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About the parklands

Cardinia Creek Regional Parklands will encompass more than 600 hectares of parkland from Beaconsfield to Clyde on both sides of Cardinia Creek.

The name Cardinia derives from 'Kar Din Yarr'’, meaning looking at the rising sun and sunrise in the Kulin language.

We are investing in a shared walking and cycling path, boardwalk bridge, seating tables and an information kiosk. The project will also create green open spaces, increase accessibility for visitors, and protect plants and animals, including the platypus.

The parklands are being protected for conservation and cultural reasons.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action is working with parkland partners to realise the vision for the expanded parklands, guided by the Cardinia Creek Regional Parklands - Future directions plan 2022.

close-up of the ends of branches of a tree with small needle-like leaves and small white flowers. In the background is a large body of water, with shrubs on the far shore.

Where are the parklands located?

The Cardinia Creek Regional Parklands are located between Beaconsfield and Clyde along both sides of the Cardinia Creek, in Melbourne’s south-east on Bunurong Country.

Some areas of the parklands are not accessible to the public due to conservation and cultural sensitivities.

Cardinia Creek Regional Parklands map

Cardinia Creek Regional Parklands map. Situated between Naree Warren, Berwick, Beaconsfield, Officer South and Clyde North

View a larger version of this map.

You can now enjoy the parkland areas listed below.

Enjoy these parkland areas

Grasmere picnic area

Visit Grasmere Picnic area at Cardinia Creek Regional Parklands. Enjoy a one-kilometre walking track including views of Grasmere Creek, wetlands, farmlands and birdlife.

Location: Grasmere picnic area

Managed by: Parks Victoria

Flora and Fauna Reserve

Enjoy walking through this flora and fauna reserve on the east side of Cardinia Creek. Appreciate the high-value urban habitat for fauna, including platypus, echidnas and corellas.

Location: Beaconsfield Flora and Fauna Reserve

Managed by: Cardinia Shire Council

Akoonah Park

The much-loved Akoonah Park is very popular for walking, with picturesque views of Cardinia Creek and a separate off-leash dog area. It is also home to diverse sporting, equestrian and community facilities, including camping.

Akoonah Park hosts the annual Berwick Agricultural Show and the Akoonah Park market every Sunday morning.

Location: Akoonah Park

Managed by: A Committee of Management

Cardinia Street Nature Reserve

Visit this park to enjoy natural walking and children’s play areas.

Location: Cardinia Street Nature Reserve

Managed by: The City of Casey manages Cardinia Street Nature Reserve. Friends of Cardinia Creek care for bushland areas of this reserve and Beaconsfield Flora and Fauna Reserve.

The Loop

You can enjoy a walking loop around Cardinia Creek.

Location: Akoonah Park

Directions: Start at Akoonah Park and walk north to Cardinia Street Nature Reserve.

Turn right to go over the footbridge and return south in Beaconsfield Flora and Fauna Reserve before walking through Beaconsfield Recreation Reserve to reach the footbridge back to Akoonah Park.

Bob Burgess Reserve

Bob Burgess Reserve is a hidden treasure providing peaceful natural surroundings where you can meet friends and bring a coffee—located next to the Beaconsfield shops.

It also hosts the annual Beaconsfield Carols by the Creek.

Location: Bob Burgess Reserve

Managed by: Cardina Shire Council

Manna Gum Park

Visit Manna Gum Park to enjoy a short circular trail by Cardinia Creek, and bring your dog along for a visit too.

Location: Manna Gum Park

Managed by: Parks Victoria, Manna Gum Park

Beaconsfield Recreation Reserve

Beaconsfield Recreation Reserve hosts many local active recreational activities, including cricket/football ovals, cricket nets, tennis courts, netball courts, and a half-size basketball court.

There is also a children’s playground and natural creek areas to enjoy.

Location: Beaconsfield Recreation Reserve

Managed by: A voluntary Committee of Management.

Mick Morland Reserve

Mick Morland Reserve provides sporting facilities in Clyde North for AFL, cricket and netball.

There is a large multi-purpose pavilion, a playground, public art, and landscaping.

Location: Mick Morland Reserve

Managed by: City of Casey

Timeline

  1. Government commitment to create a ring of parkland around Melbourne

    November 2018

  2. Planning phase

    2019 to 2022

  3. Community consultation - stage 1

    November 2021

  4. Community consultation - stage 2

    May to June 2022

  5. Final strategic directions plan

    December 2022

  6. Park improvements

    Open in stages during 2024

  7. New parkland areas

    Open in stages during 2024

Parkland partners

The parklands will be managed by multiple land managers, known as parkland partners, including:

More information

To find out more, contact the Suburban Parks Program team.

Page last updated: 03/09/24