Where – police Paddock, off Rasmussen Road, Horsham
What – series of wetlands, tracks and existing trees on the edge of Horsham. Previously used to house police horses.
How far – 2.6km
10 words – Kakadu without crocodiles and waterfalls. Peaceful, easy, birds, trees, water.
With the 5km rule in progress during lockdown and the Wimmera River walking tracks so busy it is almost hard to social distance, I head 4.9km north to explore the Police Paddock.
This is a combination of two visits – one just after rain and one where the mud had settled, and the weather was brighter.
No cops anywhere to be seen but back before cars, Police Paddocks, which is an eastern Australian term, provided a home for the trusty horses which were vital in covering large beats.
When horses became redundant many paddocks were turned into sports grounds – including the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In Horsham it has become a reserve for walking, bird watching and fishing.
It is logical that the horses would have been housed on an area with a good water source and today – years after the animals galloped into history – water is one of this area’s key features.
We pull up near the toilets – AKA water closets back in the day – and begin out Police Paddock patrol.
First we head west along the track that takes you right around all the wetlands. It has been a good winter for run off and things are looking and sounding healthy.
Local nature enthusiast *Gary Aitken describes this place as Kakadu without the crocodiles – might not be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth – but this place is beautiful and peaceful.
* (see video of Gary below)
No awe-inspiring water falls but extra shrubs have been planted here and the tracks and boardwalks make it easy to navigate as you take in some arresting views.
We head north and then wind our way in a clockwise direction.
On the first day water is muddy as it has rained recently.
Gary tells us that the lime in the soil acts as purifier and he is not wrong. When we return a few weeks later all evidence of the sediment is gone and the water crystal clear.
Nesting boxes look down upon us from trees and on the ground a mess of lignan plants are beginning to flower.
There are also quite a few shrubs, many I suspect may have been planted, that are providing some spring colour.
I don’t think I have seen such water here for a few years and the frogs are in full song.
The green grass and reeds look waterlogged with the inflows which wind their way from Rasmussen Road, through the park.
I stop to take peak – or should I say reconnoiter- from the bird hide. Apparently, there is evidence of 79 different bird species at Police Paddock and the hide provides a perfect spot for undercover surveillance.
I can report several friendly magpies and ducks and see and hear some more timid sulphur-crested cockatoos.
The board walk goes right across the water and provides a chance to stop and inspect all the tiny plants and swimming creatures. On the second early morning visit, this water is crystal clear and reveals a blanket of flat gum leaves spread out across the waterbed.
I see some kanga tracks on parts of the path, positive proof the paddock is not just for humans and dogs.
Past the water and the track heads towards the northern boundary and through a parkland of box trees that likely date back many years.
While their shaggy grey bark seems to be falling down around them, tough old limbs reach and bend upwards with the strength and determined grace.
Collectively these grand old stalwarts stand as a strong team upholding their right be and live in this park.
Over the fence surrounded by lines of crop is an island of squashed trees –sadly and probably jealously watching from their windswept prison.
We turn south and we notice the huge chunks of lichen on trees that line the winding trail back towards the wetlands.
A seat on this home stretch provides a great spot to sit and take in this quieter end of the park. I wonder who has walked before me, especially the people of the Wotjobaluk Nations who have lived on this landscape for 1000s of years.
A few more 100 metres through the trees, past some water and our Police Paddock patrol is done.
Nothing untoward to report.
Just one word of advice though, it would be a crime not to call in and visit some time.
AND before you do, watch Gary Aitken’s video here
52 weeks 52 walks 