Sunbury and Macedon Ranges residents are encouraged to put on their hiking gear and explore the waterways of western Melbourne this holiday season.
Eighteen interactive maps are now available on the Victoria Walks website as part of Melbourne Water’s Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways program, including Jacksons Creek, Brimbank’s Taylors Creek and Wyndham’s Werribee River and Lollypop Creek.
Melbourne Water northwest waterways and catchment services head Rod Clifford said walking along your local waterways are a healthy way to learn more about an area’s ecosystem.
“There are so many incredible places to walk in the west where you can appreciate our waterways and enjoy open spaces, abundant birdlife and beautiful views,” he said.
“You don’t have to travel far.
“A waterway walk is a great option for those looking for a free school holiday activity, to boost fitness or simply immerse yourself in nature.”
The maps include time, length and difficulty ratings, photos and points of interest including billabongs and wetlands.
Victoria Walks executive officer Ben Rossiter said the maps are the result of assistance of community groups passionate about the histories and biodiversity of the sites.
“The 18 walking maps showcase how much Melbourne’s west has to offer with nature walks ranging from 1.2 kilometres to an all-day, 22 kilometre hiking adventure exploring four creeks, two wetlands, a marine sanctuary and two beaches,” he said.
“Our rivers, creeks and bays are essential to our way of life.
“They provide places for our native wildlife to thrive, they’re the lifeblood of Melbourne and part of what makes living here so great.”
Details: www.victoriawalks.org.au/western-waterways-walks
