Ferny Creek Bushland Reserve Walk (Sassafras)
.jpg "Ferny Creek Bushland Reserve Walk (Sassafras)")
A 2km walk from Ferny Creek Recreation Reserve beside Sherbrooke Road to Ferny Creek Bushland Reserve and returning along Tan Track.
Ferny Creek Bushland Reserve Walk Map
Interactive map
Main Points of Interest
1. Ferny Creek Recreation Reserve
The reserve has ample parking and has the sweetest children's playground with lovely wooden sculptures. There is a shaded picnic table, unshaded tables, BBQs and toilets are available near the beginning of the track.
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2. Junction of Circular Track
Walk either way to complete the circular section.
3. Avenue of Monterey Cypress & Oregon Pine
A lovely section of the walk the trees, the ground covering of pine needles softens the sounds somehow..
4. Entrance to the Burnham Beeches Estate
At this point, after 1050m, walkers can continue on to walk to the Alfred Nicholas Gardens (dogs allowed on lead) which is a further 250m away or continuing this walk back along Loop Track . Alfred Nicholas Gardens is a really nice diversion which is especially beautiful in Autumn. Note: The Piggery Cafe is permanently closed.
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5. Walking past the Burnham Beeches Veggie Garden
This uphill section passes the Burnham Beeches organic vegetable gardens with a couple of greenhouses and extensive plantings over the boundary fence. This has become a bit dilapidated over time.
7. Pretty views and large old gum trees
Looking back across the Estate towards Kallista the views are pretty, some of the eucalypt trees are really old.
Note: An alternative route back to Ferny Creek Reserve is to go continue straight ahead past Ferny Creek Ornamental Gardens Reserve to Hilton Road.
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Access for Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on leash.
Signage: Tan Track – A Journey Past and Present
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A site for research
This area was once a part of the historic Burnham Beeches Estate and home of Alfred Nicholas, a co-inventor of the pain killing drug 'Aspro'. The property continued to be used as a research institute by the Nicholas Company for some years after his death in 1937. The area was formally incorporated into the Dandenong Ranges National Park in 1997.
Water for a thirsty garden
The original water for this site was obtained from the Sassafras Creek and nearby springs. Water flowed through the top rail of the fence with bib taps set in place to water the extensive gardens of the property. There are still a few of the historical taps remaining on the fence.
A great way to unwind
Burnham Beeches hosted many social gatherings and parties. The original 'tan-track' circled the entire rural property and was used by many local equestrians. The track still meanders between the historical plantings of Monterey Cypress and Oregon Pine with mature specimens remaining of the native Mountain Ash – the tallest flowering hardwood in the world.
Photos:
Location
Cnr Clarkmont Road and Hilton Road, Sassafras 3787 View Map
Web Links
→ The Tan Track (Walking Maps)
