Visit Westerfolds Park on the Banks of the Yarra River
Westerfolds Park, situated on the outskirts of Melbourne in Templestowe, provides plenty of open spaces for fun family bicycle rides beside the Yarra River and a unique introduction to Aboriginal Art and Culture

Westerfolds Park consists of... - A network of bitumen and gravel paths
- Shelters
- Playgrounds
- Picnic tables
- Wood fire and electric BBQ's
- Information boards along the pathways
- Toilets
- A canoe launching rampviewing platforms overlooking the Yarra River rapids
- Free car parking
- The Manor House which houses the Mia Mia Gallery and Cafe
In 1978 Parks Victoria took over the management and conservation of the parklands providing great nature activities for children with bicycle rides, bushwalks and a unique introduction to Indigenous Australians

An unforgettable Experience Have you ever found that one of those impromptu last minute short breaks can reward you with an amazing unforgettable experience? I had decided to finally explore that intriguing turnoff on Fitzsimmons Lane. Winding through the well laid out and signaged roadways we finally found our way to The Manor House and there we met the aboriginal musician Gnarnayarrahe Waitairie

We arrived just in time to hear the Dreamtime Story of the Emu and witness the playing of the didgeridoo, a musical instrument Australian Aborigines make from a long wooden tube that is blown into to create a low drone. Gnarnayarrahe Waitairie invited spectators to lie on the ground to experience an Aboriginal Dreamtime Meditation. The Poppit's arm shot up immediately, not a shy kid that one and she lay in front of the didgeridoo and was transported into Dremtime Country. Little different sounds resonated out from the long hollow instrument, sounds like kookaburras and other Australian Fauna. What a magical experience for a 7 year old. You can also experience this and so much more on any Saturday afternoon from 3:00pm - 5:00pm

Gnarnayarrahe Waitairie and the Poppit
Enjoy homemade scones, jam and cream with hot tea or coffee at the Manor's Cafe and when you are ready pop into the Mia Mia Gallery and explore aboriginal art and culture. Meet with resident artist Colin McKinnan-Dodd and ask him, "How do you throw a boomerang?" Visit here for more information on the Mia Mia Gallery **************************************Tourist or Local, if you are shopping around for a unique Australian Souvenier then look no further. Australiana Online has a large selection of quality Australian made gifts and souvenirs. Gifts for men, women, children and corporate gifts. They deliver worldwide. All major cards accepted.

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 Westerfolds Park forms part of the main Yarra River Trail. Walks and bike rides along the side of the Yarra River can be enjoyed by all ages all the way through to the Melbourne CBD. Take the family dog along on a lead as this park is great for a workout for your four legged friend.
Check out the Ezisports website for some great cycling products

 
Viewing platforms along the river provide the perfect place to take in the river and the rapids. For guided walking tours contact Parks Victoria. Take in the native vegetation including ancient red gums and wildlife such as echidnas, platypus and the eastern grey kangaroos grazing the open grasslands.

Westerfolds Park is a great place for one of those family reunion ideas with BBQ's and Shelters scattered throughout the parklands, do however, get there early and claim your spot as the park is a very popular destination for family getaways.
And if you are into something different why not drop your canoe into the river and paddle up or down this great river. When we visited this magic place we watched as 2 canoe enthusiasts took off down the Yarra River towards the city of Melbourne. It really did look peaceful...well until you hit the rapids. For your interest I have compiled some books with a canoe theme, I hope you like them. Check out the little bookshop below and if you are interested just click onto the image or the link.
 |  |  | | Ten Canoes (2 Discs) (AboriginalDjinbaGanaibingu) A parable of forbidden love, narrated by Australian icon David Gulpilil and starring his son Jamie as the covetous youth Dayindi, Ten Canoes is a ground-breaking glimpse into Aboriginal life centuries before European settlement. | Canoe Days Opening this book is like sitting down in a canoe, taking up a paddle, and gliding out into the summer beauty of a hidden lake. In this picture book that is as refreshing and inviting as a perfect canoe day, a fawn peeks out from the trees as ducklings fan out behind their mother. | Canoeing for Everyone: A Step-by-step Guide to Canoeing and Canoe Trips This book covers choosing and transporting a canoe, paddling techniques, accessories, and safety, and offers a range of recreational ideas, including day, weekend, and expedition-level trips. |
For information on canoeing the Yarra River check out the Paddle Victoria website.

Westerfolds Park DetailsThe park is open 7 days a week including Public Holidays from 8:30am-5:00pm During Daylight Saving time from 8:30am-8:00pm and during the peak summer months till 9:00pm Access
View Westerfolds Park in a larger map
Just click on the icon and follow the prompt on the above Google Map for directions on how to get to Westerfolds Park by car.
There are gates on Porter Street and Fitzsimmons Lane for vehile access. Walkers and cyclists can access the park at anytime.

Public Transport Check out Metlink Buses will drop you at or near Porter Street and Fitzsimmons Lane entrances.

Simple pleasures most times afford us with the most memorable moments and a visit to Westerfolds Park in Templestowe can be one of those.
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