Yarra Brae Walk, Warrandyte State Park

I've been looking out for walking groups lately and found Manningham Council runs a bushwalk once a month, so I put my name down on the waiting list and was able to join the Yarra Brae Escarpment Walk on the last Thursday in May.
We met our guide, Cathy, at  Clifford Park, Wonga Park and our group of 15 carpooled to Wittens Lane.
Cathy told us of a recent Indigenous ceremony that took place here late last year. The new plantings represent a meeting circle, the smaller line of trees is Brushy Creek and the longer line is the Yarra River.

We set off on our 3km /3 hour walk along a bush path, down embankments, up escarpments and along the river. Cathy was very knowledgeable of the local area and its flora and fauna.

Fungi was plentiful and added an extra layer of colour and texture to the landscape.

I can't believe I took about 30 photos of mushrooms...

 

Members of the group were of varying ages and interests, also offering their knowledge of the area. It was great to have an avid bird watcher along, too, listening out for bird calls and pointing out birds in the trees that we might not have spotted ourselves.

The climb gave us views to the Dandenongs and Mt Donna Buang and we walked alongside the rolling green pastures of Yarra Brae Riding Centre. 

Manningham Council has a huge variety of self-guided walks on their website and I hope to do a few more of them in the future. The bushland and river setting so close to the city, make it very accessible.

What: Manningham Walks  

Where:Manningham

When:Daily 

Why: bushwalks, nature

How Much: FREE