It’s that time of year when the wattle starts to bloom, and if you can’t make it to the Hurstbridge Wattle Festival, why don’t you swing by the aptly named Wattle Park instead? Spread across 55 hectares in Burwood, this lovely park is great to visit all year round, with trails, wildlife and even heritage trams in the picnic area! But, if you love flowers, now is the perfect time to go, as the eastern slope will soon brighten up with blooming wildflowers.
Wattle Park
Victoria is home to over 160 different species of wattle, and if you’d like to admire these yellow blossoms, you don’t have to go very far. At this particular park, you’ll find about 12,000 blooming wattle trees, including golden wattle, cedar wattle, silver wattle and black wattle. Go for a leisurely stroll and admire this cheery, yellow sight, as well as a variety of pines, elms, eucalypts and other lovely trees.
The wattle is now in bloom, and from late winter through to spring, you’ll see all sorts of pretty wildflowers too, including native orchids and lilies on the eastern slope.
With so many plants around, it’s no wonder that this park is a popular spot for wildlife. About 50 bird species call this part of Melbourne home, including the White-faced heron, the rainbow lorikeet, the Eastern rosella and the Tawny Frogmouth. When you’re not birdwatching, listen out for the croaky sounds of frogs, or look out for one of the 20 species of fluttering butterflies.
Late last year, a 3.25 km walking and running track was created. Travel along the stable gravel surface through natural forest and hilly terrain, and find plenty of chances to admire your natural surroundings. Dogs are welcome to come along, as long as they’re on a leash.
What else can you do?
This park was first established in 1917 by the Hawthorn Tramways Trust. Located at the end of the tram line, Wattle Park was built as a way to promote the use of public transport, and provide a recreational space for Melburnians. Today, you’ll find traces of this unique history.
The whole family will have a jolly time, thanks to an all-abilities playscape. This delightful playground looks like a double-storey tram, and you’ll find all sorts of fun stuff like play domes, swings, slides and spinners. It’s got a water play section for those hot days, and sensory play, which are wheelchair-accessible with assistance.
You’ll also find two heritage W-class trams, which have been transformed into whimsical picnic shelters! These trams were built in 1936, and retired in the early ’90s. They were supplied by VicTrack, and converted into new picnic shelters by the Bendigo Tramways Heritage Rail Workshop. They were installed last year, replacing some older trams that had been damaged over time. Around the picnic area, you’ll also find other updated facilities, like new barbecues, tables and accessible pathways.
For one Sunday a month, from October to April, near the picnic area you can hear the sounds of the Melbourne Tramways Band.
Overlooking the oval, you’ll see the Lone Pine tree. This tree is just one of four plantings in Victoria, with the seed taking from a solitary tree on the Gallipoli battlefields during World War One. It was planted in 1933, in remembrance of fallen comrades of the 24th Battalion.
For a bit more history, check out the Wattle Park Chalet, a charming events venue that was first built in 1928.
At the park, you’ll also find a nine-hole public golf course, and two tennis courts.
Getting there
Wattle Park is about a 30 minute drive away from Melbourne CBD. If you’d prefer to take public transport, you can hop on the #70 tram.
For updates and more information, check out the Parks Victoria website.
