Designed in collaboration with people living with dementia and their carers, this innovative trail is accessible for wheelchairs and carers, assistance dogs, and groups from residential aged care facilities.
A large undercover map and information display stands alongside the parking area, from which a series of wide gravel pathways take you on a 'Welcome Wander'.
A further walk option is the 'Forest Trek' (not suitable for wheelchairs), which provides several more points of interest along the way.
An informative display alongside the parking area provides the following text:
The Dementia Friendly Forest & Sensory Trail Design
The trail provides a safe, inclusive sensory experience for those people living with dementia, alongside their carers and families, to allow everyone to experience the health and wellbeing benefits of nature. We thank all those who have contributed and supported this experience.
The design is from people living with dementia, alongside their carers and families, the health sector, community groups and traditional owners.
The first of its kind in Australia
Parks Victoria recognises the importance of innovative and universal co-design principles and the need to engage the local community to create design.
The trail is co-funded by Parks Victoria in partnership with the community. Dementia Australia has been a strong advocate for the trail's development.
Woowookarung is acknowledged as 'a place of plenty' as bestowed by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.
Walks at the Dementia Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail
The following details are provided on the informative display alongside the parking area.
WELCOME WANDER (all accessible)
450 metres
Wander up the main central pathway that connects all of the other side journeys or walks.
There are four small, all accessible linked side journeys to explore along the Welcome Wander.
Resting points along the way are spaced, providing a safe, inclusive, sensory experience.
You are welcome to wander he trails and connect with nature.
It is suitable for wheel chairs and walking aids.
Feel, see, hear, touch and smell. A short supported walk with resting places within easy distance.
A communal place to rest, sing, talk, play music with your friends, families and groups.
You can wander further on the trail to view the forest framed by a canopy of trees. Why not put yourself in nature's window?
Nearly there now. Wren's Rest is a special place to see and hear small birds.
FOREST TREK (not suitable for wheelchairs)
650 metres
Stroll, Stretch, Meander and Observe
Wander a bit further for more of a forest adventure. If you linger longer you will discover the iconic Austral Grass-tree and other features of Woowookarung's healthy dry forest.
Wallabies, lizards and a variety of birds inhabit this park. Walk with a keen eye and sense of adventure, you never know what you may see. This section of the trail is not suitable for wheelchairs and walking aids.
Lounge Lizard
630 metres
Reclining seats provide the perfect spot to reflect and enjoy the forest environment.
Cocoon Corner
900 metres
Wrap yourself in nature. It is a 'mindfulness' space where nature is your feel good place.
Wallaby Walkback
1100 metres
Congratulations you made it.
This is the trek's end and the point of return. Enjoy, relax and watch quietly to maybe see a wallaby or two before you return.