Nature Walk and Bird Watching at Albert Park Lake with Coffee & Conversation

Join me for an afternoon nature walk and bird watching together at Albert Park Lake. Created from a lagoon that was originally part of the extensive Yarra River Delta, Albert Park Lake is a diverse, wetland habitat for nearly two hundred species of birds including Black Swans, Dusky Moorhens, Pacific Black Ducks and Australian Wood Ducks.

We will begin this outdoor adventure following the Lake Path beside the water's edge through the Coots Picnic Area and the Palms Lawn. Along the way we can look out for Little Pied Cormorants, Little Black Cormorants and Silver Gulls who like to roost on the wharves and walls. The path winds around and passes Gunn Island located in the middle of the lake and created to provide a safe breeding and roosting environment for a diverse range of wild birds.

Further around the lake in the shallow water among the reed beds, we can look out for waterbirds such as Black-winged Stilts, Purple Swamphens and Eurasion Coots. When we reach the southern end of the lake we can stop to enjoy the magnificent views of the Melbourne city skyline across the water.

From there we will visit the 'Ngargee' Tree, tucked away in a sanctuary of native trees, bushes and grasses. This towering old giant red gum supports a wide range of birdlife. It is thought to be between 300-500 years old and is a symbol of cultural heritage as a meeting place for the Bunurong people, the Traditional Custodians of the land.

We will head back along the Lake Path to the Coots Picnic Area to sit and chat on the lawn. We can pick up a coffee and something to eat at the nearby Sir Albert Cafe or you can bring your own drinks and snacks.

This is an easy walk and the distance will be about 5.5km all up. It will take us around 1hr 45mins walking at a leisurely pace with stops along the way to observe and photograph the birdlife.

Agenda

• I will meet you at 2pm on the lakeside of Tram Stop No.129 - the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre/Light Rail Tram Stop.
• We will take time to chat and make new friends before beginning our walk around the Albert Park Lake Path at 2.10pm
• During our walk by the water we will stop to enjoy birdwatching, photography and take in the scenery.
• When we reach the south end of the lake we will make our way to the ancient 'Ngargee' Tree.
• After that we will walk back to the Coots Picnic area to sit and relax before finishing up at 5pm.

Location
Albert Park Lake is located in the suburb of Albert Park, just 3km from the Melbourne CBD. The No.96 tram/light rail runs from the Melbourne CBD down past Albert Park Lake.

There is free street parking available on Canterbury Road which runs beside the tram/light rail. Parking Fees apply to all car parks within Albert Park.

When you RSVP, please click Attend on the event page and I will be in touch via Direct Messages about the details. I will also be available in the Event Comments on the day.