The Hidden Nature Walks Locals Love But Tourists Miss

Bundoora locals have increased their use of lesser-known paths through the eastern section of Bundoora Park and the northern stretch of the Darebin Creek corridor since the start of winter.

Wellness routines have shifted toward these routes as residents look for quiet outdoor options that support consistent exercise without travel or fees. The Bundoora Active Trails program, run through the local council, recorded 620 participants in its June sessions alone, many of whom listed the quieter creek-side loops as their preferred choice over the central oval areas.

Routes off Plenty Road and Greenwood Drive

One stretch begins at the car park behind the Bundoora Homestead on Plenty Road and follows an unmarked track that crosses two small wooden footbridges before joining the creek bank. Another starts at the end of Greenwood Drive near the Greenhills Reserve entrance and winds through regrowth bush for roughly 2.4 kilometres before rejoining the main shared path at Settlement Road. Both routes stay within Bundoora boundaries and require no entry payment.

These paths link directly to the Bundoora Recreation Reserve loop, where the local walking group holds its Tuesday and Thursday morning meet-ups at 7.15am. The group has used the same unmarked side tracks since the reserve opened its extended northern gate in March 2023.

Usage numbers and maintenance dates

Council figures released last month show the hidden sections accounted for 11,280 recorded visits between 1 January and 30 June this year, up from 9,410 in the same period of 2025. Path upgrades completed in October 2024 added gravel reinforcement and new directional markers at three creek crossings, with the work funded under the $184,000 Bundoora Parks Improvement allocation.

Walkers report the routes take between 35 and 50 minutes at a steady pace and connect back to street parking on Mont Park Drive or the Plenty Road service road. The Bundoora Active Trails program offers a free downloadable map on its site and runs a monthly maintenance day on the third Saturday of each month.

Residents planning a first visit can start at the Greenwood Drive gate and follow the creek north for the shortest introduction. Checking the council website for any track closures before heading out remains the simplest next step.