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The Great Outdoors

Monday, 29 June 2020

Looking to get some fresh air during the holidays? There are plenty of activities around Geelong & The Bellarine to blow the study cobwebs away! So pack your hand sanitiser, remember your social distancing and enjoy! If you feel unwell please remember to stay home and get tested. https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/getting-tested-coronavirus-covid-19.

 

Brisbane Ranges National Park - and no it is not in Queensland!

Set in a low range of mountains dissected by rocky gullies, Brisbane Ranges National Park has the state's richest wildflower habitat. Bushwalking, picnicking, scenic drives and camping are just some of the activities available. In the historic gold mining area of Steiglitz Historic Park you can enjoy a pleasant walk around what was a busy goldmining township. The southern end of the park via Steiglitz is approximately 45km north of Geelong CBD.

brisbane ranges 7 small

 

You Yangs Regional Park

You Yangs Regional Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Wadawurrung People. From the distinctive granite peaks of Flinders Peak and Big Rock there are panoramic views out to Melbourne. Enjoy walking, bird watching and even mountain bike riding in the You Yangs.  Koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, brush-tail possums, echidnas and lizards are commonly seen in the park. The You Yangs are approximately 25km north east of Geelong CBD, or a 35 minute drive.

09 You Yangs small

 

Eastern Park and Geelong Botanic Gardens

Eastern Park was established over 100 years ago. It spans 185 acres of sporting facilities, walking tracks, parkland and recreation space, off-leash availability for dogs, picnic areas and spectacular views, on the edge of the CBD. Nestled inside the park are the Geelong Botanic Gardens, an important garden which conserves plants from around the world. The gardens are home to some of the city's original heritage buildings and are a relaxing place to enjoy.

Botanic gardens

 

Balyang Sanctuary

Balyang Sanctuary covers nine hectares, and provides excellent picnic facilities among the gum trees. Among the birds you will see are swans, pelicans, Eurasian coot, dusky moorhen, Pacific black duck, mallard, pied cormorant, geese and silver gulls. There are three islands, two of which are linked by bridges. The third is a nesting place for the native birds. Riverside walking/bike paths link Balyang Sanctuary with other parks along the Barwon River. The sanctuary is located in Marnock Rd, Newtown, off the river end of Shannon Avenue.

Balyang Sacntuary

 

Stroll along a beach

Whilst it is not swimming weather, a stroll along the beach in winter can invigorate the senses as you take in the salt air. Check the tide beforehand to coincide your walk with low tide to ensure plenty of sand to walk on here. 

barwon heads moby dick 5 medium

 

Get pedalling!

Geelong & The Bellarine has a number of bike riding trails. There are trails along the Barwon River, some that run along the historic Geelong-Queenscliff railway line and along the Geelong Waterfront, just to mention a few. Bike riding is a healthy form of active transport. Please remember to wear a helmet. 

waterfront bike riding

 

Buckley Falls

Buckley Falls is located between Highton and Fyansford. A weir and water race was built above the falls in 1876 to provide power for the Fyansford Paper Mill, now an arts and cultural precinct.  Enjoy the walk along the river to the viewing platform.

Buckley Falls blog

Image credit: Lasith Perinpanayagam/@lasith_peri  Check his images out on Instagram.