This week’s winter walk took me through the lush bushlands of Blackburn Lake Sanctuary. Forecasted rain and hail held off willingly so I could enjoy a morning of wandering dirt trails through skinny eucalypts and low-lying grasslands.
Blackburn Lake Sanctuary is beautiful and offers many wanderers the space and outdoorsy inspiration needed to get out of the house during these cold and frosty days. Walkers enjoy the area and use it for long dog-walks and picnics with the kids. Even the local Chinese community use the space to practice tai chi.
The lake itself is vast and shimmering, calm conditions enticing many of the area’s birdlife including ducks and brush hens to paddle through the water. The surrounding wetlands and scrub offer safe homes for many other birds, reptiles, possums and sugar gliders. Many volunteer groups also contribute to the conservation here, by planting trees and plants, clearing land and weeding delicate areas.
The area is only one of Melbourne’s few significant natural reserves left, educating visitors about Melbourne’s natural, indigenous history. The area also gives residents and visitors lots of inspiration for art and photography. Some of Melbourne’s skilled artists have been travelling to Blackburn Lake Sanctuary since the 1800’s, vying for their piece of the area to plot out on canvas.
Let’s hope Blackburn Lake Sanctuary remains a protected area for Melbourne’s future generations of artists, wildlife and plants alike.
Explore Blackburn Lake Sanctuary for yourself. 80 Central Road Blackburn Victoria 3130 Australia.
