Discover Monash City: bushland, trails and culture

In Monash City, there are many reasons to get out and explore, from bushland along a creek to walking trails, photography and local history. You can plan your days around the interests of your travel group: one focus might be nature and playgrounds, another walks or culture.

When choosing accommodation, this mix is mainly a guide to your priorities. Think about which experiences you want to shape your trip, and compare the locations on offer against your specific plans.

Bushland and nature in two reserves

Damper Creek Conservation Reserve is an 11-hectare bushland reserve. A narrow, 1.5-kilometre strip of bushland runs along Damper Creek. These figures describe different measurements: the area of the reserve and the length of the strip alongside the creek.

Valley Conservation Reserve covers 15 hectares, making it larger. It provides habitat and a glimpse of the area before urban development. More than 55 native species live there, including 32 significant plant species. The reserve is also considered an area of regional zoological significance. Together, the reserves show two different aspects of the landscape: a narrow band along the creek and a larger area of conservation significance.

Playgrounds and active days

Valley Conservation Reserve has an adventure playground with rope climbing courses, a treehouse and flying foxes. Central Reserve offers a different mix: it has a skatepark and a playground with climbing and other play equipment. If you are planning a trip with children, you can include these specific facilities when choosing destinations without treating the two playgrounds as the same.

The trail information provides another basis for planning your day. The 13-kilometre Scotchmans Creek Trail follows both sealed and unsealed paths through the City of Monash, from Jells Park to Warrigal Road. The 11-kilometre section of the Dandenong Creek Trail in Monash starts at the eastern end of Highbury Road and heads south towards Jells Park. When comparing them, it is worth considering both the trail length and the route described for each.

Walking trails with a historical focus

The Glen Waverley Historical Walk is about 4 kilometres long and explores historical aspects of Glen Waverley dating back more than 100 years. Glen Waverley Station is accessible by train or bus for this walk. This gives you a specific point of reference when planning your journey; check the relevant services for your visit.

The Oakleigh Historical Walk explores the history and culture of Oakleigh’s activity centre. Atherton Road is home to continental cafés, fresh food outlets and specialty shops. This lets you combine the historical focus with a look at the local cafés and shops.

Photography and local culture

The Museum of Australian Photography is located in Wheelers Hill. It is Australia’s leading public museum dedicated to the collection and exhibition of photography. Track Gallery is located in the Mount Waverley Community Centre and is free to visit. Both destinations offer a different cultural focus from the historical walks: photography is at the centre here.

If reserves and playgrounds shape your plans, factor these interests into your choice of location. For historical walks, the shops on Atherton Road or photography, other points of reference may be more important. So compare accommodation options with the places and experiences you actually plan to include.

Discover more destinations

Oakleigh East, Moira Shire, Darebin City, East Gippsland Shire, Maribyrnong City, Gannawarra Shire, Moira Shire, Bass Coast Shire.

For the main travel overview: Victoria.