CurrentFollowing the successful completion of Stage 1 in Oak Park and Strathmore, we’re transforming a second section of Moonee Ponds Creek into a more natural and enjoyable community space and improving waterway health.
Melbourne Water is leading the delivery of the project on behalf of the Chain of Ponds Collaboration Group and in partnership with Merri-bek City Council, Moonee Valley City Council, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
This second stage of the project is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program and Melbourne Water.
Why this project is important
Our rivers and creeks are essential to our way of life in Melbourne. That’s why we’re continuing the transformation of this section of Moonee Ponds Creek from a concrete-lined channel to a naturalised waterway, creating a cooler, greener space where native wildlife can thrive and communities can come together.
Stage 2
Planning and design for Stage 2 is underway, with delivery of the works starting in 2027.
To learn more about what we're doing and for all the latest information, visit our Let's Talk page. Make sure to 'follow' the page to receive news updates via email.
What are we doing in Stage 2?
Stage 2 is located immediately downstream from Stage 1, extending from Ivan Street in Strathmore to the Pascoe Vale Road bridge.
The second stage of the project will transform a further section of the concrete channel into a naturalised creek environment. This will involve:
- replacing the concrete with rockwork and vegetation to slow down flows, and to give the creek a more ‘natural’ look and feel
- planting native trees and shrubs next to the creek to provide habitat, shade and cooling
- making improvements to shared paths to meet current safety and design standards
- plans to continue the cultural immersive trail - the Wilami Wunmabil Trail - through this zone.
Stage 1 - completed
Between 2023 and 2025, we transformed a 360-metre section of the concrete-lined Moonee Ponds Creek in Strathmore and Oak Park into a more natural, enjoyable community space. We did this by:
- removing the concrete walls along both sides of the creek and replacing this with rockwork
- covering the concrete base of the channel with rockwork to create a meandering creek, to slow down flows and give it a more ‘natural’ look and feel
- planting 43,000 native trees and shrubs
- creating new shared paths and a new bridge
- constructing a pond and amphitheatre terracing near Oak Park Reserve.
The re-naturalisation works have resulted in:
- a more appealing creek-side environment where people can interact with nature in a cooler, healthier environment
- improved water quality and waterway health by slowing water flows
- improved biodiversity and habitat for native species
- activation of open space and better active transport connections for improved community use and recreation in the area.
Cultural immersive trail - Wilami Wunmabil Trail
A Wurundjeri-led experiential trail - called the Wilami Wunmabil Trail - was also created along this section of creek. The name Wilami Wunmabil means ‘home of the Australian bustard (or bush turkey)’ in Woi-wurrung language. This fascinating discovery, the original Woi-wurrung name of Moonee Ponds Creek, was made as part of the Stage 1 project.
The unique trail highlights the cultural and natural values of the waterway, and celebrates Moonee Ponds Creek as a place owned, lived in and celebrated by Wurundjeri people. Using a mix of signage, art and digital media, the cultural elements invite the community and trail users to learn from Elders and knowledge holders about aspects of Wurundjeri culture and history, and encourages people to become better connected and care for Country. The trail is proudly supported by the Victorian Government’s Port Phillip Bay Fund that supports self-determination for Traditional Owners.
Read how the project was developed
A transformed space - now yours to enjoy!
In the space we transformed in Stage 1, we upgraded the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail which was widened and replaced with concrete and relocated away from the waterway. We created a gravel path next to the creek for people who like to wander at a slower pace and enjoy the sights and sounds of the flowing creek. We planted thousands of grasses, sedges, trees and shrubs.
We invite you to explore the stepping stone crossing to hop over to the other side of the creek and perhaps spot some insects, water bugs, ducks and other birds along the way. Or you can use the new, wider bridge to venture to the other side.
Take a walk across the boardwalk on the Oak Park side of the creek, meet up with friends and family at the amphitheatre, and peer down at the pond below. It's an exciting space and we want you to explore it!
Caring for the environment
Keeping the area clean is important for protecting the delicate ecosystems and making it enjoyable for everyone. Please be sure to keep to the designated paths and stepping stones. These paths allow you to explore safely without disturbing the plants and animals.
Please remember to pick up after your dog and dispose of waste responsibly. And to help look after our local wildlife, please keep your dog on a leash while enjoying the new space.
