Visit Newport Lakes Reserve with kids
Newport Lakes Reserve is a beautiful 33 ha bushland reserve in the suburb of Newport, in Melbourne’s inner west and and is on the unceded land of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation.
Once a bluestone quarry and refuse tip it is now a conservation site and provides sanctuary for a wide range of native wildlife. As soon as you enter the reserve, you leave the hustle and bustle of the city only 12 kms away.
There are picnic shelters and BBQs, a small playground, toilets and a dog off-lead area but the real highlight is the lake itself and the wonderful walking tracks that are easy for families with young kids to do. The 2km nature trail takes you around the lakes, along meandering pathways and through the gum trees. It can take approximately 40 minutes but who’s counting when you’re walking in nature! You might see a local blue tongue lizard or superb fairy wren hopping along the path.
Once you get to the bottom at the lakes, there are enormous bluestone stepping stones inviting you to cross over to the other side. It’s a great adventure for adults and children alike! And there’s an information board which lists all the wildlife that you will find in the wetlands.
The park is open from 8am-7pm (daylight savings 9pm) and there is also a native nursery near the carpark which sells a range of local native plants.
TOP 5 ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH KIDS
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- Rock hop on the rocks down at the lake and if you stop and be still, you might even see an eastern long neck turtle, an eurasian coot or a swan. See the information board for a full list of wildlife you may spot.
- Walk the circuit and visit the bird hide at the top of the north lake, quietly observing water birds (grab your copy of our water birds scavenger hunt HERE). Check out the 5 mosaic markers along the nature trail!
- Visit the Arboretum, north -west of the lakes, to see many different trees from around the world and enjoy some tree climbing.
- Scale the gentle cliff faces of bluestone on the eastern perimeter of the parklands.
- Give back to the environment and help with native plantings on Friends of Newport Lakes activity days.
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FLORA & FAUNA INFORMATION
Newport Lakes Reserve has over 200 species of native plants and 165 species of birds, as well as reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Not to mention the plethora of insects and water bugs that keep the omnivorous birds well-fed.
Eucalypts, acacias and casuarinas are the most common trees found here, offering homes to possums and birds such as magpies, wrens and New Holland Honeyeaters. Water plants such as bull rush, thin duck weed and sedge provide food and safe nesting spots for Eurasian Coots, Pacific Black Ducks, Black Swans, Grebes and Cormorants.
The rocky areas and cliffs see Blue Tongue Lizards, Skinks and Tiger Snakes finding refuge.
Visit Friends of Newport Lakes for more information about the local flora and fauna
Eco Explorers runs bush playgroup in Newport on Mondays and Fridays and a bush kids forest school on Mondays which you can find more information about on our website here.
