I’ve been wondering how best to share the love of one of my happy places on this site for a while. So when I was asked by Micro Scooters if I would share my favorite place to scoot in Melbourne I jumped at the opportunity to showcase Westerfolds Park. The article could just as easily be titled “Melbourne’s Best Bush Park” or “The best place to see kangaroos in Melbourne” because Westerfolds is both of these as well.
Kangaroos – Westerfolds Park
Located in Melbourne’s east in Templestowe and the city of Manningham, Westerfolds park provides a stunning natural backdrop for family scooting adventures. Traditionally thought of as an urban activity, scooting at Westerfolds Park takes scooting into the bush. An all year scooting destination scooting in Westerfolds Park brings visitors close to native wildlife (kangaroos, blue tongue lizard, cockatoos and kookaburras). Scooting through the main Yarra Trail brings you past the Yarra River, eucalyptus, and if the time of year is right, wattle. There are six kilometers of sealed pathways within Westerfolds which are just perfect for scooting.
A few hazards – in warm days there are snakes in the park so stick to the pathways and always stay out of long grass. Cyclists race around the trail at breakneck speeds – easy to avoid them on weekdays but do beware on weekends.
As well as scooting, Westerfolds Park offers an adventure playground, a canoe launch place and free gas barbecues.
Tips to make the most of your scooting adventure at Westerfolds Park:
-Take a picnic – there are plenty of picnic areas. Don’t be afraid to park your scooter and head a little way down a gravel pathway to find your own isolated picnic spot (or snooze like my little above).
-Enter via Fitzsimmons Lane and park at the Red Stringybark carpark – this is the closest carpark to the playground – your kids will love a play after their scoot.
-The best time to see kangaroos is at dusk. They often congregate on the grassland near the adventure playground.
-Check out the Micro Scooter website for more tips on taking a nature scoot.
-Always prioritise scooting safety.
Westerfolds Park
Scooting, pedestrian, cyclist access to Westerfolds Park is available at all times. Vehicle entry is available from: Fitzsimons Lane, Templestowe or Porter Street, Templestowe. Gates are open 6am to 6pm, extending to 9pm during daylight savings. A 24-hour car park with pedestrian access is available off Fitzsimons Lane.
Scooting, pedestrian, cyclist access to Westerfolds Park is available at all times. Vehicle entry is available from: Fitzsimons Lane, Templestowe or Porter Street, Templestowe. Gates are open 6am to 6pm, extending to 9pm during daylight savings. A 24-hour car park with pedestrian access is available off Fitzsimons Lane.
Disclaimer: We were gifted with a Micro Scooter.
