Week 290

DANDENONG CREEK WETLANDS

Between the suburbs of Wheelers Hill and Mulgrave on the west, and Rowville to the east lie
the wetlands bordering the Dandenong Creek. The existing wetlands seem to be what remains
of a previously extensive flood area, as the floodplain can still be discerned quite easily. The
images this week come from a short walk along the Eastlink Trail walking and cycling path.

1. Dandenong Creek is not very wide, and here hemmed in by reeds, rushes and grassed banks.

2. Imagine my surprise when, in the shallows of one of the wetlands pools, I saw not one, but TWO of these! They could be koi,
or merely large goldfish (this one is about 25 cm long).

3. The dandelion-like seeds of a climbing weed.

4. Here the hiking/cycling path skirts the wetlands.

5. Looking north across the floodplain. The busy Wellington Road is behind us here.

6. A forest of poles... the main intersection where Wellington Road passes over the recently completed Eastlink tollway.

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7.  Looking east across the floodplain, "downstream" from Wellington Road.

8. Dandenong Creek just next to Wellington Road.

9. Parkland bordering the floodplain south of Wellington Road.

10. Looking east along Wellington Road towards Rowville and the distant Dandenong Ranges.