As I step into the tranquil embrace of Koolamara Water Reserve in Ferntree Gully, Victoria, Australia, nature’s beauty envelops me. This hidden oasis, nestled amid the suburbs, is a haven of serenity. The shimmering waters of the lake mirror the surrounding gum trees, creating a picturesque scene that soothes the soul. A network of walking trails invites exploration, offering glimpses of local birdlife and lush vegetation. Koolamara is more than a reserve; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking respite from the urban hustle. Join me on a journey to discover the peace and natural wonders of this hidden gem in Victoria.
Koolamara Water Reserve
Nestled amidst the urban landscape of Ferntree Gully, Victoria, Koolamara Water Reserve stands as a hidden gem of natural beauty and serenity. This picturesque oasis offers a peaceful retreat for locals and travelers alike. In this blog post, we invite you to embark on a virtual journey to discover the enchanting wonders of Koolamara Water Reserve, a place where nature’s tranquility reigns supreme.
A Glimpse of Koolamara:
Koolamara Water Reserve is a place where the hustle and bustle of everyday life melt away, replaced by the soothing sounds of rustling leaves and trickling waters. The reserve’s centerpiece, a serene lake fringed with graceful gum trees, reflects the clear blue sky like a mirror.
I opt for these sneakers for walks like these; they’re available in various colors, but the White 130 is my favorite as it complements any outfit I wear. Find it here on Amazon
Tranquil Strolls:
One of the most enchanting aspects of Koolamara is its network of walking trails that meander through the reserve. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just seeking a leisurely stroll, there’s a path for everyone. The trails take you on a journey through native flora, offering a glimpse of the vibrant birdlife that calls this sanctuary home.
It’s a must-have in my backpack! This North Face jacket ensures you stay dry while also feeling comfortably warm (unlike many others that can make you feel like you’re in a sauna). Find it here on… Amazon
Birdwatcher’s Paradise:
Koolamara is a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. As you walk along the trails or sit by the water’s edge, keep an eye out for a variety of avian visitors. You might spot colorful lorikeets, kookaburras, or the graceful white-faced heron. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with Australia’s diverse bird species in their natural habitat.
I keep a reusable water bottle handy as I prefer not to purchase and discard plastic ones. There’s a water fountain located just outside the restrooms where you can easily refill your bottle. Find it here on Amazon
Picnic Perfection:
The reserve offers well-maintained picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for a day out with family or friends. Pack a picnic basket, spread out a blanket, and savor a meal while surrounded by the beauty of nature. It’s a perfect setting for creating lasting memories.
In Australia, prolonged sun exposure can cause sunburn easily. Hence, I make sure to have a hat and sunscreen with me at all times. Find it here on Amazon hat, Amazon sunscreen.
Escape to the Water’s Edge:
For those seeking a peaceful escape by the water, Koolamara Water Reserve provides ample opportunities. Sit on one of the benches by the lake, bring a book, or simply take in the serene ambiance. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, allowing you to unwind and rejuvenate.
I rely on this mosquito spray outdoors, especially near water, as mosquitoes are drawn to it. Perfect for deterring insects. Discover it on..Amazon
This backpack is ideal for walks to store water bottle, sunscreen and is lightweight. Check on Amazon
Koolamara Water Reserve in Ferntree Gully, Victoria, is a testament to the restorative power of nature. It’s a place where you can escape the urban chaos, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Australian landscape, and rediscover the joy of a leisurely stroll or a tranquil lakeside picnic. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a birdwatcher, or someone seeking solace in the outdoors, Koolamara offers an oasis of calm that’s waiting to be explored. Plan your visit to this natural haven and let Koolamara Water Reserve’s serenity wash over you.
My choice for destinations like this lookout? The versatile Sony DSC-HX99 compact camera. Boasting an 18.2 MP sensor and an impressive 24-720mm zoom range, it effortlessly captures wide landscapes and distant subjects. Its 4K video capability ensures stunning quality, and the touchpad offers intuitive control. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or a traveler seeking a feature-rich camera, the DSC-HX99 excels in delivering high-resolution imagery and videos. Explore it on Amazon for exceptional performance across different settings.
