The Basin Ephemeral Wetland and Lake Lorne - Drysdale

Escaping Your Comfort Zone - Side by Side Nature Walks is for women who want chilled out, short and slow adventures. We don’t care about size, speed or fitness. We go slow, we go short, we leave no one behind. It’s about fun in the outdoors, because we can!  These walks are part of an intergenerational program, building connections between women aged 18-30 and women aged 55+.

📌 The Basin Ephemeral Wetland and Lake Lorne - Drysdale

🌿 Wander through beautiful wetlands alive with native birdlife and surrounded by reeds, saltmarsh and open water. Enjoy peaceful views across Lake Lorne and The Basin, two connected conservation reserves.

🚶 A gentle, loop walk with some gradual ups and downs (about 1.5-2 hrs) that’s perfect for beginners. Take your time, enjoy the bird calls, and no one is left behind.

♿ Mostly gravel and compacted earth paths, with some uneven sections and grassy patches. Lake Lorne is wheelchair accessible, however the Basin is not.  There will be some walking on quiet dirt roads.

🍴 Bring your own mug – we’ll have tea, coffee and hot chocolate to share after the walk.  Coffee van is also nearby.

🐶 Dogs allowed, but must be controlled on a short leash, particularly in the Basin.  

🚻 Toilets available at the start/finish at the Drysdale Train Station.

🅿️ Parking at the historic Drysdale Train Station - park closest to the actual train station. Please reverse park in case of emergency or if a jump start is needed.

🚗 Carpool if you can – save space, cut costs, and shout your driver a coffee or lunch as thanks.

About The Basin:

The Basin reserve is a great place to see how the Bellarine Peninsula once looked. It is only a small reserve but it is an important refuge for native plants and animal species.

The Coastal Manna Gums take a low growing and twisted form - typical of coastal woodlands due to the poor soils which are remnants of old sand dunes. The small rises and well-drained slopes around the basin are scattered with Black She-oak and Austral Grasstree which give the place a distinctive feel. The regionally significant Nodding Green Hood Orchid can also be found by keen eyes.  https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/parks/item/basin.aspx

WHAT TO BRING

• Water: at least 1L (more if it’s hot)
• BYO Mug
• Clothes: comfy, with layers you can add/remove
• Shoes: any comfortable shoes with laces
• Raincoat: if you have one and rain is possible
• First aid/medications: Your health is your responsibility.  Bring your own first aid kit.  Don't forget any puffers, antihistamines, epipens etc if you use them. Remember you are in the outdoors.
• Emergency contact info: use our form (or write details on paper, in a ziplock bag, in the top/front pocket your pack)
• Optional: baked goods to share, camp chair or picnic rug for lunch

CARPOOLING
Carpooling is a great way to save car park space, cut down our environmental footprint, and travel with new friends. Many of us come from similar areas, so please drop a note in the chat if you can offer a lift or need one.  It's great to offer a small contribution (or even a coffee) to your driver.

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