Discover The Basin

The Basin brings together wooded open spaces, seasonal wetlands and a varied programme of performances. Nature and culture offer two distinct ways to discover the area: bushwalking in reserves and landscapes with lakes and wetlands on the one hand, and comedies, dramas and other events on the other. A historically significant oak tree nearby adds a connection to local history. When planning a trip, you can decide whether forests, wetlands or theatre should be the focus of your stay.

Woodlands for bushwalking

Wicks Reserve and Wicks Reserve East are located on Olinda Road in The Basin. Both are wooded open spaces suitable for bushwalking. If you want to make outdoor activity and woodland scenery the focus of your stay, these two reserves are a practical place to start. The contrast with a cultural stay can help you choose the kind of trip you want: bushwalking in wooded open spaces offers a different way to discover The Basin than an evening of theatre or music.

Lakes and seasonal wetlands

Liverpool Retarding Basin on Liverpool Road has two lakes and seasonal wetlands. This shifts the focus when comparing nature experiences: wooded open spaces define the setting at Wicks, while lakes and seasonal wetlands take centre stage at Liverpool Retarding Basin.

Habitat and threatened butterflies

Wicks Reserve and Wicks Reserve East also have a special connection to nature: both provide habitat for the threatened sword-grass brown butterfly. Gahnia sieberiana provides important habitat for this butterfly. For visitors interested in ecological relationships, the connection between habitat and a threatened species is a specific focus alongside the landscape itself.

Theatre and local history

The Basin Theatre Group regularly presents seasons of comedies and dramas. It also hosts professional comedy nights, children’s theatre and special music events. Children’s theatre is a specific programme option for trips with children; the other formats appeal to different interests in performance and event culture.

A historically significant oak tree stands on Sheffield Road near The Basin. It is said to have been planted by William Chandler, one of Knox’s first councillors. It is also regarded as one of the best examples of an early English oak in Australia. For travellers looking for local history as well as nature and culture, the tree offers a distinct point of interest.

Accommodation and practical planning

If you are planning to attend a performance, check the theatre group’s current programme. The access road to The Basin Theatre is unsealed, and the theatre recommends taking care, especially in the dark. Check current local conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Moyreisk, Bellarine, Toolangi, Katunga, Swan Hill, Warracknabeal, Bass, Wahgunyah

For the main travel overview: Victoria.