Packing suggestions for Koolamara Water Reserve
Sunscreen: With a potent SPF but without the oily sensation of other sunscreens, it’s a game-changer when you’re out in the sun, especially on those active, sunny days! Take a look here on… Amazon
A reliable Rain Jacket: North Face. It’s a must-have in our backpack! This North Face jacket ensures you stay dry while also feeling comfortably warm (unlike many others that can make you feel like you’re in a sauna). Find it here on… Amazon
Mosquitoes Spray: Ideal for repelling mosquitoes and other insects. Explore it on… Amazon
Day Pack: Osprey Talon 22: Ideal for walks to store water bottle, sunscreen and is lightweight. Check on Amazon
Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab: For men and women. Check them out on Amazon
Reusable water bottle: To steer clear of disposable plastic, take a look at them on… Amazon
Sunhat: Aqua Classic represents a technically refined, sun-protective swim fabric resistant to chlorine and saltwater, featuring a modest 4-way stretch. It’s lightweight, quick-drying, and exceptionally comfortable. Check them out on Amazon Amazon This one is waterproof and is for both women and men Amazon
Band Aid: I always carry a pack of band aid when walking for blisters and cuts. Check them out on Amazon
Nikon Coolpix P950 Camera: This camera is my go-to for capturing photos and shooting 4K videos of wildlife. Check them out on Amazon
Nikon Coolpix P950 Camera Bundle: This camera bundle includes Triple Battery + Deco Gear Backpack Bag Case + Filter Kit + Photo Video Software and Accessories, all with the same camera model. Check them out on Amazon
Compact Camera: The Sony DSC-HX99 is a versatile and powerful compact camera. With its 18.2 MP sensor and a remarkable 24-720mm zoom range, capturing both wide-angle landscapes and distant subjects is effortless. Its 4K video capability ensures stunning video quality, while the touchpad provides intuitive control. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or a traveler seeking a compact yet feature-rich camera, the DSC-HX99 delivers exceptional performance for capturing high-resolution images and videos in various settings. Check them out on Amazon
Binoculars: The MIQXUAS Night Vision Binoculars offer impressive performance for various activities like stargazing, bird watching, concerts, sports events, sightseeing, and hunting. With a 60X60 magnification power and a range of up to 10,000 meters, these binoculars deliver excellent clarity and detailed visuals. The waterproof design ensures durability and reliability in various weather conditions.
Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, these binoculars provide a clear view even in low-light environments. However, while they offer night vision capabilities, the quality might not match higher-end specialized night vision devices. The included carrying bag adds convenience for portability.
Overall, these binoculars are a solid choice for multiple outdoor activities, offering good value for their price point. Check them out on Amazon
First Aid Kit: This tool is ideal for extended hikes and overnight stays in the wilderness, equipped with a torch, camping knife, fire starter, light stick, wire saw, and a Paracord bracelet featuring a fire scrapper, whistle, and compass. Check them out on Amazon
First Aid Kit: I opt for this one during short hikes, as it’s smaller and fits more comfortably in my backpack. Check them out on Amazon
Places to get food:
Mountain Gate Indian and Nepalese Restaurant Shop No, 56/1880 Ferntree Gully Rd, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Monday Closed, Tuesday to Sunday 5pm to 10pm, Website: https://mountaingateindiannnepalese.com.au/order-now, Phone: (03) 9753 6261
