We have taken the Warringine Park walk a number of times over the years that we have lived on the Mornington Peninsula but when we had the chance to take a guided walk through this RAMSAR rated wetlands with one of the Mornington Peninsula Shire Rangers with our Australian Plants Society group we were keen to be involved. In theory it was spring but the weather gods hadn’t got the message so, wearing coats, our group of about 16 set off from the carpark opposite the Marina View Lifestyle Village in Hastings.

We were greeted by some beautiful Acacias.

Here are a couple of photos of the terrain at the start of the walk.

At ground level there was lots of Ruby Saltbush (Enchylaena tomentosa).

The trail was quite wet from recent rain.

Here’s evidence of a bushfire and how close it came to the nearby houses in previous years.

The trail passes through marshy land.

As we crossed a bridge we could see lots of mangroves doing well.

Sections of the trail are raised wooden walkways.

Here’s another wattle (Acacia) in bloom.

The water levels were quite high as we went. Just as well we were on the raised walkway. You can see a bridge further along the trail in the background here.

At different points we stopped as the ranger gave us more detailed information.

We didn’t walk the whole length of the (3.6 km) trail down to Jack’s Beach on this occasion but it is worth doing so if you have time. Just be aware that in summer you need a hat and sunscreen on hot days and probably insect repellent.

Here’s one last photo – a Melaleuca ericifolia ( Swamp Paperbark) that was putting on a beautiful show of bottlebrush flowers.

Next post we visit another must see location here on our Mornington Peninsula.