Fitzsimons Reserve is a large 78,237m2 (7.8 hectares) habitat corridor between Westerfolds and Candlebark Parks on the Yarra River. It forms part of the Yarra Valley Parklands and protects flora and fauna, managed sympathetically with adjoining Parks Victoria managed Candlebark Park.

Fitzsimons Reserve was the former site of Kiwanis Community Farm.  A series of dams and wetlands, covering an area of approximately 4,000 m2, remain from this use.

Parks Victoria’s Main Yarra Trail goes through the western part of the reserve and skirts the southern side although informal tracks have been established along the river.  By agreement, Parks Victoria manages the Main Yarra Trail and adjacent viewing platform within the reserve.

The site is also a popular launching point for canoes and kayaks, with a carpark and viewing platform adjacent to the river, overlooking rapids.

Places and spaces

• Large kangaroo population
• Main Yarra Trail
• Viewing platform overlooking the Yarra River
• Off street carparking (Fitzsimons Lane)

Report an issue

Have you noticed something unsafe like a broken tree branch or damaged playground that needs our attention?

Report now

Organising a large event?

Some types of events, such as festivals or school's cross country runs need a special permission to be held on public land.

Learn more

This ride explores Ruffey Lake Park and the Ruffey Creek Linear Park.

There is a large sign marking the beginning of the Ruffey Trail at The Boulevarde in Ruffey Lake Park.

From here, a ramp takes the cyclist to an underpass at King Street and again at Williamsons Road. 

Follow the Ruffey Trail signage until it finishes at Finns Reserve and joins the Main Yarra Trail.

At Finns Reserve, the Ruffey Trail connects with the following trails:

• Main Yarra Trail to Westerfolds Park (northeast) and Southbank (southwest)
• Plenty River Trail to Greensborough (Western Ring Road Trail).

Take care

• Use the pedestrian signals at the Foote Street on-road crossing. The Trail continues a short distance along Mclachlan Street and turn left onto Parker Street.
• There is an on-road crossing at Parker Street, Templestowe and the Trail picks up again next to the Templestowe Bowling Club carpark.

Places and spaces

• Ruffey Lake Park - Adventure playgrounds, picnic shelters, BBQs, lake and wetlands, toilets and drinking water.
• Finns Reserve - Picnic shelter, BBQs, playground, Yarra River access, toilets and drinking water.
• Westerfolds Park - BBQs, picnic shelter, wetlands and Yarra River Observation Deck, toilets and drinking water.
• Detour to Templestowe Village - cafes, restaurants, supermarket.

Report an issue

Have you noticed something unsafe like a broken tree branch or damaged playground that needs our attention?

Report now

Organising a large event?

Some types of events, such as festivals or school's cross country runs need a special permission to be held on public land.

Learn more

wonguim wilam is one of Manningham's most popular parks and a major tourist destination. The local community and visitors often use the park for informal recreation activities. For the safety of children, wonguim wilam is a dog free zone.

Places and spaces

• walking trails
• exercise station under the bridge
• Taffy Jones Hut
• Firewise garden display demonstrates how home gardens can be designed to reduce the potential impacts of bushfire
• picnic or barbecue along the river.

Getting there and car parking

There are lots of car parks along Yarra Street and at the nearby attractions and facilities. You can park the car at any of the places below:

• The Bridge (East of Yarra Street Bridge) - canoe launch and toilets
• Webb Street - bus stop
• The Diary Tree - picnic area
• Gospel - toilets and bus stop
• Stiggant Street - Stiggants Reserve playground, barbecue and picnic area

Catching the bus?

The buses that visit the area are:

• 906 - City to Warrandyte SmartBus service 
• Bus routes 364, 578, 579

Report an issue

Have you noticed something unsafe like a broken tree branch or damaged playground that needs our attention?

Report now

Organising a large event?

Some types of events, such as festivals or school's cross country runs need a special permission to be held on public land.

Learn more

Husseys Reserve is leased by Council to Wyena Horse and Pony Club for cross country horse riding activities to complement their ménage facilities at nearby Colman Park.  

Along the Andersons Creek side of the reserve is the Grandview Road Biosite 12 which forms part of the wildlife corridor extending from Warrandyte State Park. 

Places and spaces

• Wyena Horse and Pony Club
• Bushland

Report an issue

Have you noticed something unsafe like a broken tree branch or damaged playground that needs our attention?

Report now

Organising a large event?

Some types of events, such as festivals or school's cross country runs need a special permission to be held on public land.

Learn more

Katrina Gully is located on the Koonung Creek Linear Park and is popular for dog walking and enjoying the panorama. The park is in the catchment of Birralee Primary School and Applewood Retirement Village.

Katrina Gully playground is perfect for the family with a shaded picnic area and playspace. This includes traditional play equipment as well as a nature play area. There also is an outdoor fitness hub and a basketball area with seating and drinking fountain provided.

 Report an issue

Have you noticed something unsafe like a broken tree branch or damaged playground that needs our attention?

Report now

 Organising a large event?

Some types of events, such as festivals or school's cross country runs need a special permission to be held on public land.

Learn more

Kathleen Reserve is narrow and provides a path link for local residents to a bus stop on Manningham Road.

Report an issue

Have you noticed something unsafe like a broken tree branch or damaged playground that needs our attention?

Report now

Organising a large event?

Some types of events, such as festivals or school's cross country runs need a special permission to be held on public land.

Learn more

Holly Green Reserve connects Holly Green Close to the Eastern Freeway Linear Park. There is a picnic table amongst some attractive landscaping and the reserve acts as a buffer for local residents and users of the linear park from the EastLink freeway development.

Report an issue

Have you noticed something unsafe like a broken tree branch or damaged playground that needs our attention?

Report now

Organising a large event?

Some types of events, such as festivals or school's cross country runs need a special permission to be held on public land.

Learn more

Brent Reserve is a small (1,327m2) local park that provides pedestrian access between Brent and Bicentennial Courts.

Additional tree planting is the only recommended development. Allara Reserve, located 300 metres away, is a larger park with a playspace.

Report an issue

Have you noticed something unsafe like a broken tree branch or damaged playground that needs our attention?

Report now

Organising a large event?

Some types of events, such as festivals or school's cross country runs need a special permission to be held on public land.

Learn more

Grover Reserve is a small reserve with a junior playspace, picnic area and plenty of open space. 

The reserve features:

• playground with monkey bars, swings and see-saw
• picnic table with seating

Getting there

Grover Reserve is located on Grover Road.

There is a bus stop for the 305 outside of 188 George Street, a short walk away.

Report an issue

Have you noticed something unsafe like a broken tree branch or damaged playground that needs our attention?

Report now

Organising a large event?

Some types of events, such as festivals or school's cross country runs need a special permission to be held on public land.

Learn more