Warringine Park — Attraction in Melbourne

A huge improvement in the walking trail over & along the wetlands/marsh from Hastings Pier to Jack's Beach in Bittern (5 kms one way) since I was last here few years ago. You can park closer to the barrier gate on the Hastings side for a shorter walk. Absolute credit to the volunteers & wetlands management. It is rubbish free & take yours with you.

Hastings end has more seats + resting platforms along the way with wider paths fringed with low shrubs & retainer logs. This end has also has a walkway "bridge" over low mangroves & creek. Good for spotting mud crabs & other marsh dwellers here. It was busy with walkers, families & school kid's end of May weekend with sunny weather.

The non-slip wire covered Boardwalk over the wetlands is extensive with two jut out lookouts. Bear in mind - the boardwalk is 5 ft only with a fair bit of human, bike & pram traffic going both ways. Has no railings or exit points past the Hastings residential area. Assess your fitness level - it is near 4 kms return journey to the mid point longest lookout. Teeming with birdlife (if you have your eyes peeled & lips sealed).

My walks have always been from Jack's Beach - Bittern end which is quieter & further away from the madding crowd. The weather was gloomy & misty on my walk previously which added mystery with the mist obscuring the distant views but clear enough to see a fair bit. Thrill to come in sight of the sub silhouette in...

What starts out as something that doesn't look like much, turns into a lovely 4km board walk sprinkled with real earth that goes between Bittern and Hastings wetlands including mangroves. AUrprise to see French Island. Love the bird life. So many species - too many to try and count them. I'd suggest you start at Jacks Beach as it's a nicer view of the Peninsula and the birdlife seems to always be better. Note that you share the track with cyclists, strollers and even wheelchairs so be cautious. The return walk is around 8kms. Please take your rubbish...

There's an interesting mix of flora along the route through the park. The only fauna we saw were some birds and crabs. The path is almost completely flat, though it's reasonably long (about 3.5km one way) and there are no early exits. There is little in the way of shade, so be mindful of the sun.

I read an estimated return time of 4 hours, which is out by a factor of 2 - at least - for anyone walking at a reasonably quick pace. Keen to return after there's been some decent rain - I imagine it'll look...