Nestled near Ballarat lies the picturesque Woowookarung Regional Park, now boasting two newly completed shared trails, inviting visitors to embark on cycling adventures or leisurely strolls with friends, furry companions in tow.
Nature enthusiasts can now explore the scenic Fern and Cherry Ballart Loops, offering a captivating three-kilometrej ourney through the park’s northern expanse, adorned with grass trees and native heath.
Just a short four-kilometre drive from Ballarat’s heart, these trails provide the perfect escape for those seeking solace in nature or a refreshing post-work unwind.
Chief Ranger, Siobhan Rogan, said the new Fern and Cherry Ballart Loops interact beautifully with the natural waterways of Woowookarung Regional Park and guide visitors through pockets of special vegetation.
“Boardwalks and stepping stones will keep your feet dry, allowing you to focus on the vibrant colours of the pink heath and orange hue of our native pea species, which come to life over winter and spring,” she said.
What started as a grassroots initiative eight years ago has flourished into a vibrant recreational sanctuary, witnessing a remarkable 300% surge in visitor numbers since 2016.
With over 70% of the 641 hectare park now easily accessible for bushwalking and biking, illegal vehicle activity has been curbed, ensuring a tranquil environment for all.
Parks Victoria has undertaken measures to safeguard the park’s historical mineshafts, turning once-visible scars into protected relics, allowing curious visitors to safely peer into their storied past.
