New trails to trek in Wooky park

TWO new shared trails have been completed in the northern part of Woowookarung Regional Park.

Over the last two years, the Fern Loop and Cherry Ballart Loop tracks have been in development for walkers and bikers to use.

When followed one after the other, they make up a three-kilometre route.

“They interact beautifully with the natural waterways of Woowookarung Regional Park and guide you through pockets of special vegetation,” said Parks Victoria area chief ranger, Siobhan Rogan.

“Boardwalks and stepping stones will keep your feet dry, allowing you to focus on the vibrant colours of the pink heath and orange hue of our native pea species, which come to life over winter and spring.

“We are incredibly proud to see the park continue its growth as a welcome space for so many.

“We’re so grateful to the local community who love this park and continue to provide Parks Victoria with support, ideas and boots-on-the-ground actions to continue its development.”

Feedback from regular users of the affectionately-known “Wooky” Park, including neighbouring residents, members of Friends of Canadian Corridor and the Field Naturalists Club of Ballarat, has influenced the creation of the named trails.

Other paths to follow in the park include the Grass Tree Nature Trail, and the Dementia-Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail.

Woowookarung is about four kilometres from the Ballarat CBD, and dogs on leads are welcome on the Fern and Cherry Ballart loops.

A new car park has been created for users of the loops, with park rangers aiming to boost access and recreation on site as part of a Strategic Directions Plan.

An entrance to the park off Recreation Road, Mount Clear has been refreshed, and damaged roads and paths have been repaired.

For those concerned about safety in the area. which was historically thoroughly mined, Parks Victoria officers have capped eight mineshafts which where within high-activity zones.