Terry’s Cafe 903 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Sunday Closed, Monday to Friday 6:30am to 2:30pm, Saturday6:30am to 11am, Place an order: https://www.menulog.com.au, Phone: (03) 9752 3565
Ferntree Gully Noodle Sushi Bar 1880 Ferntree Gully Rd, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Monday Closed, Tuesday to Thursday 11:30am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30am to 9:30pm, Sunday 5pm to 9pm, Place an order: https://www.doordash.com, Phone: (03). 9758 7677
Subway (Ferntree Gully) 1037 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Sunday to Wednesday 9am to 9pm, Thursday to Saturday 9am to 10pm, Website: https://www.subway.com/en-au, Phone: (03) 9758 3498
Mountain Gate Charcoal Chicken 21/1880 Ferntree Gully Rd, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Sunday Closed, Monday to Saturday 11am to 8pm, Place an order: https://www.menulog.com.au/, Phone: 0449 678 919
Dumpling Delish – Ferntree Gully Shop 2/1015 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Tuesday Closed, Monday and Wednesday Lunch 11am to 3pm Dinner 4pm to 9pm, Thursday to Saturday 11am to 9pm, Sunday 4pm to 9pm, Website: https://ftg.dumplingsdelish.com.au, Phone: (03) 9753 6216
KFC Ferntree Gully 1015 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Sunday to Thursday 10am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 11pm, Website: https://www.kfc.com.au, Phone: (03) 9758 5321
Caesar’s Italian Cuisine 1182 Burwood Hwy, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Monday Closed, Tuesday to Sunday 2pm to 10pm, Website: https://caesarsitaliancuisine.com.au/, Phone: (03) 9758 0544
Domino’s Pizza Ferntree Gully Shop 7A/1009 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Sunday to Wednesday 11am to 11pm, Thursday 11am to 12am, Friday and Saturday 11am to 1am, Website: https://www.dominos.com.au, Phone: (03) 8756 3220
Feast 1130 Burwood Hwy, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Website: https://www.letsfeast.com.au/
Lilly in the Valley Chinese Dumpling Restaurant Shop 7/1202 Burwood Hwy, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Monday11:30am to 4:30pm, Tuesday 5pm to 9pm, Wednesday and Thursday 12pm to 9pm, Friday 4pm to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 5pm to 9pm, Place an order: https://www.menulog.com.au, Website: https://www.order.store/au, Phone: (03) 9758 7008
Ferntree Charcoal Chicken & Kebabs Shop 5/1202 Burwood Hwy, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Monday to Sunday 10am to 8:30pm, Phone: (03) 9758 7688
Montania Cafe – Bar – Restaurant 52/1880 Ferntree Gully Rd, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours Monday to Sunday 8am to 9pm, Website: https://www.montania.com.au/ Find a table: https://bookings.nowbookit.com/ Menu: https://order.platform.hungryhungry.com/montania/menu, Phone: (03) 9756 0022
24 Hours Kebab, 901 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Monday to Sunday Open 24 hours, Menu: https://www.ubereats.com, Phone: (03) 9756 0081
Fish Bites Ferntree Gully 45/1880 Ferntree Gully Rd, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Monday Closed, Sunday to Thursday 11:30am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30am to 8:30pm, Menu: https://fishbites.lifeintouch.net/, Phone: (03) 9752 2226
Kebab Thyme Shop 1/1015 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Monday Closed, Sunday to Thursday 11am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday11am to 10pm, Place an order: https://www.menulog.com.au, Phone 1300 532 227
Jade Pavillion Chinese Restaurant 3/1057 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Monday Closed, Sunday to Thursday Lunch 11am to 3pm Dinner 5pm to 9pm, Friday and Saturday Lunch 11am to 3pm Dinner 5pm to 9:30pm, Website: https://jadepavillionrestaurant.com.au/, Phone: (03) 9758 0504
