Birdsland Reserve
Birdsland Reserve
4.5
About
Birdsland is a 75ha bushland reserve located in Belgrave South. The reserve is home to many native animals and birds, including platypus. Birdsland is a great spot for a picnic or bush walk, with it's walking tracks, BBQ's and 28ha retarding basin. There is also an environmental education centre on site where our Environment team share important information about conservation and sustainable living with local school children.Park opens at 7.30am daily. Closing times vary seasonally, please check signs at park entrance for closing time.
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4.5
39 reviews
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Very good
13
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6
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0
Happydazeheidi
Melbourne, Australia37 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
This is one of my favourite places to walk. I have been coming here for 26 years now and have seen it develop, recover from fire, and increase in popularity. Have always felt a special connection with this place; it’s where my ashes will be scattered when I’m no longer for this a earth. Easy to walk around the two lakes but if you feel like a raise in your heart rate, you can tackle the hill at the end. A beautiful, serene place. Dogs can be walked on lead.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelli G
Melbourne, Australia116 contributions
Nov 2013 • Family
We walk here regularly. There is a track for everyone. Start with the 1 km loop of the lake and checkout the bird life. If you feel more energetic, park out front and walk in, then loop the lake. For those wanting a 10km walk/run with hills, start out front and walk in past the lake and out the back. Follow the track up to the right until you arrive out on Wellington road.....the round trip with 1 full lap of the lake is 10km.....if you want long, cross Wellington Rd and enter Lysterfield lake park. Come at dawn or dusk to see lots of kangaroos. I have seen wombats and one echidna. A friend has apparently seen a platypus here too! Great spot for a BBQ or picnic or to feed the ducks.
Written 8 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denis C
Melbourne, Australia2,166 contributions
June 2014 • Friends
The entrance gate to Birdsland Reserve is easy to miss, but if you do inadvertently drive by, you will have missed one of the most pleasant walks in the Belgrave area. After you have driven in via the long entrance road, the most prominent features are the ponds which form the water catchment for the Dandenong Valley Retarding Basin. A flat gravel path leads from the front carpark, BBQ, toilet area and meanders along both sides of the main pond, a delight for those looking for an easy, picturesque walk on a sunny day. The ponds abound in birdlife including ducks and water fowl, who go about their busy days' activities as you stroll by. This part of the reserve is a favourite for mums with strollers, dog walkers and families with younger children who delight in feeding the water birds. Being with a walking group, we ventured out the back of he pondage area to the Dargon Track which takes you initially on the perimeter of nearby pasture land abounding with grazing cattle. There are numerous tracks that can be taken in this area of the reserve, some gentle, some more demanding (read 'steep'), but all will provide you with plenty to see if you take the time to 'smell the roses'. We came across numbers of kangaroos, some in mobs of 12 to 15 in number, including a mum with baby Joey siting quietly on the side of the track hoping we would not see them. Less than an hours drive from the Melbourne city central, Birdsland Reserve is a place you can visit while in the Dandenongs and spend a couple of hours taking advantage of the electric BBQs that are situated under the all-weather shelter just of the carpark.
Written 11 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan B
2 contributions
July 2022
Very, very busy. Not peaceful at all due to the constant stream of people. We came on a Sunday around lunchtime; perhaps it would be better at a less popular time but I would hesitate to try again. Also sad to read about how they used to see koalas in the area but urban development, cars, and dogs mean they are very rare now. And sure enough it is a constant stream of dog walkers here. Unless you are a dog walker yourself or have a different definition of peace and tranquility, I would avoid this one.
If I were to try again I would come very early morning on a weekday as I think the morning mists across the lakes would be pretty.
If I were to try again I would come very early morning on a weekday as I think the morning mists across the lakes would be pretty.
Written 10 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dragonflymummy
Melbourne127 contributions
July 2018 • Solo
I do like this place but my walks are frequently spoiled by the irresponsible, arrogant dog owners who let their little furry darlings harass the birds, bother walkers, attack other people’s dogs, chase the kangaroos and deposit their sh** all over the footpath.
The numerous signs clearly indicate that dogs are meant to be on a lead. Perhaps in Summer, their precious Fido might get taken out by a snake because of their ignorance! It can happen.
I know Melbourne Water and Parks Victoria have had numerous complaints about dogs so hopefully this will be checked more often.
The numerous signs clearly indicate that dogs are meant to be on a lead. Perhaps in Summer, their precious Fido might get taken out by a snake because of their ignorance! It can happen.
