The Wombat Bend playspace was designed in collaboration with landscape architects to incorporate native sensory gardens and indigenous landscaping.
The reserve serves as a key riparian corridor, supporting the movement of native fauna through the urban landscape.
The site features a specific canoe launch area, making it a regular stop for paddlers traversing this section of the Yarra River.
Parts of the reserve are specifically managed to protect remnant River Red Gum populations, some of which are significantly aged.
Finns Reserve is a prominent riverside parkland situated along the Yarra River in Templestowe Lower, Victoria. It features the award-winning Wombat Bend playspace, designed with a focus on natural play, accessibility, and sensory engagement for children. The reserve serves as a critical link in the Main Yarra Trail, providing extensive walking and cycling paths that connect to the broader metropolitan trail network. Vegetation within the park is primarily composed of remnant river red gum woodland, offering vital habitat for local wildlife. The area includes dedicated picnic facilities, public barbecue stations, and large open grass clearings suitable for recreational use. A canoe and kayak launch point is provided, facilitating water access for paddlers navigating the Yarra River. The site acts as a floodway, playing an essential role in local environmental management and stormwater filtration.
The elevated boardwalks within the Wombat Bend playspace looking out toward the river red gums.
Bring insect repellent, as the riverside location can attract mosquitoes, particularly during dusk.
Check the local weather forecast before visiting, as the low-lying riverside areas are subject to closure during heavy rainfall or flooding events.
Combine a visit with a walk or cycle along the connecting Main Yarra Trail sections to reach nearby parks.
Do not enter the river for swimming due to potential debris and changing water quality levels after rainfall.
May close periodically for safety during high river water levels or seasonal flood maintenance.
Keep dogs on a leash in designated areas, respect wildlife habitats, and carry out all litter.
