Lollypop Creek Trail (Wyndham Vale)
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A lovely 4.4km loop along the Lollypop Creek Trail is a hidden gem in Melbourne's west. Follow the bends of the creek past River Redgums and healthy habitat to magical Tucker's Waterhole.
The walk starts at Wyndham Vale Reserve (84 Honour Avenue, Wyndham Vale) where there is a playground and skate park. There are toilets at Iramoo Community Centre. The route heads north over a series of elevated boardwalks which enable walkers to get up close to the landscape. There are plenty of croaking frogs.
In the past agriculture and grazing severely degraded Lollipop Creek, reducing it to little more than a concrete drain. Environmental restoration works began in 2005 and the creek has been rehabilitated to resemble the natural chain of ponds. The results have been dramatic and with open public spaces and a thriving waterway, Lollypop Creek is an important green corridor in the west.
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The highlight of this walk is the spectacular Tucker's Waterhole. With a dramatic basalt rock outcrop, the waterhole shimmers with the reflections of the River Redgums. Take some time to soak up the beauty of this special place.
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Overall, Lollypop Creek Trail is a well-made shared path. Boardwalks provide variety and options to cross the creek at multiple places. If the boardwalks are flooded, do not cross.
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Toilets are available at Wyndham Vale Reserve.
Tucker's Waterhole
Tucker's Waterhole is spring-fed. This makes it the only permanent water supply in the area, since Lollypop Creek dries up in the hottest summer periods.
The waterhole was named after the Tucker family, who grazed sheep and cattle, and cropped barley and oats along this watercourse.
Imagine the commotion as cattle came in here from the hot plains to have a long, cool drink... some standing belly-deep in the refreshing water, under the shade of the sprawling River Red Gums!
Till about 5,000 years ago there was a lot of volcanic activity on the western plains. The rocky basalt escarpment here is part of a lava flow which has been eroded over thousands of years by the watercourse.
Map of Route:
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on leash.
Review:
A lovely walk which follows the Lollypop Creek until you reach the beautiful Tucker's Waterhole. Don't be too concerned about what side of the creek you are walking along initially because the boardwalks across the creek are often flooded. Adapt to which boardwalks are accessible and which are not. Do not cross flooded boardwalks.
There are a number of playgrounds along the route - at the start point at Wyndham Vale Reserve, at Ribblesdale Avenue and along Ridge Drive.
There are seats and bins in a number of spots along the walk.
The highlight is Tucker's Waterhole. With a little imagination you could imagine you are at a waterhole in the Northern Territory - without any pesky crocodiles. The waterhole, which is fed by a spring, has a wall of rocks on one side, River Red Gums and a seat to reflect from.
Photos:
Location
84 Honour Avenue, Wyndham Vale 3024 View Map
Web Links
→ Lollypop Creek Trail, Wyndham Vale (Walking Maps)
