BANYULE SWAMP

The Swamp is at the foot of the Banyule Escarpment, overlooked by the imposing Banyule Homestead, and has an elongated shape, with a very shallow northern portion and a deeper southern portion.

An aerial photo in 1945 shows a line of River Red Gums in the southern part of the swamp. A few more trees are clustered on dry land. A two-metre diameter stump can be found today near the cluster of gums, a remnant of the great trees on the flats, described by Rolf Boldrewood. Apart from these trees, and a few exotic trees and shrubs, the swamp and the surrounding paddocks appear to have been completely cleared (by 1945). There are a number of drains too, that were constructed to empty the swamp. The whole area was grazed at that time.

In 1984 Heidelberg Council fenced off Banyule Swamp from cattle grazing and converted the site to a wildlife sanctuary. Warringal Conservation Society began extensive revegetation around the edges of the swamp in 1985.

The old agricultural drain from the southern area of the swamp used to keep the depth of water low. The deeper parts of the swamp generally remained inundated for most of the year, whereas the peripheral areas dried out in summer. In 1999 Banyule Council blocked the drain and built up the level of the west bank, enabling the swamp to hold water permanently, at a higher level than before. The effect of the new hydrology and the revegetation is a very beautiful wetland, extremely rich in bird species.

THE BANYULE BILLABONG

This is a fenced area, now dry (2015), overgrown with weeds, invasive vegetation, and trees. Access is via a foot track through a gate opposite the Banyule Swamp. In  the agricultural era, it was a watering place for grazing cattle. An old "Soiuthdern Cross" windmill is located next to the Yarra, which was oreiginally used to pump water to the Billabong.
 

WALKING TRACKS

Several tracks and paths allow the hiker to explore and appreciate the Flat's scenery and environment. Some of these follow the Yarra,  passing old fence posts and gates. The Billabong Compound may be circumnavigated from a track branching off the Main Yarra Trail, starting opposite the junction of the Plenty River Trail. Snakes are active during the warmer months! The main access point is at the carpark next to the sport field, adjacent to the Main Yarra Trail. Another access point is from Banyule Rd, passing through the Banyule Native Gardens.