road entrance is better for parking.


If you like looking at wildflowers in the bush, this is for you.

#boronia
#outdoor
#outer_east
#walks
#Wheelchair-Accessible-
%wnmelbourne
105189 - 2023-06-12 11:44:34

Tags

Free
Festivals
Outdoor
Music
Markets
Nightlife
Fundraisers
Family_friendly
Community
Arts_culture
Food_drink
Educational
Random
Theatre_shows
Shopping_markets
Copyright 2024 OatLabs ABN 18113479226