Westerfolds is classified as a metropolitan park and conserves riparian habitat within the Melbourne urban environment. The park nestles into a hilly bend in the Yarra River and has a network of bitumen and gravel paths, shelters, playgrounds, picnic tables and electric barbecues. It is a popular spot for picnics, and family gatherings on the weekend and public holidays. Other recreational pursuits include walking, cycling, rollerblading, walking the family dog, canoeing, horse riding and bird watching.
Near the centre of the park atop a large hill lies the Manor House which housed the Mia Mia Gallery and Cafe, Indigenous Australian cultural education programs and gallery exhibiting Indigenous Australian Art. Mia Mia closed in 2013 and is no longer situated at the Park. New business tenants are currently being sought with a view to further develop, refurbish and restore the manor.
History
Aerial perspective of Odyssey House along the Yarra Main Trail, right across Westerfolds Park. Shot December 2018.
In 1846 the land was purchased from the Crown. In the early 1930s, the Turner family bought the property and built the Manor in 1936. After World War II many of the dairy farms and orchards in the surrounding area were subdivided for urban development. Because of flooding in the Yarra River, Westerfolds was not subdivided and was eventually added to the Yarra Valley Parklands in 1977. Parks Victoria (then known as Melbourne Parks and Waterways) took over the management and conservation of Westerfolds Park in 1978.
Aerial panorama of Candlebark Park alongside Fitzsimmons Reserve dog off-leash area
Revegetation and conservation programs are underway with the re-establishment of native grasslands and wetlands. Over 400 plant species native to the area can now be found including eucalypts, acacias, river red gums, and native grasses and shrubs. Visit in late winter and early spring to experience the wattle trees blooming throughout the park. Parrots, cockatoos, kookaburras, water and small bush birds can be seen, along with bats, platypus, wombats, koalas, possums, echidnas and, eastern grey kangaroos.
Recreation
Topdown of the nature playground at Wombat Bend Park, just west of Westerfolds ParkMain facade of the Manor House
The Yarra River Trail runs through the park. There is over 5km of sealed pathways in very good condition, much of it is of generous width with a centre dividing line, gutters and drains. Many cyclists take the paths at high speed, particularly the through-route paths as cyclists travel through the park on longer journeys. Most pedestrians are considerate of cyclists and walk on the left hand side of pathways.
Off road, there are many obscure dirt or gravel pathways winding through the bush, most of it is very flat and mainly used by casual cyclists as alternative routes to the sealed pathways. Occasionally, small mountain bike events are held on the trail in the middle of the park that crosses Kestrel Creek several times over a series of narrow boardwalks. Pedestrians occasionally use these boardwalks and it can be dangerous taking them at high speed unless the area is taped off for an event.
Walking and Running
Westerfolds Park with the Melbourne city skyline on the horizonRevegetation in 2009, planted in 2004
The 5km of sealed pathways provides excellent conditions for runners and walkers, there are 4 or 5 drinking fountains evenly distributed throughout the park, roughly every kilometre, and seats and benches at similar intervals. Schools from the surrounding area hold annual fun run events in the park, this usually involves using 2 tracks, a short loop and a longer loop. Some small change rooms are available in the toilet facilities but these are infrequently kept. Snakes are rarely encountered unless pedestrians wander onto dirt and gravel paths. Pedestrians should always remain on the left hand side of pathways to enable safe shared use by cyclists and pedestrians. It is also the location for Westerfolds parkrun. A free, weekly, timed 5km running event open to everybody.
Facilities
Map of Westerfolds Park
Manor House – toilets
Toilets (3) – in the south and north-eastern areas
Barbecues (2) – in the south and north-eastern areas
Canoe Launching Ramp – in the north-eastern area, just downstream from Fitzsimons Lane Bridge
Designated Picnic Areas (4) – in the south, south-east and north-eastern areas
Information Boards (4) – located along the sealed pathways
Viewing Platforms (2) – in the north-east and north-western areas, on the river banks overlooking rapids
Car Parking – over 100 spaces available
Access
Manor House from the eastern side
The park is open every day, including weekends and public holidays, from 8:30am to 5:00pm, and during daylight saving time from 8:30am to 8:00pm, extending to 9:00pm in peak summer periods. Access is via road through gates on Porter Street and Fitzsimons Lane, while pedestrian & cycling pathways remain open at all hours.
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