Places to Explore

Places to Explore in Melton

From grasslands, woodlands, wetlands and waterways, Melton has some stunning natural areas and unique vegetation. The City is home to many native animals, birds, bats and frogs, who are learning to live alongside a growing population.

Council is responsible for the management of approximately 2,000 hectares of environmentally significant land, with some containing species of national significance including golden sun moth, growing grass frog and striped legless lizard.

Getting outdoors and exploring your local creek, forest or wetland is great for your mental and physical health. Check out events page for info on guided walks, or head out on your own.

Here are some places to check out:

Hannah Watts Park, Melton
Hannah Watts Park is a well-loved reserve in Melton where The Little Blind & Toolern Creeks meet. Marvel at the sweeping River Red Gums lining the creeks’ banks and look up for microbats and brush-tailed possums in their hallows. Listen out for the sounds of Gang Gangs and Noisy Miners and see if you can see a long-necked turtle swimming in the water.

Eynesbury Forest, Eynesbury
Home of the unique Grey Box Eucalyptus, you can explore the woodlands via a 5km looped, unpaved track. Home to over 150 bird species including the Swift Parot and Diamond Firetail, this is a great spot for exercise and birdwatching.

Toolern Creek Regional Park, Strathtulloh
This quiet trail winds alongside Toolern Creek and is ideal for bike riding, walking and scooting. Located near where the creek meets the Werribee River, the trail forms part of an important wildlife corridor connecting Toolern Vale through Melton to the Werribee River — keep an eye out for kangaroos and native birds along the way.

Kororoit Creek, Caroline Springs
Shared walking and cycling trails follow the creek through Caroline Springs, offering peaceful views of waterways, and the sounds of birds and frogs.

Deanside Wetlands, Aintree
Listen out for the endangered Growling Grass Frog, who’ve made Deanside Wetlands their home. The wetlands are part of a habitat corridor for the Growling Grass Frog and other native wildlife in Melbourne’s west. It’s a peaceful place to explore nature while helping connect habitats between waterways and conservation areas across the region.

Themeda Grasslands, Caroline Springs
This four-hectare native grassland reserve is a quiet place to slow down and take in nature. It features a boardwalk, viewing platform and the Rhythm and Seed public artwork, perfect for birdwatching and exploring local flora.

Gourlay Road Grassland, Caroline Springs
Goulay Road Grasslands is a protected pocket of remnant grassland tucked amongst busy shops, roads and schools, a reminder of the vast volcanic plains that once covered Melbourne’s west. Often overlooked, the grasslands provide vital habitat for threatened species including the Golden Sun Moth, native pollinators like the Blue-banded Bee, and rare plants such as Blue Devil, Kangaroo Grass, Chocolate Lily, Spiny Rice-flower, Matted Flax-lily and the Small Golden Moth Orchid.

We’d love to hear about your favourite places to explore! Let us know at sustainability@melton.vic.gov.au.

Environmental reserves

Several areas within the City of Melton have been designated as environmental reserves and sites of state and national significance. This is because either the land has been protected under law or by a covenant, or the area is very important because of rare flora (plants) and fauna (wildlife) that live there.

Environmental reserves can be accessed by permission of Melton City Council. A risk assessment is often required for groups or individuals accessing these reserves to ensure any dangers are highlighted. Access is granted for research, educational or other legitimate reasons. Many of these reserves have lists of the rare flora and fauna in them.  For more information contact our Environmental Services Department on 9747 7200.

Regional, State and National Parks

There are several state and national parks in or near to the City of Melton. For more information visit Parks Victoria.