Royal Park Billabong Preview

Introduction & How-To Hints

Welcome! Here a few how-to hints to help you use this tour.MapThe map provides you with a bird's eye view of the tour, including the location of the next Stop.Press the Map icon to display the map, and navigate around the map by swiping and pinching. Each Stop has a designated number.If your device has GPS signal you can locate yourself via the GPS symbol on the map.ImagesEach Stop is accompanied by photographs and images which will help to familiarise you with key features at each location. Swipe the images to see more.ListPress the List icon to display a full list of Stops for this tour.WALKING SAFELYPlease prepare for this tour by wearing appropriate clothing for variable weather conditions, as well as comfortable walking shoes.Take care when crossing roads, and keep an eye out for cyclists.Public toilets are available on Flemington Road near North Park Tennis Club (near tram stop 20 towards Elliot Avenue).

1

Stop 1

Flemington Road picnic tableMeet at the picnic table then walk north away from the road into the park.Welcome to the Royal Park Billabong walk.Today we will explore a hidden water hole in Royal Park.

2

Stop 2

The riseAs you come over the rise this your first view.The billabong was created to contain run-off from the park. Designed by Brian Stafford and built by Gordon Ford in the early 1990s. Due to a cloudburst as it was finished it filled in half an hour.The current billabong was reopened in late 2018 with improved water flow and overgrown areas cleared.

3

Stop 3

The slopeThe traffic noise is muted and a lovely grassed area is available for relaxing or for children to run around. Whilst relaxing on the grassed bank you can look across the park. You can watch the birds and listen to the frogs. Eastern froglets are to be found here.

4

Stop 4

The bouldersAs you walk to the north end you will see the giant granite boulders which were sourced from Tooberac (in northern Victoria). Some are a metre high and 2 metres across. The creation of the billabong was to give this area a more Australian identity reminding us of the geological origins of this ancient land as one of the natural features in the Australian bush landscape.During the 2018 renewal a long search ensured matching granite boulders were found.

5

Stop 5

Join the pathAt the top end of the billabong, towards the tennis club, you will find a shared path leading up from Flemington Road. Turn right.As you face the tennis club, turn right and walk up the path.

6

Stop 6

AmenitiesUp the path to the right are some amenitiesThere is a drinking fountain for people and pets, plus a BBQ area not far away. There is a seat and lots of room for a picnic!

7

Stop 7

Up the pathContinue walking up the path into the treesWalking up the path provides lovely views across the park.Though close to a busy road it is still peaceful.Lots of lovely spots for a picnic or just to sit.

8

Stop 8

The treesContinue northwards up the pathFurther along the path we come to several magnificent large trees.They are Sugar Gums, Eucalyptus cladocalx.They are probably over 150 years old!After walking past them stop and turn around. Looking back the trees are just breathtaking.

9

Stop 9

The plantingsBeside the pathTucked beside the path are plantings of grasses and wildflowers.Stop to see the insects making good use of the plantings.

10

Stop 10

The tramContinue to the tram trackHere we are at the Route 58 tram line, the last stop of this walking tour.You may return to the billabong the way you came to view a different perspective.Or turn left to Elliot Avenue and the tram stop and the zoo.Or go straight ahead to explore more of Royal Park.Or turn right for a longer loop back to Flemington Road.

The End

We hope you enjoyed this short tour of the Billabong - a hidden Royal Park feature.You may enjoy the other Royal Park walks curated by Royal Park Protection Group in this app.