LOCATION

Situated beside the Yarra River in Templestowe, Westerfolds Park offers over 120 hectares of parkland perfect for picnicking, cycling, barbecues, walking, birdwatching, nature photography and canoeing.

 

There's an adventure playground for the children.

 

FEATURES

• Enjoy Canoeing along the Yarra River

• Admire the view of the rapids from the Main Yarra Trail

• Hike along the Roadshow Trail

• Inspect the Manor Homestead and Native Gallery (as at March 2015, this is closed pending new ownership)

• The Main Yarra Trail forms part of the 6km of sealed trails throughout the park

• Hike along the Kelstrel Creek Trail

• Nice views from the hilltop adjacent to the Manor

• Snakes, Blue Tongue Lizards and Echidnas!

• Kelstrel Creek Wetland

 

ACCESS

Pedestrian and cyclist access to Westerfolds Park is available at all times. Vehicle entry is available from: Fitzsimons Lane, Templestowe or Porter Street, Templestowe. Gates are open 6am to 6pm, extending to 9pm during daylight savings. A 24-hour car park with pedestrian access is available off Fitzsimons Lane.

 

Dogs are permitted in the park but must be kept on a leash at all times.

 

HISTORY

Before European settlement the whole Yarra Valley area was part of the Wurundjeri tribe territory.  In 1847 the area which is now Westerfolds Park was purchased from the Crown.

 

In the early 1930s the Turner Family bought the land and built the ‘Manor’ in 1936.  By the 1950s the growing population had pushed most of the large-scale farmers and orchardists out of the surrounding area, but residential and industrial development did not occur mainly because of the threat of flooding.

 

In the 1970s plans to create a residential estate were strongly opposed by the community and the state government purchased the land in 1973 to meet the growing need for public open space.

 

The park was officially opened in November 1984.