Jell Park

Jell Park is 10 minute drive from my place. Where opportunity arises, we often go there for a walk to exercise and relax.

The park is abundant with native plants and wildlife. With over 9 Kilometres of path and trail, hectare of wide open space and picnic areas for everyone to enjoy, the park attracts over 700,000 visitors a year. It is deal for cycling, kite flying, walking, jogging, fishing and picnics. No wonder, it is a popular destination for the whole family.

There are so many things to do. You can walk or bike around the trail through a variety of bush landscapes and parkland. On good days, enjoy a family get together at one of the many BBQ and picnic areas. Off course, there are playgrounds for children. Enjoy the wide open space, the panoramic lake views and the tranquility of peaceful surroundings. Bring your fishing rods and fish off the pier for red fin, shot finned eels, carps and yabbies. At the bird hide, you can view Australian native birds such as ibis, swamp hens, darters, cormorants, pelican and migratory birds from Asia to Jell Park during summertime to escape the cold winter of their homeland. Over 150 bird species either live or visit the park.

In the night, if you are lucky you can see nocturnal creatures including possums, bats and sugar gliders frolicking in the treetops at night, in search of food.

History:

Jell park was officially open in April 1976. It was named after one of the first pioneer settlers in the area, Joseph Jell, the park has had an interesting history, being used for grazing, a piggery and even a storage area for the American Army during World War 2. Prior to European settlement, Aborigines from the Woiworung and Bunurong tribes lived on the land for over 30,000 years.