Healthy Lifestyle - Walking at Purga

The Purga Nature Reserve is a beautiful, shaded place for a morning walk. 

Location is at 840 Middle Road, Purga, Ipswich City.

 Swamp Tea Tree flowers and honey bee in Greenfleet's seven year old forest 'Purga Creek' - Oct 2014

The bees enjoy the flowers on the irbyana melaleuca (Swamp Tea Trees). Conservation of this nationally threatened species is very important.

Parking is in close proximity to toilets and walking tracks. There are picnic tables and benches nearby, and a few bench seats on the tracks. No dogs or cats are allowed.

There is a short, wheelchair accessible boardwalk for traveling through Swamp Tea Tree forest. This connects with level pathways through two circuits. 

The Tea Tree Boardwalk Circuit is 350 metres long (easy walk).

The Melaleuca Circuit Walk is 500 metres long (easy walk). 

Walking both circuits at brisk pace takes about 15 minutes. 

The paths are angled to allow water drainage with a slight camber to each side. This may be an issue for some people with a disability.

The water is not flowing at the hand basin on the toilet block, probably due to the drought (suggest bringing your own water, and / or hand sanitiser). Could be a couple of mosquitos too, so remember pest spray (especially after rain).

Juvenile White Bellied Sea Eagle over Greenfleet's seven year old forest 'Purga Creek' - Oct 2014 

If you look overhead, you are bound to see birds like this kite. The bush is alive with the sound of birds if you stop and rest on one of the benches.

Research about bathing in forests is reported in the New York Times : "Take a walk in the woods, Doctor's orders." The benefits of the physical activity of walking is well known. Immersion in the natural environment also helps to calm and de-stress.  People talk as they walk along together. Social connection is another benefit if you go with a friends and family, or join a walking group.

There is plenty of scope for creativity, for those who enjoy visual arts and music, or creative writing and story telling. The Purga Nature Reserve opens a world of possibilities and thankfully it is on our doorstep in Ipswich City and the neighbouring Scenic Rim regions. Interested to hear your thoughts about health benefits of the Nature Reserve.

The Naeus Explore app can make it easier to locate and explore some of the many tracks within Ipswich conservation estates.  The app includes GPS guided maps of tracks, weather details, points of interest and a plant identity feature. See further information at https://naeus.com/



The information in this blog is of a general nature, and is not intended as health advice for specific individuals. Always consult your health care professional for advice tailored to your needs. Check with your Doctor before undertaking a new level of physical exercise.

 




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