Karkarook Park

The Walk in Detail

Karkarook, (Aboriginal name for "Sandy Place"), was originally used for flood retarding, market gardens and horse agistment. The park was later mined for sand and then transformed into the beautiful park you see today. The walks, on sealed and gravel tracks take in views of Karkarook Lake, tranquil ponds and a variety of bird life in a bushland setting. There are two walk options - 2km or 4km.

Track surface:  Flat with sealed and gravel tracks

Best season:  All seasons.  There is some shade around the Information Centre and Wetlands area however this shade is limited on the Lake Trail and in other areas of the park.  Note: On days of Total Fire Ban no fires may be lit, park barbecues do not operate and portable barbecues are not permitted.

Hazards:  There are no protective fences along the trails or around  the children's playground, supervision of children at all times is advised.  Snakes may be present during peak seasons (October—May), avoid walking off the trail.  The trails are shared with bicycles, be alert and considerate to other users.

Feature:  At the Information Centre is a spectacular Lookout Tower with views over the park. The plan of the Lookout and Information Centre represents a Dragonfly which is a symbol of the park.

Walking Notes:

• Option 1:- An easy 2 Km Circuit of Lake Karkarook on the Lake Trail, approximately 40 mins at a moderate pace
• Option 2:- A longer 4 Km walk that combines the Lake Trail around Lake Karkarook and the Wetland Trail through the ponds of the Wetlands, approximately 60 minutes at a moderate pace.

Option 1:  Circuit of Lake Karkarook on the Lake Trail - about 40 mins at a leisurely pace.

1. From the Dragonfly Information Centre take the trail that leads to the play ground (Easterly direction). After you pass by the playground (on your left) you will turn left onto a trail leading towards the lake.

2. At the very next junction turn right on to the Lake Trail (the lake will be on your left).

3. You will pass the boat ramp and information board, (Emergency Marker KAR800) and after the track turns left (at the corner of the lake) you will come to a junction with a short track to the left leading to a lookout over the lake where you may see a variety of water birds.

4. Continue around  on the Lake Trail keeping the lake on your left, shortly after you will see another  track leading to a bird hide on the lake.

5. After viewing the birds, continue on around the Lake Trail which turns to the left, then right and then left again before arriving at a junction.

6. At this junction there is a pavilion on the right hand side and a short track leading to a lookout and fishing deck on the left. (Emergency Marker KAR802).

7. Continue on over the footbridge to return to the Information Centre or turn right to walk through the pavilion to begin the Wetland Circuit (Option 2).

Option 2:  Circuit of Lake Karkarook Plus the Wetlands Circuit -   sbout 60 min at a moderate pace.

1. Follow directions for Walk Option 1 all the way through step 6.

2. At this junction turn right, walk through the Pavilion and along a short track to a junction.

3. Turn right again onto the Wetlands Trail and follow this along over a boardwalk (Emergency Marker KAR803). Keep your eyes open for water wildlife and birds.

4. A short distance past the board walk, turn left at the next junction.

5. Continue following this main track all the way around as it turns left at the corner of the park , follows alongside Warrigal Road, and curves around the end of a pond eventually arriving at a junction near the Lookout Tower.

6. Take the left hand track which will bring you back to the track junction encountered at step 2.

7. Turn right and walk through the pavilion and back to the Lake Trail.

8. Turn right at the Lake Trail and cross over the footbridge and retrace your steps back to the Information Centre.

Walk Map

To view more on the map, zoom in or out, click the symbols and the walk route. To open a full screen version of the map, right-click  and open in another tab or window. The map and walk details can also be downloaded1.59 MB.