Journal Heritage Walk at Cobbledick Ford Reserve

Heritage Walk at Cobbledick Ford Reserve

Sunday 28th October  2007, 1.00 – 5.00pm

Cobbledick Ford Reserve is situated at the bottom of a spectacular valley hidden in the Werribee River Volcanic Gorge. This scenic reserve is little known as it is located on a back road between Werribee & Melton, over the historic ford. This ford is a living reminder of the pioneering days when bridges were unheard of & local rivers could only be crossed at fords such as this.

It is also one of the few places in this region where we can see a wealth of native vegetation on a large scale, in a spectacularly beautiful setting. The Werribee River flows among large River Red Gums & Blue Box trees, many of which are several centuries old. Extensive environmental restoration & revegetation in this beautiful & historic reserve has been undertaken by Wyndham City Council, Melbourne Water & Pinkerton Landcare & Environment Group.

We even have our own unique variety of tree growing at Cobbledick Ford, the Blue Box, which is unique to our region. This distinctive but little known tree grows only in the Werribee River catchment & nowhere else in the world. Its closest relative grows in deep river valleys in East Gippsland. These majestic trees are quite common at Cobbledick Reserve.

This reserve features river flats surrounded by steep basalt cliffs & imposing escarpments. At the top of the rugged escarpment the historic ruins of the bluestone Cobbledick homestead can be seen against the skyline.

Jack Smith, a past resident of Mount Cottrell will reminisce about Mt Cottrell School, Cobbledick’s House, Crinnigans market garden and the Mt Cottrell P.O. & Telephone Exchange. Lisa Heinrich will describe the Cobbledick’s bluestone home &, past events & Rosemary Harrigan will describe river crossings. Frances Overmars will describe restoration of native vegetation by Wyndham City Council, Melbourne Water & Pinkerton Landcare and Environment Group.

We may wade across the river if it is low enough so bring your waterproof boots. Afternoon tea served between 3.30 and 4 pm.  BYO cup and a chair to sit on.  Gates open at 12 noon for those wishing to have lunch.

Contact: Lance Pritchard (9749 2713) or Frances Overmars (9748 1294)

Cobbledicks Ford Reserve: Flora and Fauna Management Plan

SMEC Australia Pty Ltd was commissioned by Wyndham City Council to prepare a flora and fauna management plan for Cobbledicks Ford.

Download the Report