Olinda Creek Walk - Lilydale

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This walk is only about 500 metres long, but there is a lot to see as you meander along a wide sealed and gravel flat path, being ideal for wheelchairs.

The walk begins at Hardy Street and ends at the Lillydale Lake.


The first part closely follows the Olinda Creek before heading past a small lake and entering a section of bush.


The walk meets up with the Olinda Creek again as you arrive at the Lillydale Lake, adjacent to the off leash dog area.

When the creek is not running high there are two stone steps to cross the creek while keeping your feet dry.


The walk may only be 500 metres, but it will not be a quick walk if you slow to appreciate what it has to offer.


Bird life was abundant as I sighted ten different species.

Several magpies were ground feeding, oblivious to passing foot traffic.


A couple of mudlarks were also feeding but absconded to a nearby tree on my approach. This was unusual as they normally tolerate close encounters.


The most interesting bird was a little blue wren which alighted upon a close by bush and posed nicely for me.


On occasions you can approach the creek bank and I was rewarded with a black duck swimming past.


The most numerous birds was the noisy minor. Several were in a group but not making a sound.


Several cockatoos were sighted passing high overhead, but only one landed on a nearby tree.


Two galahs were feeding on a grassy verge of the creek, usually ignoring all around them.


Flora was abundant, mainly in the form of planted trees, bushes and grasses, all close to the paths.


A couple of shiny leaf Cassinia bushes stood out with their white flowers.




A splash of colour was provided by several kangaroo apple bushes in flower.




A lot of work has gone into landscaping the area, but it was sad to see a proliferation of non-native plants, mainly in the form of scotch thistles. Their flowers do look nice and any Scottish person would probably look at them and become a little homesick.


I would call this a beautiful walk as it starts out in an open grass area, proceeds through some bush and ends at the Lillydale Lake.


I would recommend this short walk for the wheelchair bound as there is so much to see in a short distance.




For the same reason children would find it interesting and educational and they are at the end before even thinking, "are we there yet."

Another advantage of this walk is you can relive your experiences on the return walk.

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