Thetraveljunkie.org – Today, we bring you to exercise from The Briars to the beach via Balcombe Creek Estuary Boardwalk on Mornington Peninsula, Australia. This boardwalk took us from the boundary of The Briars Park, under the Nepean Highway, and through the bushland of the Balcombe Estuary Reserves to the beach – and we enjoyed it so much. The distance to the beach is about 3.2 km and takes around 2 hours return with a few breaks. It was really lovely!
The trees and shrubs soaked up all the noises around us. The sounds of the world were all hushed and quiet. It was quite magical.
The Boonerwrung, the Mornington Peninsula’s traditional owners, called the Balcombe Creek area Tji’tjin’garook – the voice of frogs.
The Koorie people moved in response to the seasons, and the middens (piles of discarded shells) in this area an indication of their old camp sites. In addition to shellfish, their food may have included eels, Bower Spinach, Common Reed, Native Raspberry, Coast Bread-heath, and Rounded Noon Flower. Rushes, sedges and grasses were used to make baskets, while Black Wattle and Bracken produced effective medicines.
The Estuary is home to numerous species of flora and fauna. And, at the rotunda at the beach end of the trail, there are barbecues, picnic tables, information panels, toilets and car parking, which make the estuary accessible and interesting.
A narrow zone of tall Common Reed (Phragmites australis) grows on the flood plain. This native grass has silky seed heads in summer. Above the Common Reed is a dense thicket of tall Swamp Paperbark, which has cream bottle brush flowers in spring. Ringtail Possums build neat ball-shaped nests of shredded bark and grass in the crowns of the Paperbarks.
Over sixty native woodland birds have been recorded in the Balcombe Estuary Reserves. Look out for the bright yellow flash of Eastern Yellow Robins as they forage for insects amongst the Paperbarks. Both possums and birds often fall prey to foxes, dogs, feral and domestic cats.
We found it so interesting. With the wooden-boardwalk, the always changing scenery, the laughing kookaburras and the gorgeous sounds of the bush – it was really relaxing and such awesome fun.
Wishing health and safety to you all during these extraordinary times.
For Mornington Peninsula Shire – Beach Closure Update, visit www.mornpen.vic.gov.au.
For more information about COVID-19 in Australia, visit www.health.gov.au.
We wish that COVID-19 will be over as soon as possible.
Stay at home, save lives.
Stay tuned for more of our isolation in Australia.
xxx
Happy Sustainable Travels!
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