Get ready to explore the beauty of Victoria's great outdoors as Parks Victoria celebrates the 2024 Victorian Seniors Festival with a series of free, guided Park Walks.
Running from October 1-31, the Victorian Seniors Festival is a state-wide celebration packed with free and low-cost events for seniors, and the Parks Victoria walks offer a fantastic way to experience the wonders of nature while staying active.
Whether you want to stroll through tranquil bushland or spot some of Australia's iconic wildlife, these guided walks are the perfect way to enjoy some gentle exercise while catching up with friends or meeting new people. Best of all, you can leave your worries behind, as trained volunteer guides lead you through some of Victoria's most picturesque and accessible parks. Plus, walking in nature is great for your mental health, helping to reduce stress and improve mood.
Don't forget to wear comfortable, closed footwear, dress for the weather, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Here are the details for each of the upcoming Park Walks:
Lysterfield Park
Enjoy a peaceful 5.5km walk through beautiful bushland in Lysterfield Park, guided by a Parks Victoria volunteer. The trail offers a chance to connect with nature, spot local wildlife, and enjoy the fresh air. The route includes some hills and uneven terrain, so be ready for a bit of adventure!
When: 9:30am Friday October 4, and 9:30am Friday October 18
Meeting Point: Spotted Gum Picnic Area, Lysterfield Park
Churchill National Park
Join Parks Victoria volunteer guides on two unique walks in stunning Churchill National Park. The first event on October 5 is the wheelchair-friendly Nature Scoot and Shoot. This 2.5km walk through Churchill National Park has been designed for people with mobility issues and follows a flat and easy trail, and is led by a knowledgeable local volunteer. Bring a camera or binoculars if you have them, but they aren't essential for the event if you don't have some.
When: 10:00am Saturday October 5
Meeting Point: BBQ area on Army Track, Churchill National Park
The second event on October 11 is a more difficult 5km walk which includes some steep inclines, uneven terrain and sections of narrow trails. As you explore the trail, you may encounter a wide variety of bird life or other animals including kangaroos, who are often lounging about and eating the grass.
When: 9:30am Friday October 11.
Meeting Point: BBQ area on Army Track, Churchill National Park
Westgate Park
Enjoy the unique scenery of Westgate Park on a free and relaxed ranger and volunteer-led walk. On this walk we will learn how to identify key bird species by their calls. Westgate Park is renowned as a birding hotspot, and in this easy 1.5 hour long walk participants will learn about the birds that call it home and the habitat that supports them.
This event has been created with people who are blind or visually impaired in mind, but is open to everyone.
Before attending the walk, please use these resources to familiarise yourself with these key birds calls at Westgate Park.
When: 10am, Friday 11 October
Meeting Point: Salt Lake Car Park on Todd Road, Port Melbourne
Banksia Park
Join us for a walk and talk through the cherry grove at Banksia Park. The delicate blossoms of Banksia Park's cherry trees may be fleeting, but the history of this beautiful grove tells a story of resilience and lasting friendship.
In February 1980, the Japanese Government donated 100 flowering cherry trees to the people of Victoria to mark the visit of the Japanese Prime Minister Masayoshi Ohira. Having fought disease, drought and relocation in their 40-year life, the trees are now maintained and cared for by a dedicated group of volunteers, the Cherry Friends and Parks Victoria rangers.
We will discuss the story of how the Cherry Grove came to be, the work of the Cherry Friends and the significance of the Sakura in Japanese culture. The Sakura is a potent symbol of both the beauty and the fleeting nature of life and death.
When: 10am, Monday 14 October
Meeting Point: Car park near Cherry Grove in Banksia Park
Ocean Grove Nature Conservation Reserve
This leisurely 3km walk along the Banksia Trail in Ocean Grove Nature Conservation Reserve allows you to discover ancient Grass Trees and the endangered Bellarine Yellow Gum. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including wallabies, echidnas, lizards and the striking Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos.
When: 10am, Saturday October 19
Meeting Point: Visitors Centre carpark
You Yangs Regional Park
Breathe in the serenity of the bush and take in breathtaking views from Big Rock on this 1.5-hour walk in beautiful You Yangs Regional Park. Perfect for those looking to balance fitness with relaxation, this medium-difficulty trail offers the perfect mix of nature and wellbeing.
On your way home after the walk, consider stopping off at nearby Serendip Sanctuary to get up close and personal with some native wildlife.
When: 10am, Saturday October 19
Meeting Point: You Yangs office carpark
Macedon Regional Park
Join knowledgeable Parks Victoria volunteers as you relax and explore the Sanatorium Eco Trail in Macedon Regional Park.
This approximately 3km trail will take you along a circuit through beautiful forest and past the picturesque historic Sanatorium Lake. Learn about the plants and animals , as well as some of the history of the park. This beautiful trail is popular with photographers, so remember your camera!
The walk takes approximately 1.5 hours and is a moderate level trail, with some hills and uneven terrain.
Temperatures are usually several degrees cooler than in Melbourne, and conditions can change rapidly. Wear appropriate clothing, including warm clothes and a rain coat. Enclosed walking shoes such as sneakers or hiking boots are essential due to the uneven terrain. And of course remember your water bottle and sunscreen!
When: 9:30am, Wednesday October 23
Meeting Point: Days Picnic Ground carpark off Lionshead Road
No matter your ability or interest, there's a Park Walk for everyone during the Victorian Seniors Festival!
