Dandenong Valley Wetlands — Attraction in Melbourne

Tranquil and relaxing piece of nature tucked away in Melbourne’s South Eastern suburbs. There are multiple ways to access these beautiful wetlands, not far from surrounding main roads (however, you can’t hear any noise from the nearby freeway or main roads). I usually park at Mulgrave reserve and take the Eastlink bike trail a short distance, heading towards Jells Park but veering right about 100 metres along at a bridge crossing Dandenong Creek, which leads directly into the wetlands. I have visited multiple times and have only ever encountered one or two other people also enjoying the surrounding walking tracks. Some tracks are paved but as you venture further into the wetlands, tracks are mainly gravel and grass. Can get a bit flooded and muddy during cooler months but generally dries out by summer. Lots of birdlife and sounds of nature to take in- frogs croaking along the water banks, crickets chirping in the grasses and birds singing and splashing about in the lakes. Last visit I saw a large fish jumping in and out of the water, which was quite amazing. If you’re lucky you can spot pelicans along the shorelines and cranes strategically fishing in the shallow waters. Some parts of the walking tracks are quite rocky and difficult to navigate on foot (not suitable for bikes). Definitely one of my favourite places to go when I want to relax and escape the stressors/hustle and bustle of...

Many people say that life isn't like a bed of roses. I beg to differ. I think that life is quite like a bed of roses. Just like life, a bed of roses looks pretty on the outside, but when you're in it, you find that it is nothing but thorns and pain. I myself have been pricked quite badly. The day had begun on a bright note. The sun finally peeked through the rain for the first time in a week, and the birds were singing in its warmth. There was no way to anticipate what was about to happen. It was a worst-case scenario and there was no...

I took a detour off Dandenong Creek Trail and discovered a fairly vast wetland along the bicycle/walking trail. The trail adjourns to Eastlink close to a BP petrol station and food kiosks. I spotted a black swan and other native birds in the body of water. The trail itself is popular with cyclists but not too congested. Definitely lots to explore on foot or bike in this edge...