Glenfern Valley Bushlands comprises 40 hectares or 100 acres, 35 km east of Melbourne. It is bounded on the south by Glenfern Road, on the west by New Road, the north boundary is Ferny Creek and the eastern boundary is ‘Depot Track’. The land falls gently from south to north, with Grassy Forest and Herb Rich Foothill Forest on high ground to Riparian Forest at the creek line. It is in the Southern Fall Bioregion, and contains a large area of remnant vegetation.

This land is now Crown Land under management by Department of Sustainability & Environment and the Shire of Yarra Ranges. It is being rehabilitated by Friends of Glenfern Valley Bushlands – a volunteer group of interested local people who weed and plant in the park on a monthly basis. This land is now used for passive recreation – walking, bird watching, etc.

Features & Benefits

You can walk the 100 acres Reserve in a large loop, a figure eight or any way you wish, as there are several interlinking tracks. Which ever way you choose, you will find a variety of easy walks, different views, changing vegetation and a variety of wildlife.

Glenfern Valley Bushlands is continually evolving in both nature and facilities. It has important conservation values and opportunities to provide for a range of recreation activities in pleasant natural settings.

If you would like to picnic, there are three picnic tables, one in the old quarry and two along the Glenfern Ridge Track, but you may choose one of the many quiet areas. Please take your rubbish with you.

There are twelve seats, strategically placed to take in the various views and to rest in quiet surroundings.

The Reserve is suitable for people of all ages, particularly local residents and school groups working on environmental projects.

You may walk your dogs there but please remember that the Reserve is used for roosting and we do not want to scare off the wildlife.

Some of the tracks are fairly steep and rutted and, until we can get these remade, the elderly should avoid them. There are other gentle walking tracks in the Reserve. We now have sign posts for the tracks and there are maps at the entrances.