Bush tucker trail to feature in next stage of Willowdale’s new $12 million park

A bush tucker trail, bird hide, 62 metres of boardwalk and shaded picnic areas are set to feature along the banks of a rejuvenated waterway meandering through an exciting new $12 million parkland in Stockland’s Willowdale community in Denham Court.

About 1,000 trees, shrubs and groundcovers native to the area including Forest Redgum and Sickle Wattle will be planted over the next six months at Denham Park to form the unique bush tucker trail, along with educational signage.

The plantings, designed in consultation with Thompson Berrill Landscape Design, will yield a wide assortment of bush tucker including edible berries and finger limes throughout the year in addition to flowering locally native species.

Visitors will be provided with a unique educational perspective and will even be able to taste some of the bounty.        

A timber bird hide on a section of the waterway will allow residents and visitors to the award-winning community to observe at close range an array of aquatic birds such as the White-Faced Heron and the Royal Spoonbill.

Richard Rhydderch, NSW General Manager of Residential Communities at Stockland, said the work was due to be completed in two stages this year and followed on from the planting of 1155 new, native trees in the first phase of works in 2018.

“Sustainability is at the core of our masterplanned community and our exciting new 16 hectare parkland will allow residents to get back to nature in the heart of Sydney’s southwest,’’ Mr Rhydderch said.  

“In total, Willowdale will feature 39 hectares of open space and the work this year will further enhance the community’s reputation as a parkland destination for the region.”

The work will also incorporate the construction of exercise stations and complete more than six kilometres of walking and cycling paths, including a pedestrian link to the Willowdale Shopping Centre on Willowdale Drive.

“Willowdale exemplifies Stockland’s philosophy of creating affordable, highly liveable communities as well as fostering healthy and active lifestyles,’’ Mr Rhydderch said.

Launched in 2013, Willowdale is already home to more than 1,500 families and features include innovative townhomes, completed homes, retirement living, a community centre, shopping centre, sports facilities and a proposed new primary school.

The community is ideally located 15 kilometres from Liverpool, is close to major road links such as the M5 and M7 motorways, allows easy access to Parramatta and Sydney Airport, and is a short, five-minute drive to the new Leppington Train Station.

Home sites at Willowdale currently start from $379,000 for a 300 square metre lot, and house and land packages from $633,100 for a four-bedroom home.

In addition, Stockland’s Home Sweeter Home Sale is offering savings of up to $20,000 off selected residential lots in all NSW residential communities, plus up to $100,000 in building bonuses from 14 January to 3 March.

For more information, visit the Willowdale Sales and Information Centre on Willowdale Drive, Denham Court, go to www.stockland.com.au/willowdale or call 13 LAND (13 5263). You can also follow the community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/willowdale2565 or on Instagram @stocklandwillowdale.