Celebrate the 2023 Victorian Seniors Festival in nature

Monday 16 October, 2023

To celebrate this year’s Victorian Seniors Festival, Parks Victoria is holding several special events for older visitors and their families in some of the state’s most beautiful parks.

The Victorian Seniors Festival runs across the entire month of October and has thousands of free and low-cost events for seniors to enjoy, with the Parks Victoria-hosted Park Walks just a handful of what’s available.

Park Walks are free guided walks led by our trained volunteers. These group walks allow you to enjoy walking in bushland without having to worry about where the trail is or how long it might take. Walkers are encouraged to enjoy the beautiful trees and wildlife and can relax and catch up with friends or family while participating in some gentle exercise.

Parks Walks are also great for your mental health. Walking in nature can decrease blood pressure and stress levels, and for people who struggle with loneliness, Park Walks are an easy way to meet new people.

Always remember to wear closed comfortable footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and to bring a water bottle.

Yarra Bend Park - Victorian Seniors Festival Park Walks

Learn more about the beautiful urban oasis of Yarra Bend Park and the species that live there from our friendly and knowledgeable volunteer guides.

As part of the festival there will be two special Park Walks in Yarra Bend Park, the first at 10:00am on Saturday 21 October, and the second at 11:00am on Wednesday 25 October.

The easy walk will include some small hills and follows a dirt track and is approximately 1.5-2 hours long.

The meeting point is at the information board next to the bathroom and carpark at Studley Park Picnic Area. There is a toilet at the meeting location that is not disability accessible.

Bookings are essential. Click here to register.

A man and a woman stop to admire a fern.
Photo: Celebrate the 2023 Victorian Seniors Festival with a guided Park Walk into nature.

Dandenong Ranges - Victorian Seniors Festival Park Walks

Join this volunteer-led walk along the Lyrebird Loop circuit trail in the Dandenong Ranges National Park and enter a fantastic rainforest of spectacular Mountain Ash, eucalypts and lush tree ferns. Listen for the call of the lyrebird - you might even be lucky enough to spot one along the way!

This 5.5km walk will take place on Thursday October 19 at 9:30am, and Thursday 26 October at 9:30am. It is of moderate difficulty and includes some hills and uneven terrain. Walks commence and end at Grants Picnic Ground. Toilet facilities are available.

Bookings are essential. Click here to register.

Parks Victoria will also host a specific grandchild-friendly Park Walk in the Dandenong Ranges on Thursday 26 October at the Margaret Lester Trail at 9:30am.

This easy walk is just over 500 meters long and is stroller and 'little legs' friendly. It includes some hills and uneven terrain, but is easier enough to be enjoyed by the whole family regardless of their age. The walk will commence and end at Grants Picnic Ground.

Bookings for the Dandenong Ranges Grandchild-Friendly Park Walk are essential. Click here to register.

Trailrider all-terrain wheelchairs can be reserved for walks in the Dandenong Ranges for those with limited mobility. Hire is free and bookings must be made in advance. Click here for further details on how to book a Trailrider wheelchair.

A group of friends enjoying a walk in a park.

Photo: Park Walks are a great way to meet new friends while experiencing the benefits of being in nature at the same time. 

Macedon Regional Park - Victorian Seniors Festival Park Walk

Join knowledgeable Parks Victoria volunteers as you relax and explore the Sanatorium Eco Trail in Macedon Regional Park.

This approximately 3km trail will take you along a circuit through beautiful forest and past the picturesque historic Sanatorium Lake. Learn about the plants and animals, as well as some of the history of the park. This beautiful trail is popular with photographers, so remember your camera!

The walk will begin at 9:30am on Wednesday 25 October, and will take approximately 1.5 hours to complete. It is a moderate level trail, with some hills and uneven terrain.

The meeting point is at Days Picnic Ground carpark off Lionshead Road. There is a toilet at the picnic ground.

With fresh mountain air comes fresh mountain weather! Temperatures are usually several degrees cooler than in Melbourne, and conditions can change rapidly. Wear appropriate clothing, including warm clothes and a raincoat.

Bookings are essential. Click here to book your spot.

 

For more information on the 2023 Victorian Seniors Festival and the special Park Victoria-hosted Parks Walks, please click here.

 

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