History

To many Melburnians, the Moonee Ponds Creek is the waterway that runs alongside the freeway leading to Melbourne Airport. Relatively few people are familiar with other sections of the creek, or are aware of the numerous works that have been undertaken along the length of the creek and on its tributaries since the latter part of the 19th century. As early as 1837 the Creek was depicted as a sinuous waterway with waterholes strung along its length forming a ‘chain of ponds’.

The Tullamarine Freeway, now called City Link, was built in 1969-70 largely down the valley of the Moonee Ponds Creek, and as a result of this and other indignities brought about by the lack of controls upon urban development, the Creek became a barren eyesore, and much of its original charm was lost. Since that time, it has been through the consistent efforts of local residents and community groups that much of the scenic attraction, biodiversity and wildlife potential of the Creek have not been totally lost. From then to now, these friends of the Creek have worked to oversee planning, restoration, education, and development of guidelines and policies aimed at protecting and enhancing the Creek and its tributaries.

Recent habitat conservation work has resulted in some wildlife returning to the Creek, including the  pobblebonk  frog, and now along its entire length, a shared pathway called the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail  provides a recreational path for cyclists and walkers, connecting many reserves, parks, and sporting grounds along the Creek.