Hi,
A quick correction of the directions I've given to the Macfarlene
Burnet Bushland Circuit - see as follows. For some reason I've mixed
left with right and right with left - I must write it down on my shoes!
So to quote Paul Peake.... from the city turn RIGHT onto Yarra Bend Rd,
continue until you get to Kane's (FOOT) Bridge - cross the bridge and
it's on your LEFT.
All the best,
Tim
Tim Dolby
Dept of Bus and E-com
Swinburne Uni of Tech
Ph (03) 9214 6722
>>> "Tim Dolby" <> 04/19/02 03:10pm >>>
Hi All,
Returning to the theme of best spots (and a little bit of self
indulgence) I would like to nominate one for the inner Melbourne area:
the 'Macfarlene Burnet Bushland Circuit' at Yarra Bend. It's next to the
Studley Park boathouse and obviously named after Frank Macfarlene Burnet
who used to bird watch in this area. It's an area I try to get too at
least once a month (I live in nearby Northcote), and I enjoy it for the
both the birds and the 'feeling' of being in the bush.
The flora along the walk is dominated by Yellow Box, Yellow Gum and
River Reds, and is one of Melbourne's best areas of open woodland and
native grassland. Grasses include Kangaroo Grass, Wallaby Grass and
Spear Grass. The animals of the area include things like Water Rat,
Brush and Ring-tailed Possum and the ubiquitous Grey headed Flying Fox.
I've seen a Tiger Snake here and Brown Snake elsewhere in the area -
amphibians include the Striped Marsh Frog.
Bird-wise it's just as good - the best birds I've seen have included
Painted Button-quail (found in the rise near the bend in the walk),
Collared Sparrowhawk (I saw one last Monday for example) as well as
Brown Goshawk (which is common), Hobby and the odd Peregrine (and
Spine-tailed Swift) overhead. Musk, Little and Rainbow Lorikeet,
Red-rumped Parrot, Boobook Owl and Dusky Woodswallow all nest along the
track (ie DW nest in the largest gum next to the first seat). It's good
for smaller birds, such as Striated and Brown Thornbill, plus the odd
Yellow TB. Crested Shriketit, Yellow Robin, Black faced Cuckoo-shrike,
Olive Backed Oriole, Grey Fantail Rufous and Golden Whistler, the common
cuckoo can be seen in spring. Riparian birds include Darter, Great
Egret, Wood Duck, Nankeen Night Heron, Azure and Sacred Kingfisher. The
walk was also within hearing distance of the well-publicized Yarra Bend
Koel.
The walk is quite short - about 1 km - and loops around following the
Yarra River, however if you feel up to it you can continue along a
narrow path along the river (watch out for mountain bikes!). There are
some good basalt cliffs here, and a bird 'hot-spot' exist at the
beginning of this path. The best way to get here is from Hiedelberg Rd :
from the city turn left onto Yarra Bend Rd, continue until you get to
Kane's Bridge - cross the bridge and it's on your right. I can't think
of a better area so close to the city, 5 km or so. Any other
suggestions?
For a good handout on Yarra Bend walks see:
http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources/05_0502.pdf .
Cheers,
Tim
Tim Dolby
Dept of Bus and E-com
Swinburne Uni of Tech
Ph (03) 9214 6722
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