Walk 1 - Wetlands Walk

10 mins return (easy)

Start at the Visitors Centre. Follow the Wetlands Walk shown in WHITE on the map. Before leaving the Visitors Centre, look at the gardens surrounding the Centre to see a range of the indigenous plants that may be found in Yarran Dheran. Use the iNaturalist app to help you identify plants, insects and wildlife you see in Yarran Dheran.  

The wetlands comprise three ponds which are fed by storm water from surrounding streets and so the level of water in the ponds fluctuates.  The ponds provide a peaceful contemplative setting and you may rest here, using  the ‘Mushroom’ shelter.  

The ponds provide important habitat for waterbirds, including Pacific Black Ducks, Wood Ducks, and Dusky Moorhens, which regularly breed in the top pond. A Little Pied Cormorant is sometimes seen. Eastern Long-necked Turtles are often seen in the third pond, especially in summer. The ponds provide an excellent food source for Eastern Long-necked Turtles, of insects, tadpoles, frogs and yabbies during their life span of up to 50 years.   

If you walk here at dusk or in the evening, you may hear one or more of the seven species of frogs that breed in and near the ponds. Consider participating in the Yarran Dheran Advisory Committee’s Quarterly Frog Survey, using the Frog ID or Frog Census apps. Watch out for snakes in this area – frogs are a favourite food of snakes!

While Tiger Snakes and Eastern Lowland Copperheads are found throughout the Reserve, you will rarely see these creatures, which would much prefer to avoid human contact. Stay on the paths and if you see a snake, quietly allow it to pass by.  

Stand on the footbridge by the third pond and look down at the waterfall which takes the water down to the creek after heavy rain. From here, you will also get a panoramic view of the Mullum Mullum Creek below and the iconic Mullum Mullum Valley.

Return to the Visitors Centre by walking through the picnic area.