I know Melbourne Water and Parks Victoria have had numerous complaints about dogs so hopefully this will be checked more often.
Written 4 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shazznoname
Belgrave14 contributions
Dec 2018 • Solo
Birdsland is a lovely open parkland and bush nature reserve. It contains two lakes and about 5km of easy, flat walking tracks. For people who want to walk further, walk to the furthest end of the reserve (about 15-20 minutes) and continue to the left through a wooden gateway. You will be on the Dargon track. Continue to the right and you will have options of a network or trails, which include a fairly direct route through to Wellington Road and across to Lysterfield Lake.
After turning right into Dargon track, Sunset track branches off to the left about 50 meters from the gate. Sunset track is VERY steep but if you persevere, you will be rewarded with a wonderful view at the top - on a clear day you can see the city.
Continuing to the right down Dargon track eventually brings you to Granite track. You can turn left or right and join various loops to left or right. To the left you will generally encounter the odd kangaroo, and more lovely views of the city from the high points to both left and right.
At the inner car park area there is a decent toilet block, a lovely stone dry creek area, a large covered gazebo and several picnic tables and seats.
Further past the inner car park up the hill is the Bunjil trail. It's a fairly steep but short walk up to the top of the hill. At the top, there is a wooden platform where you can sit and enjoy the amazing views from what feels like the top of the world!
A beautiful way to enjoy a small part of the Aussie bush!
After turning right into Dargon track, Sunset track branches off to the left about 50 meters from the gate. Sunset track is VERY steep but if you persevere, you will be rewarded with a wonderful view at the top - on a clear day you can see the city.
Continuing to the right down Dargon track eventually brings you to Granite track. You can turn left or right and join various loops to left or right. To the left you will generally encounter the odd kangaroo, and more lovely views of the city from the high points to both left and right.
At the inner car park area there is a decent toilet block, a lovely stone dry creek area, a large covered gazebo and several picnic tables and seats.
Further past the inner car park up the hill is the Bunjil trail. It's a fairly steep but short walk up to the top of the hill. At the top, there is a wooden platform where you can sit and enjoy the amazing views from what feels like the top of the world!
A beautiful way to enjoy a small part of the Aussie bush!
Written 14 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marilyn S
Melbourne, Australia58 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
Great flat walking Trail all around the lake and beyond can take your dog on a lead there is a electric barbecue there is a seat Mary to play arm for the kids whatever little bit of a kick of the football or cricket great place to have a picnic really lovely spot well worth a visit I have a wheelchair and I can go around in my electric will chair
Written 4 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarolynAnneMac
Rarotonga, Cook Islands33 contributions
Oct 2017 • Friends
Birds land is always peaceful with visitors respectful with dogs and children. It's a good walk around the lake.
Written 22 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RoseRRed
Boronia, Australia447 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
We recently discovered Birds Land Reserve and have enjoyed our walks and seeing the water birds, pied cormorants, moorhens, swamp hens, ducks, Australasian grebe, egret in tree and the magnificent Australian Darter males, and juvenile, plus butcherbird, new Holland honeyeater crimson rosella, mudlark, and the beautiful kookaburras close up.
Our only disappointment was walking through the wetlands, boardwalk, one very small patch of water over grown and no sign of life.
A great place to go, relaxing walk, meet owners and their dogs and taking photos.
When hubby's knee is better we will venture the steep climb to see the birds of prey and Melbourne.
Our only disappointment was walking through the wetlands, boardwalk, one very small patch of water over grown and no sign of life.
A great place to go, relaxing walk, meet owners and their dogs and taking photos.
When hubby's knee is better we will venture the steep climb to see the birds of prey and Melbourne.
Written 24 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Casey
Melbourne, Australia23 contributions
Sept 2014 • Family
This is a frequently visited spot by our family (2 adults, 4 children). The kids love to ride bikes and see the ducks.
Birdsland is a relaxed, casual spot that isn't (yet) discovered by tourists. Bring the dog for a walk, go for a jog or walk around the lake or ride bikes with the kids - we love the simplicity.
Free BBQ onsite makes for a good picnic spot also.
Birdsland is a relaxed, casual spot that isn't (yet) discovered by tourists. Bring the dog for a walk, go for a jog or walk around the lake or ride bikes with the kids - we love the simplicity.
Free BBQ onsite makes for a good picnic spot also.
Written 12 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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