This self-guided nature walk (2.5 km, 45 minute circuit), curated by the Painkalac Valley Network, takes you on a fascinating exploration of the lower valley.
A Tapestry of Life: Unveiling the Painkalac Valley’s Diverse Flora
The Painkalac Valley boasts over 15 distinct vegetation communities, with a staggering 185 indigenous plant species adapted to this unique environment where freshwater and saltwater meet. Here are some examples:
Common Tussock-grass (Poa labillardieri)
Common Reed (Phragmitis australis)
Common Boobialla (Myoporum insulare)
Coast Sword-sedge (Lepidosperma gladiatum)
Sea Rush (Juncus kraussii)
In the creek after the estuary has been closed for prolonged periods, seagrass beds can become extensive and provide nursery areas for juvenile fish and habitat for invertebrates:
Seagrass meadow (NOAA Photo Library)
Water bugs (invertebrates)
You can continue down the path towards the bottom shops to the next sign with a QR code just before Onda on a post on the left of the path (number 6 on the map).
Alternatively, you can cross the Great Ocean Road to get to the next sign with a QR code (number 4 on the map).
A separate walk through the Painkalac Nature Reserve can be started from the car park on the north side of the Great Ocean Road, just past the bridge.