Distillery Creek Ephemeral Wetlands Walk

This easy 300 m return walk (about 0.19 miles) runs from the upper Distillery Creek Picnic Ground to a seat and information board overlooking a shallow freshwater wetland. The walk itself takes about 10 minutes; linger if you want to watch for birds or take in the view. It is a quick picnic-ground stop, separate from the longer Distillery Creek Nature Trail circuit.

Start at the sign behind the upper picnic tables and wood-fired barbecues. Follow the unpaved track across a short boardwalk through moist ground, then retrace the same line. A signed track to the Amphitheatre starts about 50 m away; that is a separate walk, not part of this 300 m. Toilets and picnic tables are at the upper area, and visitors supply their own wood for the barbecues. Dogs are allowed on a leash.

The wetland is ephemeral: winter and spring rain sustains it, so standing water is not guaranteed. From the seat, look across the rushes toward Painkalac Valley and the taller eucalypts, Moonah and Prickly-Tea-tree on the far side. When water is present, keep it in the foreground for the clearest view. Varnish Wattle flowers from July into spring, greenhood orchids flower in late winter and early spring, and Sweet Bursaria flowers in summer. The information board dates to 1998. It used to sit in a bird hide that deteriorated, so a seat and board took its place.