Botanical bus trip

27 Jul 2022

Members of East Malvern Combined Probus Club recently visited Wilson Botanical Park in Berwick and were pleasantly surprised at the transformation of the former steel metal quarry into a beautiful park.

The day called for warm coats and scarves as fifteen senior Club members who do not drive had the pleasure of an outing to Wilson Botanical Park in Berwick aboard the Stonnington Community bus. Other members drove to the park.  The 50 hectare park has stunning lake views, walking trails and abundant birdlife. The site was originally a blue metal quarry.

Sue, the Club president, personally invited more senior members to join her on the Stonnington Community bus. Members were delighted to have much better weather than expected.  For many it was a first time visit to Wilson Park. Previous visitors to the park were amazed at the development of this former quarry; a large section donated by the Wilson family in 1973, and a larger section acquired by the Casey City Council in 1992, all changed into a thoughtfully landscaped botanical garden.

There was a quick walk to the kiosk for hot drinks, enjoyed with an assortment of cakes brought by committee members. Everyone had an hour to wander around the winding pathways, skirting two lakes, checking out the plentiful waterbirds. The sun was shining well by this time, there were interesting cloud formations, and the cameras were busy!

Members were also very interested in the quarry’s fossil history interpreted in the small display at the Visitor Centre, which contained very rare and unusual specimens.

The members later returned to the bus and went to a local hotel for lunch, joined by other members who drove there independently. The bus returned via a different route through Berwick’s gentle hills to see lovely homes and gardens.