If my memory serves me correctly, not so long ago most weekends involved at least one family picnic with friends. Is it just me, or does it seem like that delightful distraction from the cares of the world – the family picnic – is losing popularity? We hope not. Anyway, this story may be just what we need to rekindle our picnic spirit.
The Yarra Valley has so many wonderful spots to throw down a rug and unpack the picnic basket and this is certainly one of them. The magnificent Mountain Ash forest and the 200 year old tree ferns are highlights. Not to mention the gentle gurgling of the crystal clear water of the Badger Creek as it tickles the rocks on its way by.
The facilities include shingle roof rotundas, picnic tables, landscaped grounds, gas barbecues, toilets and plenty of parking.
“There are few thing so pleasant as a picnic eaten in perfect comfort.”
There are also several walking tracks that wind through the forest.
Home to many native animals, it is a birdwatcher’s haven with King Parrots, Crimson Rosellas and Superb Lyrebirds easily spotted.
Badger Weir via Slip Creek Track
Distance: 1.4km
Time: approx 30 minutes
Grade: Moderate (the steps on the boardwalk make it unsuitable for prams)
Badger Weir via Coranderrk Track
Distance:1.1km
Time: approx 30 minutes
Grade: Easy (follows vehicle track to weir)
Badger Weir via Lyrebird Track
Distance: 1.1km
Time: approx 30 minutes
Grade: Easy (a few steps)
CONTACT INFO
Address: Badger Weir Rd, Badger Creek VIC 3777
Ph: (03) 8627 4700
OPENING HOURS
Badger Weir Park is open daily at the following times:
- 1 December to 31 January – 8:00am to 9:00pm
- 1 February to end of daylight savings (first Sunday in April) – 8:00am to 8:00pm
- End of daylight savings (first Sunday in April) to 30 April – 8:00am to 6:00pm
- 1 May to 31 August – 8:00am to 5:00pm
- 1 September to start of daylight savings (first Sunday in October) – 8:00am to 6:00pm
- Start of daylight savings (first Sunday in October) to 30 November – 8:00am to 8:00pm
Never knew this place existed. Looks like it’s worth a visit. Thanks for the article.
Thanks for the comment Rex – a copy of HG Nelsons Guide to Good Food is on its way.
Haven’t been on a picnic for years! Nearly forgotten how good they are. So I reckon it’s time we go visit Badger Weir. Love the website – would be good to have some maps though.
Thanks for your comment Tony – Maps are on their way! Stay tuned.
This is a really good website.
Found it, courtesy of Google, whilst searching for a particular Market.
It has now opened up a whole lot of places to visit and things to do.
Thank you. Keep up the good work.
Mary Doyle
This is my regular picnic spot with the kids for the past 18 years. I love it and have just organised a day trip with work friends. thanks for the website, I have emailed them the link for pictures and saved it for future excursion ideas 🙂
I used to go here with my parents and sister when I was a little kid, and I absolutely loved it!!
I now live on the other side of the city, but am planning to make my way out there soon.
Highly recommend it to anyone. 🙂
Drove a long way to visit this highly recommended and previously enjoyed park with overseas guests. Very disappointed to find it closed. Nothing here on the website to inform would be visitors about it being closed until LATE 2013.
We were not amused!
Thanks for your feedback. We really appreciate it.
Please accept our apologies for the inconvienience and disappointment your experienced with your visit to Badger Weir. We pride ourselves on the content on the website being accurate and up to date. We had only just discovered the park was closed and are in the process of updating the information. We are sorry we let you down on this occasion.