Mayor guides tour of Newport Lakes

Hobsons Bay ranger Andrew Webster with mayor Angela Altair. Photo: Damjan Janevski

By Goya Dmytryshchak

People can discover one of Hobsons Bay’s hidden gems on a guided walk which takes in the native flora and fauna of Newport Lakes.

The tour of the lakes is an initiative of Hobsons Bay mayor Angela Altair in partnership with Friends of Newport Lakes.

Formerly a bluestone quarry and rubbish tip, the 33-hectare reserve is now a bushland oasis.

The park has a rating of 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor.

“When you are surrounded by native plants and standing on the edge of the lake, it’s easy to forget you are in the heart of suburbia,” Cr Altair said.

“Newport Lakes is one of the many treasures I want to share with residents. The walking program is aimed at getting people out in the open air and discovering the beauty of our natural environment.”

Friends of Newport Lakes president Lorraine Harrison said volunteers had put a lot of work into maintaining and protecting the reserve.

“Newport Lakes has incredible diversity and uniqueness,” she said.

“The reserve has several areas waiting to be discovered including the arboretum, amphitheatre and the North and South Lakes.

The walk is on Saturday, August 11 at 10am, setting off from the carpark.

Conservation rangers will talk about the wildlife and tea and coffee is provided. Register at ranger@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au