Johnny Boys Pizza – Ferntree Gully Unit 5/854 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Sunday to Thursday 4pm to 11pm, Friday and Saturday 4pm 12am, Website: https://ftg.johnnyboypizza.com.auPhone: (03) 9758 7744
Lime Leaf Thai Restaurant – Ferntree Gully Shop1/53 Mountain Gate Shopping Centre, 1880 Ferntree Gully Rd, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Monday Closed, Sunday to Saturday 5pm to 9pm, Menu: https://order.online Website: https://www.limeleaf.com.au/Phone: (03) 9758 8760
Shiraaz Indian Restaurant Unit 4/1206 Burwood Hwy, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Sunday to Saturday 5:30pm to 10pm, Website: https://www.shiraazferntreegully.com.au/ Phone: (03) 9753 5666
Mountain Gate Fish N Chips Shop 8/1880 Ferntree Gully Rd, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Monday Closed, Sunday to Saturday Lunch 11:30am to 2pm Dinner 4:30pm to 8pm, Friday Lunch 11:30am to 2pm Dinner4:30pm to 8:30pm, Phone: (03) 9758 2654
Lorna Cafe 1053 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Monday to Friday 6am to 4pm, Saturday 7am to 4pm, Sunday 8am to 4pm, Find a table: https://www.opentable.com.au. Website: https://www.lornamelbourne.com.au/ Phone: (03) 9758 6180
Break 40 Cafe and Greek Restaurant Souvlaki 40/1880 Ferntree Gully Rd, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Monday and Tuesday Closed, Wednesday to Sunday 9:30am to 9pm, Website: https://www.break40.au/ Phone: (03) 9758 8840
Kim’s Cafe and Restaurant 47/1880 Ferntree Gully Rd, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Monday Closed, Sunday to Wednesday 10:30am to 8:30pm, Thursday to Saturday 10:30am to 9pm, Place an order: https://www.menulog.com.au/ Website: https://kimsrestaurant.com.au/ Phone: (03) 9753 5123
ONE11PIZZERIA 3/1880 Ferntree Gully Rd, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Monday and Tuesday Closed, Wednesday to Sunday 5pm to 9pm, Place an order: https://www.menulog.com Phone: (03) 9753 5711
Hochi Mini 1055 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Hours: Monday to Sunday 8am to 3pm, Menu: https://static1.squarespace.com Website: https://www.hochimini.com.au/ Phone: (03) 9756 0345
Accomodation:
Melbourne Knox Central Apartment Hotel 400 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South VIC 3152, Website: https://www.melbourneknoxcentral.com.au/ Phone: (03) 9108 3900 Check-in time: 2:00 pm Check-out time: 10:00 am
Hyatt Place Melbourne Caribbean Park 38 Dalmore Dr, Scoresby VIC 3179, Website: https://www.hyatt.com. Phone: (03) 4137 1234
Check-in time: 3:00 pm Check-out time: 12:00 pm
Nightcap at Ferntree Gully Hotel 1130 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Website: https://nightcaphotels.com.au Phone: (03) 9758 6544
Check-in time: 2:00 pm Check-out time: 10:00 am
Hotel Cavalier 343 Stud Rd, Wantirna South VIC 3152, Website: https://www.hotelcavalier.com.au/, Phone: (03) 9801 9733
Check-in time: 2:00 pm Check-out time: 10:00 am
Golden Pebble Hotel 500 Boronia Rd, Wantirna VIC 3152, Website: https://www.goldenpebble.com.au/ Phone: (03) 9837 8800
Check-in time: 2:00 pm Check-out time: 10:00 am
Royal FTG Hotel 1208 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Website: https://www.royalftghotel.com.au, Menu: https://www.royalftghotel.com.au Phone:(03) 9758 2755
Punthill Apartment Hotels | Knox 337 Stud Rd, Wantirna South VIC 3152, Website: https://punthill.com.au/hotels/punthill-knox/ Phone: (03) 9800 6161 Check-in time: 2:00 pm Check-out time: 10:00 am
Rowville International Hotel 1233 Stud Rd, Rowville VIC 3178, Website: https://www.rowvilleinternational.com.au/Phone: (03) 9764 5050 Check-in time: 2:00 pm Check-out time: 10:00 am
Knox International Hotel and Apartments 137 Mountain Hwy, Wantirna VIC 3152, Website: https://www.knoxhotel.com.au/Phone: (03) 9801 6044 Check-in time: 2:00 pm Check-out time: 10:00 am
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