Wittons Reserve

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This reserve is quite large and borders on the Yarra River. Apart from the car parks at the end of Reserve Road, the whole area is natural bush, with a few paths throughout the heavily timbered area.


Those paths are mostly narrow and rough, although being flat they would be most unsuitable for wheelchairs.



The only facilities are two swings and a picnic table behind the car park.





A little upstream from the car park the Brushy Creek enters the Yarra River. This area is Wurundjeri Women's Country, and the confluence of Brushy Creek and the Yarra is a sacred site where Wurundjeri women performed 'welcome baby to country' ceremonies.


Canoe launching facilities are available and judging by the amount of parking in the sealed car park it is a popular location for that pastime.



There is a very narrow path on the river's edge leading downstream from the canoe launching site. It is rough and often semi-blocked by tree branches, and requires caution if attempted. One slip and you could be swimming.



A short walk along the bank brings a bend in the river into view and good views are seen both upstream and downstream.



Looking downstream I was greeted with a cormorant sitting on a log mid-stream, drying its outstretched wings. Strangely for a bird that almost lives on the water, their feathers are not waterproof, hence the need for regular drying.


There are severs spots where steps lead down to the water's edge for an up-close and personal view of the Yarra.





Many other birds were heard and seen, but only from a distance. Many cockatoos were flying around and several ducks were noticed in transit. A couple of little blue wrens were flittering in and out of riverside trees.


My visit coincided with the wattle season and these beautifully coloured trees were very prominent throughout the reserve, particularly around the car park area.


Just upstream from the canoe launching area are some gentle rapids which would add enjoyment to both those on the water or on the bank.

On a warm summers day, this reserve would be a good place for a cool walk through the bush and to sit by the riverside watching the many canoes that would be there.

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#wonga_park
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