Tim Neville Arboretum

Tim Neville Arboretum

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Posted 2021-05-03 by Neil Follettfollow
The is on Dorset Road, Ferntree Gully.


It is a 4.4 ha., former orchard that was constructed in 1988. It is named after the former CEO of the City of Knox, Tim Neville.


It is a real people's park with amenities for everyone.


One feature is a large enclosed children's playground with a variety of equipment to give hours of fun to the small fry. A popular item is the dual flying fox.


Just inside the Dorset Road entrance is the Ferntree Gully War Memorial, well worth a look to remember those who served our country.


Another popular feature is two lakes, with one occupied by many ducks and other water birds.


Two ducks identified were several black ducks and a solitary wood duck.





Sitting atop a pole in the middle of one lake was a cormorant, who was happy to just sit there for quite a long time.


A dusky moorhen was seen inspecting what appeared to be a non-operating fountain.


There is a boardwalk over one lake giving a very close up look to the swimming ducks, much to the delight of the many children enjoying the day out with their parents.


At the end of one lake, children can sit a watch the ducks even closer as they emerge from the lake.



The whole area is nicely landscaped with many paths meandering past many florae. Some flowers noticed were several salvias and a nice camellia.






It is dog friendly (on leash) with many owners bringing their canine friends.




My visit was on a sunny Sunday afternoon and despite the large number of people enjoying the great outdoors, there were areas where you could find some quiet solitude if you didn't mind ducks for company.


Several white blobs in the distance morphed as three sulphur-crested cockatoos ground feeding. On my approach, one took wing to a nearby tree, followed by my camera.




What park would be complete without several noisy miners!




There are many sheltered picnic shelters scattered around, some with BBQs.


Another feature was an amphitheatre which would be great for some outdoor entertainment.



Other amenities are a large toilet block and a small off-road car park accessed from Dorset Road, with several disabled spots. Additional parking is available in the adjacent Francis Crescent.


The could be described as Ferntree Gullies jewel in the crown, it is certainly worth a visit for a multitude of reasons.

#ferntree_gully
#free
#outdoor
#outer_east
#parks
#playgrounds
%wnmelbourne
206471 - 2023-06-16 05:50:23

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