Woodlands Historic Park (Parks Victoria) — Attraction in Melbourne

Woodlands Historic Park is open daily from 9.00am to 4.30pm. During daylight saving, the opening hours on weekends and public holidays are extended to 6.00pm. Woodlands Homestead is open 7 days a week from 10am to 4pm, except Christmas Day. Getting there Woodlands Historic Park is 22km north of Melbourne CBD. Follow the Tullamarine Freeway and turn right into Oaklands Road. There are a number of entrances, although a popular place to arrive is the Somerton Road Picnic Area. Things to see and do Woodlands Homestead and Living Legends Woodlands Homestead offers a rare example of a large pre‐ fabricated timber house brought to colonial Australia from Britain. Visit the homestead to learn about its construction and significance. Just in front of the Homestead are real Living Legends! Established to bring retired champion horses back to the public, the front paddocks are home to some of Australia's finest retired racehorses. Back Paddock This section of the park is fenced to help manage and restore the 1840s character of vegetation and wildlife. Experience the wilder parts of the park away from Woodlands Homestead. Cycle or walk as you search for birds and other wildlife. Please remember to close the gates as this is a site for a recovery program for the threatened Eastern Barred Bandicoot. Gellibrand Hill Explore the granite boulders and enjoy a 360‐degree view of the city, the bay, the Great Dividing Range and Melbourne Airport. Access is via walking tracks from Somerton Road Picnic Area, Woodlands Homestead and the carpark off Providence Road. Picnics Enjoy a picnic among the magnificent River Red Gums at the Somerton Road Picnic Area. Electric barbecues, tables and toilets are available. There are also shaded picnic tables outside the homestead but no barbecues. Walking The many tracks throughout the park cater for all trail enthusiasts and offer some spectacular scenery and plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Murrup Gurrong Yan (Spiritual Creek Walk) – 2.5km, 1 hour circuit Begin the trail by crossing the footbridge from Somerton Road Picnic Area. Follow the path with the river on your right, until the second creek crossing which loops you back to the carpark. Woodlands Hill Walk– 1.5km, 30 minutes return Begin from Somerton Road Picnic Area, crossing the footbridge and continue straight, reaching a gate and continue up the hill. You will discover a peaceful vantage point with views of the area. This outlook can also be accessed from the Homestead. Moonee Ponds Creek Trail – 9km, 3 hours return Begin at the Woodlands Homestead carpark, taking the right fork of the road, as you drive in. Park at the information shelter and walk through the gate, following the signs. The track takes you past billabongs to the back‐paddock fence, and continues with the fence on your left, and the airport on your right. At the far corner of the fence, turn around to retrace your steps. Keep an eye out for kangaroos that are often seen grazing in this area. Gellibrand Hill Walk– 4km, 1.5 hours return Begin at the carpark of Weeroona Cemetery on Providence Road. Walk along the track through to the back‐paddock fence, turning left up the hill. At the corner of the fence, take a slight right onto the smaller track, soon to pass the radar tower on your left. Explore the granite boulders of Gellibrand Hill, and enjoy 360‐degree views. Cycling There are plenty of trails criss‐crossing the park offering opportunities for beginner and intermediate off‐road cyclists. The 1.5km downhill north/south track along the eastern perimeter fence is particularly popular with cyclists. All trails within the park are shared for walkers and cyclists and some also welcome horse riders, so take care and watch out for fellow trails users. Horse riding Horses are permitted in some parts of the park. Ref:...

Historical Woodland Park is a true gem, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and a serene atmosphere. It's an ideal spot for a walk, relaxation, and quiet contemplation. The well-maintained paths wind through a magnificent canopy of mature trees, and subtle historical markers add an educational layer to your stroll. What sets this park apart is its peacefulness. The sounds of the city fade away, replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves and birdsong. There are plenty of benches for enjoying the quiet surroundings. In conclusion, Historical Woodland Park is a special destination for anyone seeking a place to relax, unwind, and connect with nature...

Sitting on the fence for this park. On one hand, it's great to see wildlife and wildflowers in spring. Heaps of kangaroos, fairy wrens and frogs. Not so much wildlife around in winter, as to be expected though so may be boring for kids then. Otherwise, kids do find it interesting and like to run around, but for their safety, try and keep to the tracks especially around spring/summer - spotted a brown snake basking on the boulders in September. Not so good - only public toilets are near the entrance, not very clean and not convenient when you're half an hour walk from returning. Fairly old park, signage and other facilities...