BANKSIA PARK
HISTORY
In 1841 a punt was installed on the Yarra River at the site of the bridge at Banksia Park. It opened the best route between Melbourne and the Bulleen-Templestowe area enabling the earliest Europeans to settle along the rich river flats. Banksia Park was the first part of the Yarra Valley Parklands to be opened to the public in 1978. The first bridge was built in 1960.
As one of the major recreation areas situated on the Yarra River, the Park covers 23 hectares of gently undulating open space, including a significant ephemeral wetland area. Barbecue facilities and shelters are provided. A large Information Board has maps and details about the Park.
ACCESS
The main entrance to the Park is from Templestowe Rd - there are several car-parking areas, with linked pathways leading to features of interest. Alternative pedestrian access is on a shared trail starting at the Yarra Flats Park and passing under the Manningham Rd Bridge.
FEATURES
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A Japanese Cherry Grove was established in the Park after the Prime Minister of Japan gifted the trees to the Victorian government
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An off-leash fenced dog-friendly compound is adjacent to Cherry Grove, near the river
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The pathway around the river is known as the Cherry Tree Trail, and several illustrated Information Boards along its lengh describe the history of the area
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A very large old pear tree may be viewed next to the path
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Cherry Tree Path leads to an obsrvation area overklooking the river, adjacent to the Golf Course
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During the warmer months, the Wetland is generally dry
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There are about 3 km of walking tracks in the Park.
HEIDE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
As an immediate neighbour to the park, the Museum is a unique space – a synthesis of indoor and outdoor environments, a place of modern and contemporary art and design, with a rich and colourful art heritage and social history. Heide is one of Australia’s leading public art museums and comprises 16 acres of buildings, gardens and sculpture park. Heide is open every day of the year except Mondays.
In the surrounding area is a series of painted metal sculptures, including cows!
FLORA AND FAUNA
The Park, like most of the Lower Yarra area is classified as ‘Riparian Floodplain Woodland’ featuring River Red Gum and wetlands.
The majority of the vegetation was removed in the 1800s but remnants can be found along the riverbank. As a result of the land clearing, most of the major populations of animals have also disappeared. A couple of wombats have since taken up residence within Banksia Park. The wetland also provides habitat for a number of frogs, insects and birds.
Images at Heide Museum (Jan 2015)
