Westerfolds Park - Mia Mia Gallery

Westerfolds Park defies its suburban setting.

Its gracious, rural character is derived from the manor house overlooking the ancient River Red Gums and the broad sweep of the Yarra and all landmarks around Templestowe.

Things to Do

Come and see the wattles in bloom in the spring.
From the observation deck, watch the Yarra River bubble over rapids. Bring your own canoes and go for a race down the river.
Ride your bike on the park’s shared pathways or follow the Main Yarra Trail all the way to the city.
Find out your level of fitness on the Fun and Fitness Trail.

Facilities

Picnic tables, wood and electric barbecues, shelters, toilets, playgrounds, canoe ramp, viewing platform, Park Information Centre and Park Office.
Walking and bicycle trails include the Homeshow Trail and 5 km of sealed trails linking with the Main Yarra Trail.

Heritage

Prior to European settlement, the area was originally part of the Wurundjeri tribe territory. The area which is now Westerfolds Park was purchased from the Crown in 1846 and had an unremarkable history until the Turner family bought the property in the early 1930s and built the Manor in 1936.

By the 1950s the growing population had pushed most of the large-scale farmers and orchardists out of the surrounding area, but residential and industrial development did not occur in the river valley, mainly because of the threat of flooding. Westerfolds was salvaged from suburban development and added to the Yarra Valley Parklands in 1977.

In 1978, due to growing community interest in the environment and a demand for areas of open space to pursue passive recreation, Melbourne Parks and Waterways (later Parks Victoria) began to manage and develop the land into Westerfolds Park.

Westerfold Park is steeped in Aboriginal history and as mentioned it is the home of the Wurundjeri people. It is estimated that the canoe taken from this tree in the park happened at least 1400 years ago.

Aboriginal Traditional Owners

Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria – including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters.

Fauna

The park has become a haven for wildlife. Parrots, cockatoos, kookaburras, water birds and small bush birds can be seen, along with bats, platypus, wombats, koalas, possums, and even Eastern Grey Kangaroos.

Vegetation

Since the days of European settlers and timber cutters, thousands of native trees have been planted, native grassland and bush conserved and wetlands reinstated. Today, a blend of Eucalypts, Acacias, grasses and shrubs provide a natural environment – over 400 species native to the area have been recorded.

Looking After the Park

Please keep your dog on a lead at all times.
Light fires only in barbecues provided.
Park your car in designated carparks.
Please take your litter home with you.

Hours

Westerfolds Park is open every day, including weekends and public holidays, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. During daylight saving the park is open from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM every day, extending to 9:00 PM in the peak summer period.